Monday, June 22, 2009

Different types of life cover

Different types of life cover

Death has always been a difficult concept to accept but we all know the importance of making sure our loved ones are secure when we have gone. That’s why we’ve compiled an exclusive guide to life insurance. In part two we examine the different types of cover available

Life insurance (also known as ‘life assurance’ or ‘term assurance’) is a policy that pays out a lump sum in the event of the policyholder’s death, with the purpose of protecting loved ones and dependents against financial hardship.
Life insurance is usually available on a single or joint life basis with benefits including paying out on the diagnosis of a terminal illness. If the policyholder is alive when the policy expires no payment is made and, should the policyholder stops paying premiums at any stage, the policy has no value.
There are several types of life insurance


Level term insurance - designed to pay out a sum of money if the policyholder should die during the policy’s term. The sum assured is guaranteed and remains unchanged throughout the term.
Decreasing term life insurance i.e. mortgage protection cover – where the sum decreases during the policy. It is regularly used to protect capital and interest repayments on a mortgage.
Renewable term insurance – On the expiry date there is an option to continue without a health review.
Convertible term insurance – Level term insurance with the option to revert to whole life or endowment insurance.
Increasing term insurance – Due to inflation the value of money declines each year. Consequently, this form of insurance combats that with an escalating sum assured.
Index linked term insurance – Some insurers provide the option for the premium to be increased each year in relation to the Retail Price Index.

Why do i need life insurance ?

Why do I need life insurance?

Coming to terms with the loss of a loved one is never an easy thing to do and adding financial burden to the grief can make coping increasingly difficult. It can help to support your family after you die, or even a business partner.Among the reasons to take out life insurance could include

1 .Mortgage repayments – do you wish to arrange for your mortgage to be paid off?
2. Replacing the primary earner’s salary – ensuring the family does not fall on hard times after your death.
3. Replacing childcare – the death of the primary childcare provider could lead to the need for childcare expenses.
4. Education expenses – cover for school/university fees after the death of the primary earner

Whether it’s about leaving your debts behind or ensuring your family can maintain the standard of living to which they were accustomed, it’s clear there are plenty of reasons to look for the best life insurance policy for your personal circumstances. Getting the best quote is an important part of finding the right policy