Secure & Empower Your Future: Steps to Apply for a Universal Life Insurance

By: Ariana Spencer

Secure & Empower Your Future: Steps to Apply for a Universal Life Insurance

Ariana Spencer

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steps to apply for a universal life insurance

Steps to Apply for a Universal Life Insurance? Introduction

A universal life insurance policy allows you to give your family peace of mind, set money aside for the future and guard against loss by death. When you’re considering a policy in the U.S., the process can look quite confusing. But you’ll be fine! The steps provided here are easy to comprehend and will help you choose the best, safe coverage.

Universal Life Policy: What You Need to Know

Before we get into the steps, let’s look at what a universal life insurance policy means. This type of insurance helps you save while also offering a death benefit. With universal life insurance, you are covered until you reach old age—just as long as your insurance fees are up to date.

A lot of people pick this kind of insurance because it is adjustable to their needs. You may update your premiums and death benefits to match your current finances. If the interest rate goes up, the cash part can vastly improve, allowing you to pay your premiums or get a loan.

We’ll go over how to use it in a direct, supportive and practical way.

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A Simple Process to Get a Universal Life Insurance Policy

The first step is to identify what you require from your environment.

Know why you seek universal life insurance before making any plans. Would you like to:

•             Work towards a future that your family will remember?

•             Arrange money for the costs of a person’s final expenses?

•             Save money in a way that lets your funds grow without being taxed today?

Knowing what your needs are will let you pick the best policy.

When Jane was putting together her money plan for the future, she learned that a universal life insurance policy would guarantee her kids would be taken care of if she was gone.

Go to the next phase by reviewing your budget.

After that, determine an amount you can afford to pay each month for your insurance. Although you have freedom with a universal life policy, it’s still vital to be sure your budget makes sense.

It’s important to remember:

Usually, premiums on whole life insurance are greater than term insurance premiums.

The total you pay annually is used to create equity in the policy.

You can use online tools or ask an advisor to help you work out how much you’ll need.

Step 3: Look at different providers to find the best one.

Insurance companies do not all work in the same way. Make sure to get those that have:

•             A.M. Best assigns the company a strong financial rating.

•             Good comments from customers

•             Policy terms are easy to understand

You can compare plans easily with tools on NerdWallet or on Policygenius.

In the next step, talk to an agent who is licensed to sell insurance.

At this point, people skills come into play. An excellent agent will ensure you learn everything you want to know, answer your questions and guide you in getting the best policy for you. It’s okay to ask your friend:

How is the cash value of your life insurance calculated?

•             Will there be consequences if I don’t make my scheduled payment?

Is it possible to adjust my policy after buying it?

Robert told me he thought a policy worth $1 million was necessary. Talking with an agent made him realize that adding more riders to $500,000 would work best for him.

The next step is to complete the Application.

When everything is all set, your agent will support you to complete the application. This consists of:

•             Information about a person’s age, address, job and similar details

•             Past illnesses

•             Ask about habits (like smoking), recreational activities and similar matters

If your answers are truthful, insurance companies will set your premium based on your risks.

If Needed, Step 6 Includes a Medical Exam

There are both policies that require medical testing and those that do not. If necessary, expect that somebody will help you with these procedures.

Weigh and measure yourself for reference.

You will need to get samples of blood and urine.

Take a moment to discuss your child’s overall health.

It’s okay—you can usually have your documents completed in about 30 minutes.

Step 7: Make sure approval is granted by the recruiter.

Because of the time necessary for reviewing health history, underwriting takes an average of 2–8 weeks. It is at this point that the insurer looks through your application and medical records to determine if you can be accepted and what you will pay for your policy.

It’s wise to communicate with your agent as you move along in the process. They are able to update you and provide answers to questions.

Step 8: Look over the policy and sign it when you are done.

Congratulations if you are approved! Before you sign anything, make sure to study the policy first. Double-check:

How much money you will receive in the event of a member’s death

•             You have to make premium payments

•             Fees for making policy changes

Cash value growth within the company

If there’s anything you don’t get, ask your agent to elaborate. You should be fully aware of the details before you put your name to anything.

After that, pay your first debt payment.

In order to start your universal life insurance coverage, you have to make the first payment. A number of companies give customers the option to pay on a monthly, quarterly or yearly basis.

Use auto-payments so you don’t miss a payment and your coverage does not lapse.

Try to review your decision each year.

Your life can change which means your insurance should too. Each year, make sure to sit down:

Adjust your insurance plans to your present needs

Verify how much money you can withdraw if you surrender your policy.

•             Modify your beneficiaries if you want to change them

Your agent is there to make sure the policy stays on track with your objectives.

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Things to Understand Before Buying a Universal Life Insurance Policy

You will hear these important Spanish expressions while you travel around:

•             Cash Value: The amount you build up through time in your policy.

•             Death Benefit: An amount of money provided to your named beneficiaries when you pass away.

•             Premiums: Regular payments you must make so your policy is not canceled.

•             Underwriting: The operation of assessing what you request in your application.

Riders: Additions that change your policy, for example, long-term care and critical illness coverage.

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Three reasons why Universal Life Insurance can be a smart investment

Buying a universal life insurance policy may look like a big task, but in the long run, it’s one of the most intelligent financial moves you can take. Because of its flexibility, lifetime benefits and included savings, this type of insurance provides you with new ways to look after your family and save for the long term.

The same is true for retirement: beginning early helps your foundation grow stronger. You’ll be happy you made the effort and your family will see the benefits too.

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