Whole life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance that provides fixed premium payments and lifetime coverage. With this policy, the premiums remain consistent over the life of the policyholder, making it easier to budget for this expense. In addition to providing a death benefit, a whole life policy also accumulates cash value over time, which can be borrowed against or cashed out, providing additional financial options for the policyholder.
This contrasts with term life insurance, which provides coverage for a specified period and does not build cash value, as well as universal life and variable life insurance, which may offer flexible premium payments and the potential for investment growth but also come with fluctuating costs and varying levels of coverage. Whole life is distinguished by its stability and permanence, making it a foundational choice in life insurance planning.