What Is Variable Life Insurance?

Are you looking to protect your family and their future? You may have heard of life insurance policies, but did you know there are multiple types available to choose from? One such type is variable life insurance, and it's something you should definitely take the time to learn more about.

Variable life insurance can provide maximum amounts of coverage as well as many other attractive benefits all at a potentially lower cost than other options.

In this article, we'll explore variable life insurance, empowering you to make an informed decision for you and your loved ones. Feel confident in choosing the right plan to ensure coverage, no matter what happens.

1. What Does Variable Life Insurance Work?

Variable insurance is a type of permanent life insurance that lets you invest part of your premiums in options like stocks and mutual funds. These investments grow tax-deferred until you withdraw. The cash value of the policy can go up or down based on the investment's performance.

An advantage of variable life insurance is the ability to diversify your portfolio and potentially earn higher returns. But higher returns come with the risk of losing some or all of your investment. Poor investment performance can lower the cash value and affect the policy's overall value.

Furthermore, the death benefit can increase based on the chosen investment options. As investments grow, so does the death benefit. Conversely, poor investment performance may not increase the death benefit accordingly.

Adjustments to premium payments and death benefits are possible, but additional fees may apply. Reducing the death benefit could impact the policy's overall value.

2. What Are The Benefits of Variable Life Insurance?

If you are securing your family's financial future, life insurance is a great investment that you can make. However, with so many different types of life insurance policies available, it can be challenging to figure out which one is the best fit for you.

So, we're discussing the benefits of variable life insurance, and how it can be an excellent option for those seeking long-term benefits for their loved ones.

• Cash Value Accumulation: One of the primary benefits of variable life insurance is that it allows you to accumulate cash value over time. When you pay premiums into your policy, a portion of the money goes towards funding the death benefit, and the rest is invested in sub-accounts chosen by you. Over time, the value of these assets can grow and be accessed if needed as a loan or cash withdrawal. This variable option allows policyholders to invest in the market potential to maximize wealth creation, as well as the extended death benefit.


• Flexibility: Another advantage of variable life insurance policies is their flexibility. With traditional whole life insurance, your premium payments and death benefit remain fixed, meaning the policy is static throughout its tenure. With the variable life insurance option, there is a degree of flexibility with premiums and death benefits. You may choose how much you can pay, and this amount can be adjusted over time. Furthermore, the death benefit can also be adjusted as per your requirement, which makes it an ideal option for those with long-term financial goals.


• Tax Advantages: By investing in a variable life insurance policy, there are added advantages to offset the investor's tax liabilities. Variable policies' tax-deferred status allows investment gain and interest earned on cash value growth to grow and compound without being taxed yearly. Apart from this, tax-free loans from the policy benefiting one who may request them, which is similar to a term loan and, in some cases, may also pull out tax-free income in the form of a death benefit to loved ones are a few of the many tax benefits the policy offers.


• Estate Planning Benefits: Estate planning is a crucial concern for many with an extensive asset base, and the unique structure of variable life insurance policies addresses this issue. The variable policy's death benefit inside the permanent life insurance structure is crucial for estate planning, helping to cover any tax liabilities associated with inherited assets and business properties. The policy can also act as an inheritance to bridge the cash flow deficit and contribute to a less stressful family transition process.


• Long-Term Investment: One of the fundamental purposes of life insurance is to ensure a stable financial future for your family. A variable life insurance policy is a great long-term investment tool with the potential for wealth creation and extended benefits. These policy benefits ensure that your investment offers value for both the policyholder and their loved ones.

Variable life insurance is a flexible and customizable investment option with numerous benefits. It offers potential cash value accumulation, tax advantages, estate planning benefits, and long-term investment options. Find an insurance agent to develop a policy that aligns with your investment goals and secures your family's financial well-being.

3. How To Choose The Right Type of Variable Life Insurance?

Variable life insurance provides a death benefit to beneficiaries and includes an investment component for investing in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Choosing the right type of variable life insurance can be overwhelming, so let's explore what to consider when selecting your policy.

