universal life insurance

Universal life insurance is a type of a permanent life insurance that offers lifelong coverage, as opposed to term life insurance, which provides coverage for a specified period. In this article, we will discuss the various aspects of universal life insurance, its types, pros and cons, and help you determine if it is right for you.

Types of Universal Life Insurance

  1. Fixed Universal Life Insurance: This is the most traditional type of universal life insurance. The policyholder pays a fixed premium, and the policy builds cash value over time, which can be borrowed against or used to pay premiums.
  2. Indexed Universal Life Insurance: This type of policy allows the policyholder to allocate cash value to various index accounts, such as the stock market. The policy builds cash value based on the performance of the chosen indexes, and the policyholder assumes the risk and reward of these investments.
  3. Variable Universal Life Insurance: Variable universal life insurance allows the policyholder to invest the cash value of the policy in various investment accounts, such as stocks or bonds. The policyholder assumes the risk and reward of these investments, and the cash value can be used to pay premiums or withdrawn.

Pros and Cons of Universal Life Insurance

Pros:

  1. Lifelong Coverage: Universal life insurance provides coverage for the policyholder’s entire life, as long as premiums are paid.
  2. Flexibility: The policyholder can adjust the premiums and death benefit as needed, providing greater flexibility than traditional life insurance policies.
  3. Cash Value: The policy builds cash value over time, which can be borrowed against or used to pay premiums.

Cons:

  1. Investment Risk: Indexed and variable universal life insurance carry investment risk, and the policyholder assumes the risk and reward of the investments.
  2. Complex: The various types of universal life insurance can be complex and difficult to understand.
  3. Expensive: Universal life insurance tends to be more expensive than term life insurance, although less expensive than whole life insurance.

Is Universal Life Insurance Right for You?

Determining if universal life insurance is right for you depends on your individual financial situation and goals. Universal life insurance may be a good option if you:

  • want a lifelong coverage
  • want the ability to adjust premiums and death benefits
  • have fair investment knowledge
  • are comfortable with the investment risk

It is a great choice for individuals who:

  1. have maximized their RRSP and pension contributions.
  2. are in a high marginal tax bracket but want to create additional tax sheltered / tax deferred future income.
  3. want to plan for estate and charitable giving.
  4. own a business (not sole proprietor) and want to fund buy-sell agreements.

If you only need coverage for a specific period, term life insurance may be a more cost-effective choice.

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