Universal life (UL) insurance is permanent life insurance (lasting the lifetime of the insured) that has an investment savings element and low premiums similar to those of term life insurance. Most UL insurance policies contain a flexible-premium option. However, some require a single premium (single lump-sum premium) or fixed premiums (scheduled fixed premiums). A UL insurance option provides more flexibility than whole life insurance. Policyholders can adjust their premiums and death benefits. UL insurance premiums consist of two components: a cost of insurance (COI) amount and a saving component, known as the cash value.
Universal life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance. Unlike term life insurance, which is meant for a specific period, such as 20 years, universal life insurance is in effect for the rest of your life (unless you stop making premium payments). Some forms of universal life insurance also offer a cash value component. You can take money out of cash value via a withdrawal or loan. When you die, the insurance company will reduce the death benefit payout to your beneficiaries by the amount of any withdrawals or outstanding loans. But for some buyers, accessing cash value is more important than a full payout to beneficiaries later on. There are a few types of universal life insurance policies and it’s crucial to understand what you’re buying. Their costs and features are quite different.
