A UL policy provides the insured with the same benefits and permanent protection as whole life insurance but also offers the flexibility to adjust for variable earnings. Depending on your policy and the life insurance company, you may be able to invest your cash in different market-based investment options. This can give you more growth potential. Universal life, on the other hand, offers lower cash value guarantees.


Considering a universal life insurance policy, consider how much risk you're willing to take. Don't be sold on promises of significant investment gains that might not come true. Be sure to examine the guaranteed portions of the policy illustration, not just the rosy projections.

variable universal life vs term insurance


Some universal life policies also have a cash value component. You can withdraw or borrow money from your cash value. Your insurance company will reduce your death benefit payout by the amount owed or left. However, some buyers find that accessing cash is more important than a complete payout to beneficiaries.

variable universal life vs term insurance
variable universal life insurance definition

variable universal life insurance definition


Indexed universal insurance (IUL), a type of universal life insurance, allows you to earn interest tied to index funds like the S&P 500. However, your insurer may limit the rate of return. You may also achieve all or part of your cash value in fixed-rate accounts.

what is a variable universal life insurance policy


Some universal life insurance policies offer cash value as an option. You can borrow or withdraw money from cash value. If you are unable to pay your death benefit, your insurance company will reduce your beneficiary's payout by the amount of any loans or leaves. However, for some buyers accessing cash value may be more important than receiving a full payout to beneficiaries.

universal life insurance death benefit

universal life insurance death benefit


Universal life (UL) is one type of permanent life (the other is whole insurance). A universal policy is able to provide lifetime protection, build cash value, and offer tax benefits. UL also allows you adjust your premiums to make it more affordable than full coverage. This policy offers less guarantees than wholelife, as you may have to make lower premium payments for too much time. It can also impact cash value growth and your death benefit.

universal life insurance problems


Universal life insurance (UL) is one of the two main types of permanent life insurance (the other is whole life insurance). Like real life, a universal policy can provide lifetime protection while building cash value with tax advantages. UL also allows you to raise or lower premiums within certain limits so that it can cost less than full coverage. But it also offers fewer guarantees than whole life because if you make minimal premium payments for too long, it can impact cash value growth and the size of your death benefit.

universal life insurance problems