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Cash Value Life Insurance

A life insurance policy with cash value may be considered an investment. With some types of policies, a portion of the premiums are put into a cash savings account, earning interest with potential tax savings.1 Aflac offers whole life insurance with cash value that can offer lifelong coverage. Read on to learn what cash value life insurance is, some types of policies that offer cash value, and ways to access these funds.

4 Min Read

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • Cash value life insurance is a type of permanent policy with a cash value savings component that grows over time.
  • You can access the cash value of your policy in several ways, such as policy loans, withdrawals, or getting the cash surrender value of your policy.
  • Aflac offers whole life insurance for individuals that comes with cash value, providing lifelong coverage and peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

What is Cash Value Life Insurance?

Life insurance with cash value is a type of permanent policy that can build funds over time through a growth component, in addition to providing a death benefit to beneficiaries when you pass away. With some insurers, the cash value of the life insurance policy grows separately in a tax-deferred account.1 Aflac utilizes a different route, so it depends on your preference. You can access the cash value during your lifetime through loans, withdrawals, or by using it to pay premiums, which can offer added flexibility to meet financial needs.

Types of Life Insurance Policies with Cash Value

Below are a few types of life insurance policies that have cash value:

  • Whole Life Insurance: Whole life insurance is a type of permanent insurance that lasts the entire life of the policyholder, with fixed premiums being paid regularly. The cash value of whole life insurance can still grow with potential tax savings, and the death benefit is guaranteed, so long as the premiums are paid (subject to limitation and exclusions). Aflac offers whole life insurance for individuals that requires no medical exam and is portable, so you can take it with you wherever you go.
  • Universal Life Insurance: Universal life insurance gives you flexibility, with the option to change the value of premium payments and scale the death benefit up or down depending on your unique circumstances. The cash value of a universal life insurance policy is helpful because it can be used to pay for the premiums or other expenses, as needed.2
  • Variable Life Insurance: With a variable life insurance plan, you have greater access to investment tools, like cash value.3 This type of plan tends to involve more risk, as the cash value will grow or diminish depending on how the investments chosen are doing.3
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How Can I Access the Cash Value of My Life Insurance Policy?

One of the major appeals to a cash value life insurance plan is the ability to access the money while you are living.1 Here are some ways to access the cash value of your life insurance:

Pay Life Insurance Premiums with Cash Value

Some life insurance plans allow you to tap into the cash value of the account to pay for the premiums.1 This can be particularly helpful if new and unexpected expenses arise in other parts of one’s life. However, this may impact the value of the death benefit over time, so we advise you to consider your options.

Take Out A Loan

Another way to access money from your life insurance policy is by taking out a loan against the cash value of your plan. Outstanding loan amounts may reduce the death benefits in the event of the policyholder’s death before the full repayment of the loan, so we advise you to speak with a financial professional beforehand.1

Make a Withdrawal

Some insurance companies will allow you to withdraw money from your policy’s cash value savings account. We recommend you do not take out more money than what you have paid into the account so far because doing so may reduce the death benefit.1

Get the Partial Cash Surrender Value of the Policy

To access the cash value of your plan, you may have to surrender part of your life insurance policy. Depending on the company and plan you choose, you may be able to withdraw money and only surrender part of the plan. However, getting your cash surrender value can also decrease the value of the death benefit.1

Why is Cash Value Life Insurance Worth It?

Cash value life insurance offers many advantages that can make this type of policy worthwhile, including:

Lifelong coverage

Life insurance with cash value is permanent coverage, meaning it lasts your entire life. You can enjoy peace of mind knowing your loved ones will receive the death benefit, regardless of when you pass away.

Flexible access to cash value funds

With cash value life insurance, you can use the funds from the cash value component while you’re still alive. Once you’ve built up enough cash value, you can enjoy flexible access when needed.

Reasonable premiums

Although cash value life insurance premiums can be higher than term life insurance premiums, the cost for coverage may still fit your budget.

Aflac Offers Cash Value Life Insurance

Having a life insurance plan can help protect your loved ones if your main source of income is lost. Additionally, cash value life insurance can give you access to funds when you need them. Aflac whole life insurance for individuals offers cash value and can help provide for your family long-term. You can get this type of plan directly through Aflac. Try our life insurance calculator to see how much life insurance you may need, and chat with an Aflac agent about your options to learn more.

Is Cash Value Life Insurance Right for Me?

When deciding whether life insurance with cash value is right for you, you should first decide whether you want lifelong coverage. If your goal is to secure a death benefit for your family regardless of when you pass away, then cash value life insurance can be an excellent option. However, if you are only looking for short-term coverage, another policy like term life insurance may be the better choice.

Additionally, it's important to consider whether you want a life policy with a cash value component. If you want to build wealth and have the ability to withdraw or borrow from your policy, then cash value life insurance might be right for you.

No matter what type of life insurance policy you need, it's important to compare quotes and policies before making a decision. This way, you can ensure you're getting the coverage that's best for you and your family.

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