• Consider your goals and risk tolerance: The first step in choosing the right type of variable life insurance is to assess your financial goals and risk tolerance. If you are willing to take on more risk for the potential of higher returns, you may want to consider a variable universal life policy, which offers greater investment options and flexibility. However, if you are more risk-averse and want a policy with more guarantees, a variable life insurance policy with a fixed interest rate may be more suitable.


• Look at the fees and expenses: Variable life insurance policies can be laden with fees and expenses, which can eat into your investment returns. Be sure to look at the expenses associated with each policy and compare them to see which one offers the most value for your money. Some important fees to look for include surrender charges, mortality and expense charges, and administrative fees.


• Check the performance of the investment options: Variable life insurance policies allow you to invest in a wide range of investment options, which can include mutual funds, stocks, and bonds. It's crucial to evaluate the performance of these options to ensure that they align with your investment objectives and have a track record of consistent returns. Try to select investment options that are established and have a good reputation in the market.


• Evaluate the financial strength of the insurer: Another important factor to consider is the financial strength of the insurer. You want to ensure that the insurance company you choose has a strong financial rating, indicating that they have the financial resources to pay claims and meet their financial obligations. Checking the insurer's financial strength rating can help you evaluate their ability to pay claims and determine their overall stability.

Selecting the appropriate variable life insurance policy may seem overwhelming, but these factors simplify the process. Evaluate financial goals, risk tolerance, fees, investment options, and insurer strength to find coverage that aligns with your needs and supports your investment objectives.

4. How Much Does Variable Life Insurance Cost?

Choosing coverage that meets your needs and protects your family's future is crucial. Variable life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance with flexible premiums and an investment component. Let's explore variable life insurance costs and the factors that affect them.

• Premiums: One of the most critical factors that impact the variable life insurance cost is the amount of premium you choose to pay. With variable life insurance, you have the flexibility to choose how much premium you want to pay and when you wish to pay it. Typically, the premium amount will depend on the amount of coverage you want and your age. The younger you are when you purchase the policy, the lower the premiums may be. Additionally, if you choose to pay monthly or quarterly premiums, you may pay a little more than if you opt to pay the annual premium.


• Underwriting: Variable life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance that offers certain investment options that tie up with the policy's value. Because of the investment component, the underwriting process for variable life insurance can be more comprehensive than traditional life insurance. Depending on your health and lifestyle, underwriting can impact your variable life insurance cost. If you have existing medical conditions, risky hobbies, or a dangerous profession, your premiums may be higher than someone who does not have these factors.


• Investment Options: Another factor that can impact the cost of variable life insurance is the investment component. Variable life insurance policies allow you to invest in a range of investment options, including mutual funds, bond funds, and stock funds. The performance of these investments can vary depending on the market. It means that an investment option with higher fees may offer more lucrative returns than an investment option with lower fees. However, the higher fees could impact your policy's value and ultimately increase the cost.


• Policy Terms: Like other life insurance policies, the term of your variable life insurance policy can impact the overall cost. Typically, the longer the policy term, the higher the premiums will be. The policy term refers to the length of time you want your policy to stay active. With a variable life insurance policy, you can choose a policy term that works best for you. It is important to evaluate your needs and your family's needs and choose a policy term that works best for everyone.


• Endorsements: Lastly, various endorsements and rider options can be added to a variable life insurance policy. For example, you can add a long-term care rider, which provides benefits for long-term care needs. Depending on the insurer and level of coverage you choose, these add-ons can impact the overall cost of your policy.

Variable life insurance is a flexible form of coverage that provides a range of benefits. The cost of variable life insurance can vary based on factors such as premiums, underwriting, investments, terms, endorsements, and riders. Evaluate these factors to determine the best options for your needs. For guidance and answers to your questions, consult with an experienced agent.

