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Life Settlements – Understanding the Risks and the Benefits

Find out if you qualify and what the best choice is for you.

By Tobias GillotPublished 5 years ago 4 min read
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Essentially, a life settlement is the selling of an unwanted and ineffective life insurance policy. Holders of the policy may settle for a certain cash amount and use that money to fund other areas in their life.

In other words, the policy holders benefit now rather than later by selling off their policies. They get to spend quality time with their families while maintaining their savings long-term.

While it’s important to understand the circumstances under which this can be applicable, it’s a viable strategy when compared to letting it lapse. There are also significant cash considerations, depending on the sale amount of the insurance policy.

Read on to learn more about the risks and benefits of life settlements.

The benefits of life settlements

There are major benefits associated with life settlement, specifically as it relates to gaining cash at the present moment. It can help provide liquidity in times of need and give you that additional boost to improve your health and wellbeing.

The entire settlement is easy to process and can be done quickly. Here are some of the major benefits of life settlements:

Capital for medical expenses: In the event that you require money to pay off some medical bills, a life settlement may come in handy. It can provide easy cash into your account, while allowing you to live debt-free. Your hospital bills can be paid off instantly without you having to rely on family members.

Additional capital for retirement: You may want to retire right now, but you need a bit of extra cash to add to your savings. This is the best way to approach the situation from a quick capital influx perspective. You can use that money towards your retirement fund and live a fulfilling life with your family.

Premiums aren’t justifiable: Sometimes the premiums become more expensive, which is when it’s ideal to opt for a life settlement. You can get capital transferred directly into your account, and you don’t need to keep paying those premiums every time.

Your beneficiaries don’t need the cash: If you’ve named your children as beneficiaries of your policy, and they don’t need the money, then it’s a good idea to opt for life settlement. Your children may already be financially independent, thereby giving you the opportunity to settle the policy directly.

Qualifying for a life settlement

It’s important that you are eligible to qualify for a life settlement option before you reach out to a life settlements organization. You must be over the age of 70 and in good health; otherwise, you must be diagnosed with a life-threatening disease/illness.

Additionally, you must have a life insurance policy worth $100,000 or more. Individuals with life-threatening illnesses such as ALS, Alzheimer’s, or cancer may be eligible to apply for viatical settlement instead.

Potential risks involved

As with any potential opportunities, there are risks involved, especially when dealing within this domain. Seniors want to study all options available to them before opting for a life settlement. The amount of cash that you receive will depend significantly on your overall health and medical records.

That’s why it makes sense to opt for this strategy when you’re healthier and have a more balanced life insurance policy and premium. There may also be fees involved in the transaction, which is something that seniors should learn more about before entering into the deal.

Ultimately, it’s the right choice for someone that needs cash straight away. The influx of capital allows you to spend your golden years with your loved ones, without having to worry about your savings diminishing each month.

The benefits of life settlements

There are major benefits associated with life settlement, specifically as it relates to gaining cash at the present moment. It can help provide liquidity in times of need and give you that additional boost to improve your health and wellbeing.

The entire settlement is easy to process and can be done quickly. Here are some of the major benefits of life settlements:

  • Capital for medical expenses: In the event that you require money to pay off some medical bills, a life settlement may come in handy. It can provide easy cash into your account, while allowing you to live debt-free. Your hospital bills can be paid off instantly without you having to rely on family members.
  • Additional capital for retirement: You may want to retire right now, but you need a bit of extra cash to add to your savings. This is the best way to approach the situation from a quick capital influx perspective. You can use that money towards your retirement fund and live a fulfilling life with your family.
  • Premiums aren’t justifiable: Sometimes the premiums become more expensive, which is when it’s ideal to opt for a life settlement. You can get capital transferred directly into your account, and you don’t need to keep paying those premiums every time.
  • Your beneficiaries don’t need the cash: If you’ve named your children as beneficiaries of your policy, and they don’t need the money, then it’s a good idea to opt for life settlement. Your children may already be financially independent, thereby giving you the opportunity to settle the policy directly.

Qualifying for a life settlement

It’s important that you are eligible to qualify for a life settlement option before you reach out to a life settlements organization. You must be over the age of 70 and in good health; otherwise, you must be diagnosed with a life-threatening disease/illness.

Additionally, you must have a life insurance policy worth $100,000 or more. Individuals with life-threatening illnesses such as ALS, Alzheimer’s, or cancer may be eligible to apply for viatical settlement instead.

Potential risks involved

As with any potential opportunities, there are risks involved, especially when dealing within this domain. Seniors want to study all options available to them before opting for a life settlement. The amount of cash that you receive will depend significantly on your overall health and medical records.

That’s why it makes sense to opt for this strategy when you’re healthier and have a more balanced life insurance policy and premium. There may also be fees involved in the transaction, which is something that seniors should learn more about before entering into the deal.

Ultimately, it’s the right choice for someone that needs cash straight away. The influx of capital allows you to spend your golden years with your loved ones, without having to worry about your savings diminishing each month.

personal finance
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