Conditional Receipt

An acknowledgment by the life insurer of a premium payment made by an applicant that also provides interim coverage while the application is being processed in underwriting. A conditional receipt can be revoked should underwriters uncover any medical conditions that might change the rating of the policy.

Broker

A person licensed by the state to sell insurance. Because they have selling agreements with multiple companies, they can work on behalf of the client to search the market for the most suitable insurance products for their situation.

Cash Value

The savings component of life insurance in which a portion of each premium payment is applied. In life insurance policies, the cash value is allowed to accumulate tax-free. Over time, the cash value growth will have the effect of lowering the amount at risk for the insurer because, at the death of the insured, the … Read more

Beneficiary

The individual or entity designated by the policyholder to receive the death benefit proceeds when the insured dies. A policyholder can name several beneficiaries which are often designated as a primary (first to receive benefits) and contingent (receives benefits if the primary beneficiary is already deceased).

Annually Renewable Term

A type of life insurance policy that provides a death benefit with no cash value and is renewed each year with no evidence of insurability. The premium is adjusted upward each year based on the insured attained age.

Agent

A person licensed by the state to sell insurance either as an independent agent who represents multiple insurance companies or as a direct agent representing one company. In either case, an agent is paid a percentage of premiums paid as a commission.

Sub-Standard Risk

The status given to a person applying for life insurance who, based on the insurer’s underwriting criteria has the indications of a higher risk because of medical condition, family history or a higher risk life style or occupation.

Whole Life Insurance

A permanent form of life insurance with a guaranteed, fixed death benefit, a guaranteed, fixed premium, and a guaranteed cash value. Whole life insurance never expires as long as the premiums are paid.

Term Life Insurance (Term Insurance)

A death benefit-only life insurance policy that provides a specific amount of coverage for a specific number of years (term), after which the policy will expire.

Underwriting

The process of evaluating the risks and assessing the costs of coverage on an applicant for life insurance. Underwriters consider a number of factors in their assessment including current medical experience as well as the company’s own experience with certain classes of insured.