An accelerated death benefit in life insurance offers financial assistance to policyholders during serious health challenges. It allows early access to part of the death benefit in circumstances like terminal or chronic illness. Depending on the life insurance provider, this benefit may already be part of their standard policies. Other insurers offer it as an optional add-on, potentially at an additional cost. Deciding whether to opt for this benefit depends on individual health risks, financial needs and the specifics of the insurance policy.
Accelerated Death Benefits in Life Insurance
Updated: May 22, 2024
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Key Takeaways
Accelerated death benefit (ADB) is a feature in life insurance that allows early access to death benefits under conditions like terminal or chronic illness.
The ADB is activated upon specific health criteria, providing a portion of the death benefit early and reducing the total payout upon death.
ADBs are ideal for those with high terminal illness risk, insufficient emergency savings or needing financial flexibility during health crises.
What Is an Accelerated Death Benefit in Life Insurance?
An accelerated death benefit in life insurance is a provision that permits policyholders to receive a portion of their life insurance death benefit before their passing under specific medical circumstances. It's commonly activated in cases of terminal illness or chronic disease, typically with a life expectancy of 12–24 months. It aims to provide financial support during challenging times, helping to cover expenses like health care costs or life adjustments due to illness.
There are variations in how different policies define eligibility and the extent of benefits. Some policies may offer this benefit as a standard inclusion, while others might present it as an optional rider, which could involve additional costs. The structure and terms of this benefit vary widely across insurance providers, reflecting policyholders' diverse needs and situations.
ACCELERATED DEATH BENEFIT VS. LIVING BENEFITS RIDER
An accelerated death benefit rider is a type of living benefit. It allows policyholders to access a portion of their life insurance policy's death benefit early if they are diagnosed with a terminal or chronic illness.
Living benefits in life insurance refer to any benefits from a life insurance policy that can be accessed by the insured while still alive. These can include an accelerated death benefit, as well as riders for long-term care, critical illness and disability income.
How Accelerated Death Benefits Work
An accelerated death benefit functions as a financial safety net, activating under specific medical conditions such as terminal illness. When a policyholder is diagnosed with a condition meeting the policy's criteria, they can access a portion of their death benefit in advance. The insurer then deducts this early disbursement from the total death benefit amount it would have paid upon the policyholder's passing.
It's important to note that the specific percentage of the death benefit accessible and qualifying conditions vary between policies and insurers. For example, some policies might allow a policyholder to access up to 50% of the death benefit, while others may have different limits.
Accelerated Death Benefit Costs
The cost of an accelerated death benefit (ADB) can vary based on the policy and the provider. Life insurance policies often include an ADB as a standard feature without additional cost.
Some insurers offer this benefit as an optional add-on, which might entail an extra fee. The specifics of this cost, if any, depend on the insurance provider and are typically outlined in the policy's terms.
Pros and Cons of Accelerated Death Benefits
Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of accelerated death benefits will help you make an informed financial decision.
pros
Financial Relief During Illness: This benefit provides financial assistance during severe health conditions.
Flexibility: You can use the funds for various purposes, including medical bills and improving life quality.
No Repayment Required: Policyholders don't need to repay the advanced funds.
cons
Reduction in Death Benefit: If you utilize your accelerated death benefit, the advance reduces the total death benefit available to beneficiaries.
Eligibility Requirements: Not all health conditions may qualify for accelerated death benefits.
Who Should Consider Accelerated Death Benefits
Securing an accelerated death benefit rider may require an additional expense if it's not part of your life insurance policy by default. Assess whether this add-on aligns with your needs and circumstances.
Accelerated Death Benefits May Suit You if You Have:
- High Risk of Terminal Illness: If medical history or current health indicates an increased risk of developing a terminal illness, this rider can provide early financial support.
- Insufficient Emergency Savings: Those lacking adequate emergency funds to cover potential hefty medical bills may find this rider beneficial.
- Desire for Financial Flexibility: Early access to your death benefit can offer needed financial leeway if facing a severe health crisis.
- No Long-Term Care Insurance: In the absence of long-term care insurance, this rider can help cover care-related expenses.