5. How to Apply for Variable Life Insurance?

For long-term financial planning, consider investing in a variable life insurance policy. It provides a death benefit to beneficiaries and a cash value you can invest. Taxes on the cash account are deferred until withdrawal, making it a great retirement savings tool. Unsure about applying? The following steps will assist you in understanding the process.

• Determine the right coverage amount: Before you apply for any life insurance policy, it's essential to determine how much coverage you need. Consider the current and future financial needs of your family, analyzing your debts, income, and future costs like education or housing. Figuring out how much coverage you need will help you avoid overpaying for premiums and under-insured beneficiaries.


• Compare different policies and providers: When it comes to selecting life insurance policies, providers, and premiums, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. That's why it's crucial to compare different options. Make sure you've chosen a trusted and reputable provider that meets your coverage needs. Study what different policies offer, their premium rates, and the additional features of riders such as long-term care or disability benefits.


• Complete the application process: Once you've determined the right coverage amount and selected your policy, it's time to start the application. Most providers will ask you to provide standard information such as your age, occupation, personal health history, and lifestyle choices such as drunk driving records or hobbies that could affect your vitality. Be honest and accurate, as false information could affect your claim processing or, in some cases, void your coverage altogether.


• Complete the medical examination: As with any life insurance policy, the provider will require a medical examination to assess your health. These examinations usually include physical, blood tests, and urine samples done by a preferred physician. You may also be required to undergo additional medical examinations, such as EKGs, based on your age, medical history, and coverage amount. Make sure you comply with these requirements, as they could delay or affect your application.


• Wait for your coverage to start: After completing the application and medical examination process, you will need to wait for your provider to approve your coverage. This process can take several days to weeks, depending on the provider's requirements and underwriting process. In the meantime, make sure you continue paying the initial premium if required, and inform the provider if there have been any substantial life changes, such as major health events or lifestyle changes.

Investing in a variable life insurance policy can be a smart and fruitful way to plan for your future. Just remember to assess your coverage needs, compare different policies and providers, complete the application process, pass the medical examination, and wait for your coverage to start. With these steps, you can ensure that you have the best policy and coverage for you and your family's future.

Final Thoughts on Variable Life Insurance

To sum up, when it comes to life insurance, variable life insurance is an attractive option for many, offering generous benefits depending on your financial goals.

With the ability to tailor and customize a policy to whatever you may need, and with flexible premium payments and death benefits, variable life insurance can fit within almost any budget.

However, no form of life insurance comes without risk factors associated with investments, the market can quickly change and the value of your cash surrender value can decrease.

For this reason, it’s important that you understand the risks before purchasing a policy and always shop around to make sure you choosing the best insurer for your needs. Whatever decision you make about life insurance variables or otherwise be sure that you are doing what is right for your budget and long-term financial goals.

FAQs: What Is Variable Life Insurance?

Q1: Is variable life insurance suitable for everyone?

A1: Variable life insurance is best suited for individuals who have a higher risk tolerance, a good understanding of investment markets, and a desire for potentially higher returns. It may not be suitable for those who are risk-averse or looking for more predictable returns.

Q2: What are the key features of variable life insurance?

A2: Key features of variable life insurance include the ability to customize a policy, flexible premium payments and death benefits, and the potential for higher returns depending on the performance of the investments you choose. However, there is also an associated risk with any investment markets that you should consider when evaluating this type of policy.

Q3: What happens if I stop paying premiums for my variable life insurance policy?

A3: If you stop paying premiums for your variable life insurance policy, it will lapse and no longer provide the coverage you need. The cash surrender value may also decrease over time, so it’s important to make sure that you are able to continue making payments on the policy. A financial advisor can help you understand the implications of stopping payments and find ways to manage your finances so that you can continue making payments.

Q4: What are the tax implications of variable life insurance?

A4: The death benefit of a variable life insurance policy is generally income tax-free, but the cash surrender value may be subject to taxes. It’s important to consult with an accountant or financial advisor to understand the specific implications for your situation.