What Is Group Life Insurance and How Does It Work?

Group life insurance, or basic life insurance, is often provided by an employer or organization to its eligible workers or members. It’s an easy and affordable — or sometimes free — way to get life insurance because no medical exam is required.

However, group life insurance often comes with low coverage. While it may benefit those who simply need coverage for funeral expenses, breadwinners may want to get supplemental life insurance to increase the policy’s coverage while benefiting from group rates.

Group life insurance is a policy offered by employers and private organizations to eligible employees or members to protect their families' financial well-being if the policyholder dies. It is sometimes called basic life insurance or employer-sponsored insurance.

Group life policies are a convenient and affordable way to get coverage because employees don’t need to undergo a medical exam and can benefit from shared premiums. Some companies may even offer group life insurance for free.

Generally, group life insurance covers several people under a single contract in the employer’s name. The employer can pay premiums entirely or partly, with the remaining portion paid for by employees who opt in.

Depending on the employer, the amount of coverage may be based on a specific dollar amount, the equivalent to an insured's annual salary or a multiple thereof. If the coverage amount is small, employees can sometimes purchase supplemental life insurance, adding more coverage at group costs.

Typically, companies choose term life policies because they don’t expect employees to stay at one company their entire lives. However, some companies may offer whole life insurance, which includes a cash value component.

Some group life insurance policies may require a minimum number of employees to participate in the plan. This number can vary depending on the insurance provider and the specific policy.

Typically, only full-time employees are eligible for group life insurance. Some employers may extend coverage to part-time employees and those with irregular work schedules, but they may need to work a certain number of hours per week to be eligible.

Some organizations may also have a waiting period before new employees are eligible. This period can range from a few months to a year, depending on the employer's policy.

Calculating the benefits of group life insurance is done through various methods, each tailored to different needs and preferences.

• Fixed multiple-of-earnings benefit plans: The benefit is calculated as a fixed multiple of the employee's earnings, such as two or three times the annual salary. It's a straightforward approach that aligns the benefit with the employee's income level.

• Variable multiple-of-earnings benefit plans: A variable multiple is used based on factors like age or years of service. It allows for more customization in determining the benefit amount.

• Flat-dollar-amount benefit plans: A flat dollar amount is set for the benefit, regardless of the employee's earnings. It provides a uniform benefit across all employees, ensuring equality in coverage.

• Variable-dollar-amount benefit plans: Aspects of the other methods are combined, allowing for a variable benefit based on a combination of factors such as age, earnings and years of service. It offers flexibility in tailoring the benefit to individual circumstances.

Group life insurance provides coverage for many scenarios, but it's not all-encompassing. Understanding what it doesn't cover can help you make informed decisions about your insurance needs.

• Death by Suicide within the Exclusion Period: Most policies have a clause excluding coverage if the insured dies by suicide within a specific timeframe, usually 1–2 years from the start of the policy.

• Death from Risky Activities: Engaging in high-risk activities like skydiving or extreme sports may not be covered, depending on the insurance policy and provider.

• Fraudulent Information: The insurance provider may deny a claim if the insured provided false information during the application process.

• Certain Types of Death in Specific Locations: Some policies exclude deaths occurring in certain countries or regions known for conflict or instability.

Group life insurance offers distinct advantages and potential disadvantages. Understanding both can guide you in making the right choice for your situation.

Group life insurance costs can vary widely depending on the employer and the specific policy. Because many employers can purchase policies at wholesale or discounted rates, they offer this insurance free or at a low cost, making it an attractive benefit for employees.

Generally, group life policies are considered more affordable and accessible than individual term life insurance options. The collective bargaining power that comes with covering multiple employees under one policy often results in lower premiums compared with individual policies.

Group life insurance premiums are typically deducted from an employee's gross weekly or monthly earnings. This makes it convenient for employees because there are no payment dues to remember. Automatic deductions also ensure that the policy remains in force as long as the employee continues to work for the company.

If an employer provides group life insurance coverage up to $50,000, the cost of that coverage is generally not considered taxable income to the employee. Any coverage exceeding this amount may be subject to taxation. The value of the excess coverage, known as "imputed income," is added to the employee's gross income and taxed accordingly.

A group life insurance policy is tied to your employment. This means that if you retire, are terminated or resign, your policy and coverage will end. Some policies may offer the option to convert your coverage to an individual policy upon retirement. Upon conversion, the premium will be your responsibility.

Before deciding to convert your coverage, review the costs and benefits carefully and consider other options, such as purchasing a new individual policy.

Whether group life insurance is a good idea depends on your unique circumstances and insurance needs. The company controls group life policies, so if you need something flexible, you might want to consider other options.

Generally, group life insurance is suitable for employees who don’t require a large amount of coverage because it’s an affordable way to have enough coverage to pay for funeral expenses. It might also benefit employees with pre-existing health conditions because it doesn't require a medical exam.

This type of policy may not be sufficient for those with heavy financial obligations, such as primary breadwinners. Generally, the best life insurance policy can ensure your loved ones are fully protected.

Group life insurance is a convenient way to get coverage, but it might not be for everyone. We’ve answered common questions about group life insurance to help you get started.