Accelerated Death Benefits May Not Suit You if You Have:
- Comprehensive Health and Long-Term Care Coverage: This rider might be redundant if you already have extensive long-term care and health insurance.
- Focus on Maximizing Death Benefit: Early fund withdrawal could undermine this plan if your primary goal is to give beneficiaries a substantial death benefit.
- Low Risk of Qualifying Illness: The extra cost might not be justifiable for those with a low risk of diseases that qualify for the rider.
- Adequate Financial Resources: Individuals with sufficient financial resources to handle medical emergencies might not need the financial relief this rider offers.
- Alternative Financial Plans for Illness: This rider may not be necessary if you have other financial strategies for dealing with potential illnesses.
Alternatives to Accelerated Death Benefits
The most suitable life insurance riders vary depending on your personal situation and needs. We highlight a few of the available options besides accelerated death benefits below:
Permanent Life Insurance's Cash Value: Policies like whole life or universal life insurance accumulate a cash value over time. Policyholders can borrow against this cash value, providing a source of funds without impacting the death benefit. This option is helpful for those seeking an emergency fund or needing cash for significant expenses. However, loans against the cash value of life insurance can reduce the death benefit if you don't repay them.
Long-Term Care Insurance: This insurance covers expenses for long-term care not typically covered by regular health insurance, such as nursing home care or in-home care. It's a strategic option for consumers who want to preserve their savings and assets from the high costs of long-term care. Long-term care insurance can be purchased as a standalone policy or as a rider on a life insurance policy.
Selling Your Life Insurance Policy (Life Settlement): In a life settlement, a policyholder sells their life insurance policy to a third party for a lump sum that's less than the death benefit but more than the cash surrender value. Seniors who no longer need the policy for its death benefit or face financial hardships often pursue this option. The buyer pays the policy's premiums and receives the death benefit upon the policyholder's death.
Waiver of Premium Rider: This rider exempts the policyholder from paying premiums if they become critically ill or disabled, maintaining the policy without the financial burden. Waiver of premium in life insurance benefits consumers who might lose income due to illness or disability, ensuring their life insurance protection continues.
Critical Illness Rider: Similar to an accelerated death benefit, a critical illness rider provides a lump sum if the policyholder gets a diagnosis for a specified critical illness like heart disease, stroke or cancer. Policyholders can use the funds for any purpose, offering financial support during a difficult health period.
While an accelerated death benefit is beneficial for some, these alternatives for addressing financial requirements during life's uncertainties are also worth considering.
FAQ About Accelerated Death Benefits
Below are answers to some common questions about accelerated death benefits in life insurance, clarifying key aspects of this unique feature.
What is the purpose of having an accelerated death benefit?
A life insurance accelerated death benefit is a rider in a policy that allows the policyholder to receive a portion of the death benefit early, typically in cases of terminal or severe chronic illness. This provision helps cover costs like medical expenses or home care during the policyholder's lifetime.
How does one access an accelerated death benefit?
The policyholder must submit a claim and medical proof of their illness to access the benefit. Once approved, the insurer will disburse the funds, which can be in a lump sum or installments, depending on the policy's terms.
How much of the death benefit can be accessed early?
The amount available through the accelerated death benefit varies depending on the policy's terms and the nature of the illness. It's often a percentage of the total death benefit.
Does receiving an accelerated death benefit impact the final death benefit?
Yes, the insurer deducts the amount received through the accelerated death benefit from the total death benefit. Therefore, the beneficiaries will receive a reduced amount upon the policyholder's death.
Are there any costs associated with an accelerated death benefit?
While many insurers include this rider at no extra cost, some might charge a fee for adding it or an administrative fee when you use the benefit.
What if a policyholder recovers after receiving the accelerated death benefit?
If a policyholder's health improves after receiving the benefit, there is no requirement to repay the funds. However, the death benefit remains reduced by the amount already paid out.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick has analyzed the property and casualty insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. Currently, he leads P&C insurance content production at MoneyGeek. Fitzpatrick has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.