There are various terms in insurance companies such as; underwriting, premiums, and contestability periods that can make insurance seem like a difficult language.
Fortunately, a knowledgeable insurance agent can assist you in making sense of it all. The definitions below can do the same. In honour of Financial Literacy Month, we discussed them. Continue reading to learn how to decipher some frequently misinterpreted terms in insurance companies.
1. Accelerated death benefit: An accelerated death benefit, which is commonly added to a policy as a rider (see below), allows you to use a portion of your life insurance death benefit before you pass away. If you’re terminally ill, this is a viable choice. The expedited death benefit is frequently used to pay off debt, cover hospice bills, or take a special trip with family.
2. Annuity: Annuities are financial instruments offered by some insurance companies that allow you to save money on a tax-favored basis while also providing a lifetime income. You select one that suits your requirements, such as how you will pay for it (immediately or over time) and when and for how long you will accept payments. Annuities are popular among retirees because they provide guaranteed income for the rest of their lives.
3. Contestability period: A contestability term is a set period of time following the issuance of your life insurance policy by a life insurance provider. During this time, the employer can review your application to ensure that you haven’t made any false statements. The contestability period begins when the policy is published. It normally lasts between a year and two years. Its goal is to safeguard the life insurance company against fraud.
4. Conversion right: Some term life insurance contracts allow for later conversion to permanent life insurance policies. This is an excellent approach to maintain coverage while also increasing your wealth. (See below for further information on permanent life insurance.)
5. Death benefit: The death benefit is the amount of money your beneficiaries will get from your life insurance policy if you die. The death benefit is normally exempt from taxation.
6. Disability: In the world of disability insurance, a disability is more than just an injury or illness. Short-term disability insurance, for example, covers many companies’ maternity breaks. Some disability insurance policies cover missed pay due to depression, mental illness, and drug and alcohol abuse issues. It all depends on your policy, so make sure you read it well. Learn everything there is to know about disability insurance.
7. Grace period: Some insurance policies, like many credit cards, may include a grace period. If you don’t pay your premium by the due date, your policy will stay in effect for this amount of time. The grace period is normally around a month long.
8. Insurable interest: You must have an insurable interest in the individual listed in a life insurance policy. This suggests that if that individual died, you would suffer some sort of financial loss.
9. Living benefits: Some life insurance policies offer benefits while you’re still alive. Accelerated death benefits, long-term care benefits, and insurance loans are some of the most typical living benefits. Learn more about life insurance’s living advantages.
10. Long-term care insurance: Long-term care insurance kicks in if you find yourself unable to care for yourself for an extended period of time. It can be used to cover the costs of a nursing home, adult day care, or home health care. Long-term care insurance comes in a variety of forms. Learn everything you need to know about long-term care insurance.
11. Permanent life insurance: Permanent life insurance pays a death benefit in the same way that term life insurance does. Permanent life insurance, unlike term life insurance, offers protection for the rest of your life as long as you pay the premiums. It also builds up cash worth while deferring taxes. This money can be used to buy a home, augment your retirement income, pay for an unexpected bill, and more. If you want to build wealth while also protecting your family financially, this is a great option. Learn more about life insurance that is permanent.
12. Preferred rates: A preferred rate for life insurance is one that is less expensive. It is only available to those who are at a low risk of dying. A person’s health history, smoking habits, gender, and lifestyle are some of the characteristics life insurers examine when issuing preferred rates.
13. Premium: A premium is the payment that insurance companies require in order for your policy to remain active. You may pay your premium annually, quarterly, monthly, or at some other interval, depending on the insurance.
14. Rider: A rider is an extension to your main insurance policy that provides additional coverage. It provides you with additional coverage tailored to your specific requirements. Long-term care riders and expedited death benefit riders are two common insurance riders. (For more on long-term care insurance and accelerated death benefits, see the definitions above.)
15. Term life insurance: Term life insurance is the most widespread and cost-effective type of life insurance. It offers coverage for a set period of time (the term). Typically, the duration is 10, 20, or 30 years. If you die during the term, your beneficiaries will get a payout (known as a death benefit). Get more information on term life insurance.
16. Underwriting: Underwriting is the process by which insurance companies determine whether or not to sell you a policy and at what premium. The underwriting is done by a professional known as an underwriter. When it comes to life insurance, the underwriter considers characteristics such as a person’s age, health, and lifestyle, among other things.
Contact an insurance specialist to learn more about insurance and to obtain coverage. We have some tips on how to select a qualified insurance professional.