You're getting ready to retire, and you're thinking about your expenses. One expense you'd like to forgo is the premium you pay for the life insurance policy you bought decades ago. The question is: Are your only two options to pay the premiums or cancel your coverage? The answer is no, you usually have other alternatives.
Start assessing your options by first determining whether your policy is a term insurance plan or some kind of permanent insurance with cash values.
Term insurance
Term life insurance is generally the cheapest coverage, but it works like rent. When you're done "renting" the insurance, you leave with no equity. So, if you reach the end of the policy's term — for example, 20 years — you lose your insurance coverage. You still may have some options, though. Some term policies let you renew your coverage. You can continue your insurance, just at a higher premium. Generally, the cost increase is so high it's a deal killer. If you need the coverage, though, it may be worth it.
SEE MORE Other Uses for Life Insurance You May Not Know About
Term insurance policies often have conversion rights, meaning you can convert your term insurance policy into a permanent plan. The good news is this will continue your death protection for the rest of your life, but the bad news is you'll be paying a much higher ongoing premium. While this may sound like a non-starter as you face retirement, it may be a good idea if your life expectancy has been shortened because of a medical condition. The conversion privilege also allows you to change your soon-to-expire term policy into a permanent policy without you having to show insurability - no physicals or bloo
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