Universal Life Insurance

A form of life insurance that combines lower-cost insurance with a separate cash value component that allows for greater flexibility in premium payments and the potential to earn higher yields. With a universal life insurance policy, the policyholder assumes the risk of higher insurance costs or lower yields that may require additional premium payments.

Variable Life Insurance

A life insurance contract with separate investment accounts allows policyholders to choose from among different types of investments for their cash value. The policyholder assumes any of the risks associated with the investments; however, with most variable insurance policies, the insurer will guarantee the initial death benefit to be paid regardless of the performance of … Read more

Variable Universal Life Insurance

A life insurance policy that combines the features of a variable life insurance policy with a universal life insurance policy allowing for greater flexibility of premium payments and the potential for higher cash value growth. The policyholder assumes the risk of poor investment performance which could require additional premium payments in order to keep the … Read more

Child Protection Rider

Another rider choice offered by many life insurance companies is the Child Protection Rider (also known as a Child’s Life Insurance Rider). For an additional cost, Child Protection Riders offer value in two key ways: First, a financial cushion in the event that a child passes away. Second, when a child ages out of coverage, … Read more

Accidental Death and Dismemberment Coverage

An Accidental Death and Dismemberment Rider (AD&D) provides an increased benefit in the event that the policyholder suffers an accidental death or dismemberment. In the event of the unthinkable, an AD&D rider could provide up to double the payout, however, pay close attention to the fine print as these riders tend to include very restrictive … Read more

Long-Term Care Rider

Doctors who do not wish to purchase separate long-term care coverage have the option to add a Long-Term Care Rider to their life insurance policy. Long-term care (LTC) refers to personal or custodial care for individuals who need assistance with basic daily activities, such as dressing, bathing, eating, using the restroom or moving around a … Read more

Chronic Illness Riders

Similar to a Critical Illness Rider, a Chronic Illness Rider is another provision offering accelerated death benefits in the event of a serious medical diagnosis. A Chronic Illness Rider allows the policyholder to receive benefits from their policy while still living, in the event that they suffer a disabling illness that prevents them performing at least two of the … Read more

Critical Illness Riders

A Critical Illness Rider is a type of accelerated death benefit rider which pays out benefits while the policyholder is still alive in the event of a critical illness diagnosis. A Critical Illness Rider will define specific conditions that qualify as a critical illness. Commonly covered diagnoses include stroke, kidney failure, ALS, and certain types … Read more

Accelerated Death Benefit Rider

An Accelerated Death Benefit Rider is a special provision that allows policyholders to access a portion of their policy’s death benefits while they are still alive in the event that they are diagnosed with a terminal illness. This common policy addition is usually available at no additional cost. Accelerated death benefits will reduce the amount of money … Read more

Extended Convertibility Options

For policyholders who wish to preserve the option to convert their term policy until beyond even the basic conversion periods, there are also conversion extension riders. For an additional cost, the conversion extension rider allows policyholders to extend their opportunity to convert their policy. For example, while a basic term conversion rider on a 15-year term policy … Read more