Life insurance is a way to protect your family and ensure that your beneficiaries receive a death benefit. However, there are some rare exceptions to this. One such exception is death by suicide, which is generally not covered by life insurance policies if it occurs within the first year or two of owning the policy. Northwestern Mutual's policy on suicide may vary depending on the policy type and the state, as it is bound by state laws regarding payment for suicidal death. It is important to carefully review the specific terms and conditions of your policy to understand the coverage and exclusions. If you are considering life insurance, it is recommended to consult with a financial advisor to find the best option for your needs.
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Does Northwestern Mutual's life insurance cover suicidal death? | In general, life insurance companies are bound by state laws regarding payment for suicidal death. Policyholders who have held policies for more than two years are generally eligible for a claim. However, Northwestern Mutual’s policy may vary by policy type and state, so you should contact the company or an insurance agent directly for more information. |
What You'll Learn
- Northwestern Mutual offers five policy options, including whole life, universal life, and term life insurance
- Term policies can be converted to whole life insurance
- Policies are available up to age 85
- No online applications are available
- The company offers several riders, the most popular being waiver of premium, long-term disability, and additional purchase benefit
Northwestern Mutual offers five policy options, including whole life, universal life, and term life insurance
Whole Life Insurance
Whole life insurance offers lifelong coverage and a guaranteed death benefit. The policy accumulates cash value that can be used during the policyholder's lifetime and can also earn dividends. Whole life insurance policies are available to individuals up to the age of 85.
Universal Life Insurance
Universal life insurance includes a death benefit, cash value, and a higher level of flexibility than whole life insurance. Policyholders can choose how much they pay for their premium and when they pay it. The cash value can be used to pay premiums or increase the death benefit within limits.
Term Life Insurance
Term life insurance covers the policyholder for a predetermined period, such as 10 or 20 years. After the term is over, the coverage ends. Northwestern Mutual offers renewable term policies, which can be converted to whole life insurance. Term policies are available up to age 85.
Variable Universal Life Insurance
Variable universal life insurance is similar to universal life insurance but offers the added flexibility of choosing how the cash value is invested. Policyholders can select from 40 available investment funds.
Riders
Northwestern Mutual offers several optional riders that can be added to their life insurance policies for an additional cost. The three most popular riders are the waiver of premium, long-term disability, and additional purchase benefit.
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Term policies can be converted to whole life insurance
Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period, such as 10, 20, or 30 years, and the beneficiary receives a payout if the insured dies within that time frame. Term life insurance policies are often chosen because of their affordability compared to whole life insurance policies. However, term life insurance policies are also available as convertible policies, which means that the policyholder can upgrade their coverage to a permanent policy, such as whole life, universal life, or variable life insurance.
Northwestern Mutual offers term policies that can be converted to whole life insurance. While term life insurance policies are initially more affordable, converting to a whole life insurance policy will result in higher premiums. Converting a term life insurance policy to a whole life insurance policy at Northwestern Mutual is a simple process that does not require a medical exam or underwriting process. However, the policyholder's age and the amount of coverage will affect the premium rate.
There are several reasons why converting a term life insurance policy to a whole life insurance policy may be beneficial. Firstly, it provides permanent coverage, ensuring that beneficiaries receive a payout regardless of when the insured passes away. Secondly, part of the premium for permanent life insurance goes towards building cash value, which can be borrowed against or withdrawn. Additionally, permanent life insurance can help with estate planning and funding trusts for lifelong financial dependents, such as children with special needs.
When considering converting a term life insurance policy to a whole life insurance policy, it is essential to review the deadline for converting and the types of permanent life insurance policies available. It is also important to compare the cost of converting with the cost of purchasing a new permanent life insurance policy, as there may be more affordable options available.
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Policies are available up to age 85
Northwestern Mutual offers five policy options, including whole life, universal life, and term life insurance. The company also offers disability insurance, investment and financial planning services. Notably, some of its plans have a new policy age restriction of 85 years old.
The company offers four main products across three types of policies: term, whole, and universal. Term policies can be converted to whole life insurance. Northwestern Mutual's term policies include Term 80 and Term 10, as well as Level Term 20 and Level Term 10.
The Term 80 policy offers level premiums that last for 10 or 20 years and can be renewed annually until the policyholder turns 80. The premium increases with each annual renewal. On the other hand, the Term 10 policy is the company's most affordable coverage option and can be renewed yearly, but the coverage period is shorter at up to 10 years.
