Notifications from Aflac

We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent wildfires:

To help provide relief for Utah policyholders residing in Utah who were affected by the wildfires, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting July 31, 2025, and ending Sept. 29, 2025. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.


We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent weather:

To help provide relief for California policyholders residing in Humboldt, Mendocino, Modoc, Napa, Shasta, Sonoma, and Trinity Counties affected by the winter storms, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Jan. 31, 2025, and ending Sept. 29, 2025. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.


We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent weather:

To help provide relief for North Dakota policyholders residing in North Dakota who were affected by the severe summer storms and tornadoes, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting June 21, 2025, and ending Aug. 20, 2025. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.


We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent wildfires:

To help provide relief for Oregon policyholders residing in Oregon who were affected by the wildfires, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting July 16, 2025, and ending Sept. 15, 2025. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.


We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent wildfires:

To help provide relief for Oregon policyholders residing in Crook County who were affected by the wildfires, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting July 12, 2025, and ending Sept. 10, 2025. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.


We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent flooding:

To help provide relief for Texas policyholders and/or certificate holders residing in Bandera, Bexar, Burnet, Caldwell, Coke, Comal, Concho, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, Menard, Reeves, San Saba, Tom Green, Travis, and Williamson counties who were affected by the flooding, Aflac will provide an extended premium grace period starting July 2, 2025, and ending Sept. 8, 2025. This grace period also includes an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other actions required under the policy and/or certificate. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy and/or certificate upon request by the policyholder and/or certificate holder.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This grace period also includes an extension of filing deadlines for claims; temporary relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability of in-network providers or member displacement; and leniency for any other actions required under the certificate.

Affected members should contact Aflac Benefits Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, option 1, for assistance.


We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent wildfires:

To help provide relief for Oregon policyholders residing in Klamath County who were affected by the wildfires, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting July 8, 2025, and ending Sept. 08, 2025. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.


We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent wildfires:

To help provide relief for Oregon policyholders residing in Umatilla County who were affected by the wildfires, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting July 2, 2025, and ending Sept. 02, 2025. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.


We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent wildfires:

To provide relief for New Mexico policyholiders and/or certificate holders residing in Grant County and affected by the Trout Fire, Aflac will provide the following protections for policyholders and/or certificate holders: Provide an extended premium grace period from Thursday, Jun. 12, 2025 through Monday, Sep. 15, 2025. Offer policyholders and/or certificate holders a payment plan of no less than six (6) months if unable to pay the delinquency after the extended day grace period (This applies to all coverages except life.). Work with policyholders and/or certificate holders on premium payments to prevent lapse and cancellation of policies. Waive late fees and penalties. Waive early refill time limits on active prescriptions. Allow additional time for actions required under the policy and/or certificate and the submission of documents due to limited access to service and mobility. Provide an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy and/or certificate. Provide a copy of the policy and/or certificate to the policyholder and/or certificate holder upon request.

In addition to the above, Aflac through Aflac Benefits Solutions will provide the following protections for Network Dental and Vision members and providers: Waive cost sharing and deductibles. Permit one eyeglass or contact lens replacement and one hearing aid replacement during the pendency of the Emergency Order, waiving frequency limitations. Permit one replacement for dentures or other prosthodontic devices during the pendency of this Emergency Order, waiving frequency limits. Waive additional fees, charges, referrals, eligibility and prior authorization requirements for medically necessary services, whether emergent or not. This applies to benefits and services obtained from both in- and out-of-network providers. Extend medical providers' reporting requirements for claims submissions and for additional information relating to claims. Fully reimburse out-of-network providers at the usual, customary, and reasonable rate.

Affected members should contact Aflac Dental and Vision (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, option 1, for assistance.


We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent wildfires:

To help provide relief for Oregon policyholders residing in Jefferson County who were affected by the wildfires, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting June 16, 2025, and ending Aug. 18, 2025. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.


We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent wildfires:

To help provide relief for California policyholders residing in Los Angeles County affected by the wildfires, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Dec. 9, 2024, and ending Aug. 18, 2025. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.


We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent wildfires:

To help provide relief for Oregon policyholders residing in Wasco County who were affected by the wildfires, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting June 11, 2025, and ending Aug. 11, 2025. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.


We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent weather:

To help provide relief for Maryland policyholders residing in Allegany and Garrett Counties affected by the flooding, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting May 13, 2025, and ending July 14, 2025. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.


We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent weather:

To help provide relief for California policyholders residing in Trinity County affected by the Dec. 15, 2024, and Dec. 29, 2024, winter storms, Aflac will provide billing leniency for impacted insureds, an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder. Affected members should contact Aflac at 800-992-3522 for assistance.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. Affected members are not required to obtain prior approval when accessing appropriate out-of-network providers when in-network providers are unavailable. The cost-sharing for out-of-network will be in amount equal to cost-sharing affected members would have paid for the provision of that service in-network. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.


We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent levee failure:

To help provide relief for California policyholders residing in San Joaquin County affected by the Oct. 21, 2024, Victoria Island Levee failure, Aflac will provide billing leniency for impacted insureds, an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder. Affected members should contact Aflac at 800-992-3522 for assistance.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. Affected members are not required to obtain prior approval when accessing appropriate out-of-network providers when in-network providers are unavailable. The cost-sharing for out-of-network will be in amount equal to cost-sharing affected members would have paid for the provision of that service in-network. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.


