Understanding Key Terms and Language
- Mia Allen
- Jan 28
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 30

Life insurance can be a complex topic, filled with jargon and terminology that might seem confusing at first glance. However, having a basic understanding of life insurance terms and language is essential for making informed decisions about your coverage. In this blog post, we'll decode some of the key terms and language commonly used in the world of life insurance, helping you navigate this important aspect of financial planning with confidence.
Policyholder:
The policyholder is the individual who owns the life insurance policy. They are responsible for paying premiums to keep the policy active and may also be the insured.
Insured:
The insured is the person whose life is insured by the policy. While the policyholder is usually the insured, there are exceptions, such as when a parent buys a policy for their child.
Beneficiary:
The beneficiary is the person or entity chosen to receive the death benefit when the insured passes away. This could be a family member, friend, trust, or charity.
Death Benefit:
The death benefit is the payout given to the beneficiary when the insured dies. It provides financial security for the insured's loved ones, covering expenses like funeral costs, debts, and ongoing living expenses.
Premium:
The premium is the payment made by the policyholder to the insurance company for coverage. Premiums can be paid monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually.
Coverage:
Coverage is the protection offered by the life insurance policy, including the death benefit and any additional features or riders.
Term Life Insurance:
Term life insurance offers coverage for a specific period, usually 5 to 30 years. If the insured dies during the term, the death benefit is paid to the beneficiary.
Whole Life Insurance:
Whole life insurance is a type of permanent coverage that lasts a lifetime and builds cash value over time, accessible to the policyholder.
Cash Value:
Cash value is the savings portion of permanent life insurance policies, accruing over time and available through loans or withdrawals.
Underwriting:
Underwriting is the evaluation process where insurance companies assess an applicant's risk profile to determine coverage eligibility and premium rates.
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