Northwestern Mutual's Level Term policies provide fixed coverage with no change in premium. Level Term 20 offers coverage for 20 years, while Level Term 10 provides coverage for 20 years with a premium increase for the second set of 10 years.
Whole life insurance from Northwestern Mutual is available to individuals up to age 85. It offers a guaranteed death benefit, a level premium, and the opportunity to earn dividends. The cash value increases over time and can be accessed during the policyholder's lifetime.
In summary, Northwestern Mutual provides a range of life insurance options, including term, whole life, and universal policies, with the flexibility to convert term policies to whole life. The company's whole life insurance option is available to individuals up to age 85 and offers features like tax-deferred cash value growth and the potential to earn dividends.
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No online applications are available
To apply for life insurance with Northwestern Mutual, you must speak to an insurance agent or financial advisor. The company does not offer online applications.
You can use Northwestern Mutual's website to search for agents by name or location. Alternatively, you can fill out a short form to be matched with the best agent for your needs. This agent will then help you determine which services are available in your area.
Once you have found an agent, they will help you determine which type of coverage and how much of it is right for you. Before issuing a policy, you will need to answer some questions about your health and lifestyle. This will help Northwestern Mutual determine whether you are qualified for coverage and how much your premiums will be.
You will then need to fill out an application form. This will require some basic information about yourself, such as your name, address, Social Security number, and employer. You will also need to identify who will pay for the policy (the owner or payer), the person whose life is being insured (the insured), and who will receive the payout if the insured dies (the beneficiary). In many cases, the owner and the insured or the owner and the beneficiary can be the same person.
You will also be asked for details on your financial information, health issues, and other risk factors, such as whether you smoke, drink, use recreational drugs, or participate in extreme sports. It is important to be honest when answering these questions, as your policy could be cancelled or your beneficiary's claim could be denied if you are found to have withheld information.
Depending on the type of policy you are applying for and how much coverage you want, you may also be required to undergo a medical exam. This usually takes 30 minutes to an hour and can be conducted in your home or workplace. The examiner will check your height and weight, listen to your heart, take your blood pressure, and get a urine or saliva sample. They will also ask about your lifestyle habits, personal medical history, and family medical history.
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The company offers several riders, the most popular being waiver of premium, long-term disability, and additional purchase benefit
Riders are add-ons or additional benefits that can be purchased and added to a basic life insurance policy. They allow the policyholder to customise their policy and can provide several kinds of protection if certain conditions are met. Riders are most often associated with permanent life insurance policies.
Northwestern Mutual offers several riders, three of which are the most popular: waiver of premium, long-term disability, and additional purchase benefit.
Waiver of Premium
The waiver of premium rider means that future premiums are waived if the insured becomes permanently disabled or loses their income as a result of injury or illness prior to a specified age. This can be particularly valuable if the premium on the policy is high.
Long-Term Disability
The long-term disability rider provides help with daily living activities if the insured needs care due to a chronic illness.
Additional Purchase Benefit
The additional purchase benefit rider allows the policyholder to buy additional coverage at a future date.
Riders come with additional costs, but these are usually low because relatively little underwriting is required. Riders are a good solution to increase insurance coverage without buying a new policy. They are flexible, affordable, and provide extra coverage.
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Frequently asked questions
In general, life insurance companies are bound by state laws regarding payment for suicidal death. Policyholders who have held policies for more than two years are generally eligible for a claim. However, Northwestern Mutual's policy may vary by policy type and state, so you should contact the company or an insurance agent directly for more information.
Yes, there is generally a waiting period of one to two years for suicide coverage under life insurance policies. This means that if the insured person dies by suicide within the first year or two of owning the policy, the death benefit may not be paid out.
Yes, according to a 1920 U.S. Supreme Court case, Northwestern Mut. Life Ins. Co. v. Johnson, if the insured person dies by suicide after the specified waiting period, the company may still be liable for the death benefit. The validity of such an agreement depends on state public policy.
The cost of life insurance at Northwestern Mutual depends on various personal factors that impact your risk level. These include age, gender, health, weight, risk level of jobs and hobbies, and smoking habits. Additionally, the type of policy, the amount of coverage, and any added riders will also influence the cost.