Cash value is a savings component that comes with some life insurance policies. It serves as an added benefit to life insurance and can help you build wealth over time. If you’re interested in term life insurance, you may be wondering whether it includes cash value. Keep reading to find out what term life insurance is and whether it offers this component.
Term life insurance is a temporary contract between you and a life insurance company. It typically lasts for a specific time period, such as 10, 20, or 30 years. As long as you continue to make your premium payments, the insurer will pay out a death benefit if you pass away before the policy ends.
Unlike permanent life insurance, term life insurance has an expiration date. Once it expires, you can renew your coverage, convert it to permanent life insurance, or apply for another policy.1
Now that you know what term life insurance is, you may be wondering if it has a cash value component. While term life insurance can be a useful policy for many people, it doesn’t build cash value. With this type of policy, you pay for a potential death benefit payout that your beneficiaries will receive if you pass away before the end of its term. Since there is no cash value, term life insurance is cheaper than whole life insurance.1 It typically has one of the lowest premium costs compared to other types of life insurance policies.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Help cover yourself and your family with coverage from Aflac.
Life insurance with cash value is a type of permanent policy, such as whole life, universal life, and indexed universal life insurance. If you purchase one of these, a portion of your premium payments will go toward the policy’s cash value component, which will earn interest over time.
You can typically access this cash value while you’re still living by withdrawing funds, getting a life insurance loan, or surrendering the policy. Keep in mind that just like term life insurance, life insurance with cash value will also pay out a death benefit to your beneficiaries upon your death.2
There are several types of life polices that have cash value, such as:
With whole life insurance, you receive coverage for your entire life. This type of policy typically offers fixed premium payments, the death benefit is guaranteed, and the cash value can still grow with potential tax savings. You may tap into the cash value component while you’re still alive.
Universal life insurance is a flexible type of policy that provides a death benefit and cash value account. It allows you to raise or lower your premiums or death benefit amount as needed2. If you choose to pay higher premiums for at least the first few years, you may accumulate a larger cash value.
Indexed universal life insurance is a universal life policy with a cash value component and death benefit. Its cash value is based on the performance of various market indexes, such as the S&P 500.3 While returns are usually capped, you can expect a guaranteed minimum interest rate.
Variable universal life insurance pairs a death benefit with investment sub-accounts.3 You can use these sub-accounts to invest in your policy’s cash value. If the market performs well, your cash value will grow. On the flip side, poor performance can cause your policy to lose value.
Although, Aflac does not offer universal, indexed universal or variable universal life insurance, you can talk with an agent to see what can work for you.
Final expense life insurance is designed to help protect your family from hefty final expenses, such as funeral costs and medical bills. It also includes a cash value component that you can possibly take advantage of during your lifetime.
There are several reasons why life insurance with cash value may make sense. It can be worthwhile if you need help saving money or plan to leave an inheritance to your heirs. You might also consider it if you don’t mind paying more for a policy in exchange for the freedom to utilize your cash value to help meet various financial goals.
While term life insurance doesn’t build cash value, getting this type of policy can be a great way to help protect your loved ones financially. But if you want cash value life insurance, there are plenty of options at your disposal, from whole life insurance to final expense insurance.
Aflac offers both term and whole life insurance plans that come with easier application processes and reasonable premiums. Our whole life insurance plan has cash value that grows over time as you make premium payments. Chat with an agent today to discuss your options and find out what type of coverage can best meet your needs.
1 Nerdwallet - Term Life Insurance: What It Is and How It Works. Updated April 5, 2024. Accessed May 28, 2024. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/what-is-term-life-insurance.
2 The Ascent - Cash Value Life Insurance: Should You Buy It? Updated February 21, 2023. Accessed May 28, 2024. https://www.fool.com/the-ascent/insurance/life/cash-value-life-insurance/#how-cash-value-life-insurance-works.
3 Forbes - What Is Cash Value Life Insurance? (3 Main Types). Updated October 16, 2023. Accessed May 28, 2024. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/life-insurance/cash-value-life-insurance/.
Aflac does not offer universal, indexed universal or variable universal life insurance. Life – 68000 Series - In Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, & Virginia, Policies: ICC1368100, ICC1368200, ICC1368300, ICC1368400. In Delaware, Policies A68100-A68400. In New York, NY68100-NY68400. Term/Whole Life – B60000 Series – In Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, & Virginia, Policies: ICC18B60C10, ICC18B60100, ICC18B60200, ICC18B60300, & ICC18B60400. Group Whole Life - Q60000 Series - In Arkansas, Policy Q60100CAR. In Delaware, Policy Q60200M. In Idaho Policy Q60100CID. In Oklahoma, Policy Q60100COK. In Oregon, Policy Q60100COR. In Texas, Policy Q60100CTX. Group Term Life Q60000 Series - In Delaware, Policies Q60200C. In Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Policies ICC18Q60200C, ICC18Q60300C, ICC18Q60400C.
The content herein is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. This is a brief product overview only. Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to DE, ID, NJ, NM, NY, or VA. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on plan selected. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Plans and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact plans and riders for benefit details, definitions, limitations and exclusions. For availability and costs, please contact your local Aflac agent/producer.
Aflac insurance coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, coverage underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
Final Expense Whole Life Insurance is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company. In AR, AZ, ID, OK, OR, PA, TX and VA: Policies ICC21-AFLLBL21 and ICC21-AFLRPL21; and Riders ICC21-AFLABR22, ICC21-AFLADB22, and ICC21-AFLCDR22.Not available in New York.In California, Tier One Insurance Company does business as Tier One Life Insurance Company (Tier One NAIC 92908).
Aflac WWHQ | Tier One Insurance Company| 1932 Wynnton Road I Columbus, GA 31999.
Aflac New York | 22 Corporate Woods Boulevard, Suite 2 | Albany, NY 12211.
Z2300478R1
EXP 6/25