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50 of the Most Common Terms Found on the Life Insurance Exam



As a life insurance agent, it's important to have a solid understanding of the terminology used in the industry. To help you prepare for your life insurance exam, we've compiled a list of the 50 most common terms you'll encounter. From accidental death benefit to whole life insurance, these terms cover a wide range of topics and will help you become a more informed and effective agent.


Here are the 50 most common terms found on the life insurance exam, along with their definitions:


ACCIDENTAL DEATH BENEFIT: An additional benefit provided by some life insurance policies that pays a benefit in the event of the policyholder's death due to an accident.


ACCIDENTAL DEATH AND DISMEMBERMENT INSURANCE: Insurance that pays a benefit in the event of the policyholder's death or loss of limb due to an accident.


ACCIDENTAL DEATH RIDER: An amendment to a life insurance policy that adds accidental death coverage to the policy.


ANNUITANT: The person for whom an annuity is purchased.


ANNUITIZATION: The process of converting an annuity into a series of payments.\


ANNUITY: A financial product that provides a regular income stream, either for a fixed period of time or for the remainder of the annuitant's life.


ANNUITY CERTAIN: An annuity that pays a guaranteed number of payments, regardless of the annuitant's lifespan.


ANNUITY DUE: An annuity that begins payment immediately rather than at the end of the first period.


BENEFICIARY: The person or entity designated to receive the benefits of a life insurance policy or annuity contract.


CASH VALUE: The portion of a permanent life insurance policy's face amount that is available to the policyholder in the form of cash or as a loan.


CONTINGENT BENEFICIARY: A beneficiary of a life insurance policy or annuity contract who is only entitled to receive the benefits if the primary beneficiary predeceases the policyholder or annuit


CONVERTIBLE TERM LIFE INSURANCE: A type of term life insurance that can be converted to a permanent policy at the policyholder's option, typically without the need for additional underwriting.


DEATH BENEFIT: The amount paid by a life insurance policy to the beneficiary upon the policyholder's death.


ENDOWMENT POLICY: A type of life insurance policy that pays a death benefit if the policyholder dies during the policy term, or a cash value if the policyholder lives to the end of the term.


EXCLUSION: A condition or circumstance that is not covered by a life insurance policy.


GRACE PERIOD: A period of time after the premium due date during which a policyholder can pay the premium without lapsing the policy.


INSURED: The person whose life is insured under a life insurance policy.


INSURER: The company that issues a life insurance policy.


IRREVOCABLE BENEFICIARY: A beneficiary of a life insurance policy whose designation cannot be changed without their consent.


JOINT LIFE INSURANCE: A life insurance policy that covers two people, typically a married couple, with a single death benefit that is paid upon the death of either individual.


LEVEL PREMIUM: A type of premium that remains the same throughout the policy term.


LIFE INSURANCE AGENT: A professional who sells and represents life insurance policies.


LIFE SETTLEMENT: The sale of a life insurance policy by the policyholder to a third party for a price that is greater than the policy's cash surrender value but less than the death benefit.


LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE: Insurance that covers the cost of long-term medical care, such as nursing home care or in-home care.


LOSS OF INCOME INSURANCE: Insurance that provides a replacement income to the policyholder or their family in the event of the policyholder's disability or death.


MODAL PREMIUM: A premium payment frequency option, such as annually, semi-annually, or monthly.


NONFORFEITURE OPTION: A provision in a life insurance policy that allows the policyholder to receive the cash value of the policy in the event of policy lapse or surrender.


PAID-UP POLICY: A life insurance policy that has reached a point where no further premiums are due and the policy remains in force.


PARTICIPATING POLICY: A type of life insurance policy that allows the policyholder to share in the profits of the insurance company through dividends.


PERMANENT LIFE INSURANCE: A type of life insurance that provides coverage for the entire lifetime of the insured and has a cash value component.


POLICY: A written contract between an insurer and a policyholder that outlines the terms and conditions of the insurance coverage.


POLICYHOLDER: The person who owns a life insurance policy.


PREMIUM: The periodic payment made by the policyholder to the insurer in exchange for the insurance coverage.


PREMIUM WAIVER: A provision in a life insurance policy that waives the payment of premiums in the event of the policyholder's disability.


PRIMARY INSURED: The person whose life is primarily insured under a life insurance policy.


PROOF OF INSURANCE: Documentation provided by the insurer that verifies the existence of an insurance policy


RIDER: An amendment to a life insurance policy that adds or modifies the coverage provided by the policy.


SECONDARY INSURED: A person who is insured under a life insurance policy in addition to the primary insured.


SURRENDER CHARGE: A fee that is charged when a policyholder surrenders their life insurance policy for its cash value.


TERM LIFE INSURANCE: A type of life insurance that provides coverage for a specified period of time, after which the coverage expires unless the policy is renewed.


TERM TO AGE 100: A type of term life insurance that provides coverage until the insured reaches the age of 100.


TESTAMENTARY TRUST: A trust created by a will that becomes effective upon the testator's death.


TRUST: A legal entity that holds assets on behalf of a beneficiary.


UNIVERSAL LIFE INSURANCE: A type of permanent life insurance that combines death benefits with a cash value component and flexible premium payments.


VALID CONTRACT: A legally binding agreement that meets all the necessary requirements for enforceability.


WAIVER OF PREMIUM: A provision in a life insurance policy that waives the payment of premiums in the event of the policyholder's disability.


WHOLE LIFE INSURANCE: A type of permanent life insurance that provides coverage for the entire lifetime of the insured and has a fixed premium.


By familiarizing yourself with these 50 common terms, you'll be well on your way to passing your life insurance exam and becoming a knowledgeable and competent agent. Remember to study and review these terms carefully, as a strong understanding of the language used in the industry is crucial to your success. Good luck on your exam!



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