whole life insurance

Definition

Life insurance policy that (1) normally covers an individual until his or her death, unless it lapses due to non-payment of premium or is cancelled, (2) builds up a cash value (called cash surrender value), (3) pays a fixed death benefit, and (4) where (unlike in a term life insurance) the premium amount remains constant despite the advancing age of the insured. The insured or policyholder may obtain a loan (called policy loan) against the accumulated cash value. Also called continuous premium whole life insurance, ordinary life insurance, permanent life insurance, or straight life insurance.