Living benefits explained
Life insurance can do more while you are living.
Living benefits are policy features, often called riders, that may allow access to benefits during a qualifying health event. They are not included with every policy, so we will help you review what is available.
Critical illness benefit
With some policies, a covered diagnosis such as cancer, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, or another condition named in the policy may allow you to request part of the death benefit early. The diagnosis, benefit amount, waiting period, and medical requirements are all determined by that policy.
Chronic illness or long-term care benefit
Some policies may make funds available when a qualifying chronic illness makes everyday living more difficult or when long-term care is needed. Policies define these conditions differently and may use measures such as the ability to perform daily activities or cognitive impairment.
Terminal illness benefit
Some policies may offer an accelerated benefit if a terminal illness meets the policy’s medical and life-expectancy requirements. This can create flexibility for a family facing immediate expenses, but the amount and conditions are set by the insurance company.
Disability protection or waiver of premium
Mortgage protection may be paired with riders that address disability, and some life policies include a waiver-of-premium option. A waiver of premium can help keep qualifying coverage in force if illness or injury prevents you from working, subject to the policy’s definition and waiting period.
Return of premium
Some term policies offer an optional return-of-premium feature. If you outlive the term and meet the policy conditions, it may return eligible premiums paid. Because this feature typically raises the cost of coverage, it is worth comparing it against a standard term policy.
Cash value on permanent life
Whole life and universal life policies may build cash value over time. Depending on the policy, you may be able to borrow against or withdraw from that value. Loans and withdrawals can reduce the policy value and death benefit, and may have tax consequences.
Accidental death rider
An optional accidental death rider may pay an additional benefit when death results from a covered accident, subject to the policy’s definition, exclusions, and timing requirements. It does not provide early access for illness, but it can add another layer of protection for the family after an accidental loss.
Important: using an accelerated benefit can reduce the death benefit available to your beneficiaries. Eligibility, benefit amounts, exclusions, fees, and availability vary by insurance company, policy, and state.
How families may use living-benefit funds
When a qualifying illness allows a policy benefit to be accessed early, families may use the funds where they need them most: mortgage payments, utilities, groceries, medical deductibles, travel for treatment, in-home care, or time away from work. The policyholder chooses how to use eligible funds, subject to the policy’s terms and benefit approval.