What is Whole Life insurance?

Permanent Life Insurance (Whole Life)

Whole Life is a form of life insurance that combines a guaranteed death benefit with a savings component called a cash value. This means that Whole Life will never lapse while you’re still alive, while simultaneously growing more valuable over time.

Benefits vs. Disadvantages

The beneficial features of a Whole Life plan include:

  • Guaranteed premiums that never increase.
  • Cash value component that increases over time.
  • Tax sheltered investment that never decreases in value despite downturns in the market.
  • Viewed as an asset by your bank or institution.
  • Coverage for life that also provides your family with a tax free death benefit that will never decrease in value.
  • You can not outlive the benefits of a Whole Life policy.
  • Death Benefits are paid to the beneficiary without requirement to probate.
Benefits vs. Disadvantages

The Disadvantages of this type of insurance are:

  • Cost of coverage is higher than Term Life insurance policies. Since permanent policies offer lifelong coverage, they come with a higher price tag. However, Whole Life typically costs five to ten times more than Term Life insurance initially. Term insurance will eventually exceed that cost and then in most cases expire before a claim is paid.
  • It’s not as flexible as other permanent policies, like universal life.
  • It can take a long time to build up cash value.
  • It’s not always the best investment choice. Depending on the market, the interest you earn on the cash value might be less than what you could get with other investments.
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The cost of Whole Life insurance in Canada

The cost will depend on a number of factors including coverage amount, age, gender, smoking status, health, and morbidity at the time of purchase, initially, it can cost five to ten times more than a term policy.  

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is a Whole Life insurance policy a good investment?

While premium payments can be pricey, having a Whole Life policy can be one of the best investments you can make. Especially if you started a policy when you were young. Your beneficiary will be glad you did this when it comes time to review the financial situation that was left behind. A whole life policy provides guarantees that you can count on to be available when required.

Which is better? Term Life or Whole Life insurance?

We will take a lot of factors into consideration including your age, the type of lifetime coverage or term coverage you are looking for, and how much coverage you need. I will assess your budget for affordability.

Some insurance companies will just set you up with any standard policy, I work with you to create a financial needs analysis to ensure you get the products that suit your goals and needs while paying the lowest rates possible for your policy.

How does Whole Life insurance or Permanent Life insurance work?

Whole Life policies are guaranteed to remain in force for your entire lifetime, provided required premiums are paid. Whole Life policies are guaranteed not to increase in premium and will remain in force for your entire lifetime provided required premiums are paid. Generally, premiums are paid lifetime except for limited pay policies that have a limited pay period of 10, 20 or to Age 65.

Guaranteed Whole Life insurance plans have two primary features; level premiums for your entire life and a cash surrender value available if you cancel the policy.

Tax-efficient estate transfers

Whole Life insurance policies can also be used to pass on your wealth to your beneficiaries in the most tax-efficient manner, saving on some of those taxes. Tax Free benefits are there to ensure that dependents don’t lose on their inheritance.

Can I cash in my Whole Life insurance policy in Canada?

Whole Life policies accrue a cash value as part of the policy. This cash value can be withdrawn at any time and yes, you can be content and have security in knowing that your Whole Life insurance policy can be surrendered for its cash value.

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As an independent insurance broker, I will find the best product for your needs. We will compare carriers and options until we find the perfect fit for your case.
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