We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent wildfires:

To help provide relief for California policyholders residing in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties affected by the wildfires, Aflac will provide billing leniency for impacted insureds, an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder. Affected members should contact Aflac at 800-992-3522 for assistance.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. Affected members are not required to obtain prior approval when accessing appropriate out-of-network providers when in-network providers are unavailable. The cost-sharing for out-of-network will be in amount equal to cost-sharing affected members would have paid for the provision of that service in-network. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.


New messages from Aflac | View Notifications opens a dialog Close X dismisses the notification alert

What Are Living Benefits of Life Insurance?

Life insurance policies primarily provide financial benefits for a policyholder’s loved ones after they pass away. However, life insurance with living benefits offers features and protections that provide value while you’re still alive. Let’s explore how these life insurance policies work and the different types of living benefits that may be available to you.

4 Min Read

Key Takeaways

  • Living benefits in life insurance are policy benefits that you can receive while you’re still alive. Term life insurance offers living benefits through optional riders, while permanent life insurance policies can offer riders and cash value.
  • Aflac’s life insurance policies come with living benefits, such as an accelerated death benefit rider and cash value.

How do the living benefits of life insurance work?

Living benefits of life insurance are policy features that can provide additional financial support to you and your loved ones, such as cash value, an accelerated death benefit rider, or long-term care rider. Living benefits are available on either term life or permanent life insurance policies:

  • Term life insurance: A term life insurance policy offers coverage for a specific period of time, like 10, 20, or 30 years. When the policy ends, you must renew the policy or convert it to a permanent option or lose your coverage. These policies don’t offer cash value living benefits, but insurers may offer living benefit riders.
  • Permanent life insurance: A permanent life insurance policy, such as whole life insurance, offers coverage for your lifetime and guarantees a death benefit as long as you pay monthly premiums. These policies typically offer a cash value savings component in addition to optional living benefit riders.

Types of life insurance living benefits

Depending on your life insurance policy, you may opt for several living benefits. Some of the most common include:1

Accelerated death benefit rider

An accelerated death benefit rider, or ADB rider, may let you access a portion of your death benefit early if you’ve been diagnosed with a qualifying illness. This benefit can help you pay for hospital bills, nursing home care, hospice and more expenses related to a terminal or serious illness.

Critical illness rider

A critical illness rider activates when you’ve been diagnosed with a covered critical condition like a stroke, heart attack, or cancer.2 This rider can help you access your death benefit early but will likely reduce the amount received by your beneficiaries after your death. If you don’t want to tap into your benefits, however, you can also consider a standalone critical illness insurance policy.

Chronic illness rider

Like a critical illness rider, a chronic illness rider allows you to access your death benefit if you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic illness.2 Insurers have different guidelines for what constitutes a chronic illness and you may have to have a healthcare professional confirm you cannot perform activities of daily living, like bathing or dressing.

Return of premium rider

If you outlive a term life insurance policy, a return of premium rider refunds some or all of your premium payments. Keep in mind that this rider can significantly increase the cost of your policy.3

Long-term care rider

If you require long-term care not covered by traditional health insurance, a long-term care rider gives you access to a lump sum or percentage of your death benefit each month. Like an ADB rider, it will likely reduce the payout to your beneficiaries, but it can support long-term care costs during your life.1

Cash value

Permanent life insurance offers cash value, a savings component that grows over time as you continue paying premiums. You can access the cash value component of your life insurance policy in several ways:

  • Take out a loan against your policy value
  • Make withdrawals from the policy
  • Pay life insurance premiums ahead of time
  • Surrender the policy by cashing out

Usually, cash value withdrawals are non-taxable as long as you don’t take out more than you’ve already paid in premiums. If you surrender your life insurance policy, however, you’ll forfeit your policy and may have to pay taxes on policy gains.4

Aflac duck with wings out

Peace of mind doesn't have to break the bank

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Help cover yourself and your family with coverage from Aflac.

Get Started

Why life insurance living benefits can be worth it

Living benefits of life insurance can offer several key benefits:

  • Gives you access to emergency funds when the unexpected happens.
  • Supports your living expenses when living on a fixed income.
  • Provides added peace of mind that you can help cover end-of-life costs like long-term care and funeral expenses.

How to get a life insurance policy with living benefits

If you’re interested in a life insurance policy with living benefits, there are a few simple steps to take:

  • Decide on living benefit riders: If you’d like a cash value living benefit, you must choose a permanent life insurance policy, but if you’re interested in more specific riders, you can add them to a term life insurance policy.
  • Compare life insurance policies: Permanent life insurance tends to be more expensive than term life insurance, but you’ll have to compare policy quotes from insurers to figure out what fits your budget.5
  • Fill out an application: Once you’ve chosen the right policy, you can fill out and submit an application. You may also need to take a medical exam, depending on which type of policy you choose.
  • Get approved and start paying premiums: After your application is reviewed and approved by the insurer, you’ll receive your policy details. To activate coverage, you must begin making premium payments. Staying up to date with your payments ensures your policy remains active and that you can access any living benefits included in your coverage.

Get life insurance with living benefits from Aflac

A life insurance policy can help your family after you pass on. Policies with living benefits, however, can help supplement a fixed income or provide added financial support for medical and long-term care expenses. Aflac offers life insurance with living benefits, including cash value and an accelerated benefit rider. Start chatting with an agent and get a quote today.

Ready to get life insurance?

Get Started

Learn more about Aflac products for Individuals & Families: