Life insurance is basically a policy that ensures financial assistance to those you leave behind. It is mostly taken out by people who have dependents who will probably meet financial difficulties if something were to happen to them. Money from life insurance may be used for a variety of purposes, depending on the needs of the dependents. Funeral expenses are one of the most common uses of life insurance. Others also use money from life insurance to meet their daily needs, especially if they have no other source of income when the policy holder passes away. Some people take out life insurance to cover any loan payments or mortgages as well. Life insurance takes on different forms.

The 2 main types of life insurance are term insurance and investment type insurance. Term insurance is the most commonly acquired policy type as it is cheaper. This life insurance policy is usually paid out at a specific period of time after which payments are not required anymore. Upon the policy holder’s death, a lump sum will be meted out to the dependents. This amount would be tax-free. However, with term insurance, there is also a set period of time that it is effective. Should the policyholder still be alive when the set period of time elapses, term insurance will be forfeited unless the policyholder decides to continue making payments for another set period.

Investment type policies, on the other hand, cost a little bit more for the policyholder. This type of insurance policy covers the policy holder for as long as he lives. During the course of his life – as long as he keeps up with the payments – his insurance policy builds up an investment value as well. That is, the worth of his policy increases. This insurance policy can then be surrendered for cash. In some cases, investment type policies set down a specific age until which it is considered applicable. If you reach that age, you can cash out the policy. This type of life insurance also has the advantage of being used for different purposes such as collateral for a loan. However, if you do this, your death benefit will be reduced.

A lot of thought should go into taking out a life insurance policy for yourself. Which kind you choose would depend on your specific needs as well as your ability to make payments. Do not be hasty about the whole process. Take into consideration every little thing that is involved. Term insurance may be cheaper but you may need to build up cash value. You may want cash value to increase but you may not have the means to keep up with the payments. That would only mean forfeiture of your insurance – a waste of money. Think hard and be practical and your loved ones will benefit from it all.

Kistina Robin