Originally Posted On: https://www.iquanti.com/
Ultimately, the answer to this question depends on your policy type. With term life insurance, there is no cash value component — meaning that when the term ends, so does your coverage and any money you paid towards premiums during the term duration is not refundable. However, other options may be available to get some financial benefits. Let’s take a look at how term life insurance works and what options are available to you after your policy ends.
How does term life insurance work?
Term life insurance is a type of life insurance policy that provides financial protection for a set period of time, usually between 5 to 10 years. If you pass away during the policy term, your beneficiaries will receive a death benefit. If you live to the end of the term, the policy expires, and you will not get any money back.
What to do when your life insurance term ends
If your term life policy ends and you want to continue receiving life insurance coverage, there are a few options available that may fit your needs, including ways to receive money from your policy.
Extend your term life insurance coverage
One of the great things about term life insurance is its flexibility. So, once your term ends, you can extend your coverage by purchasing a new policy. You can select a longer term of 30 years rather than a five or 10-year term, for example, and you can also increase the amount of the death benefit at this time.
Opt for a guaranteed return premium
Some term policies do offer features like a guaranteed return of premium, which allows you to receive a refund of your premiums at the end of the policy if certain conditions are met. Be sure to check with your term life insurance provider for details on your specific policy and whether it includes any return of premium features.
Convert to a whole life policy
There are also life insurance policies that have a conversion option that allows you to convert your term life insurance policy to a whole life insurance policy without having to undergo a medical exam. It’s important to compare the costs and benefits of both options before deciding.
Benefits of a cash value policy
Because a term life policy is a simple form of life insurance, it doesn’t offer a cash value component. If your needs are changing and you’d like to earn value through your policy, a form of whole life insurance may be up your alley.
The cash value of a whole life policy can be used to pay your premiums, or it can be withdrawn or borrowed against. Keep in mind that withdrawals and loans you take out against the policy will reduce the death benefit paid to your beneficiaries.
Some of the benefits of having life insurance that offers cash value include:
- Builds cash value over time: Your policy’s cash value will grow, providing you with a source of funds in the future.
- Access to cash value: You can access your policy’s cash value through withdrawals and loans. This can be a helpful way to get extra money in a pinch.
- Flexibility: Universal and variable life insurance policies offer flexibility in both the premium payments and the death benefits. This can be helpful if your needs change over time.
- Tax-deferred growth: The cash value of your life insurance policy grows tax-deferred
Bottom Line
When your term life insurance policy ends, you won’t get any money back unless you have a guaranteed return of premium. If you want to continue your life insurance coverage, you can purchase a new term policy or convert it into a permanent life insurance policy like whole or universal life.
