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Retain-A-Portion settlements are the ideal solution for qualified Policy Owners who need cash now, but still want to secure a portion of their death benefit for their loved ones.

Life Settlements for Terminal Illness

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Life Settlements for Terminal Illness infographic explaining eligibility, common qualifying conditions, benefits, and how to get started

When faced with a serious medical condition, many people explore life settlements for terminal illness as a way to access immediate cash from their life insurance policy. While viatical settlements are available for those with a life expectancy of two years or less, life settlements are typically an option for individuals with longer life expectancies—more than two years. This financial option can help cover medical treatments, caregiving costs, or other expenses without waiting for the death benefit to be paid out.

For those who no longer need their policy or are struggling with premium payments, a life settlement can provide much-needed financial flexibility during a difficult time.

What Are Life Settlements for Terminal Illness?

A life settlement involves selling an existing life insurance policy to a third-party investor for a lump sum that is greater than the policy’s cash surrender value but less than its full death benefit. The buyer takes over premium payments and eventually receives the death benefit when the insured passes away.

Unlike letting a policy lapse or surrendering it to the insurance company for a small payout, a life settlement allows policyholders to get more value from their policy while they are still alive. The funds received can be used for anything, from covering medical expenses and long-term care to paying off debt or simply improving quality of life.

Who Qualifies for a Life Settlement?

While viatical settlements are specifically for individuals with a life expectancy of two years or less, life settlements for terminal illness may be an option for those who:

  • Have been diagnosed with a serious medical condition but have a life expectancy of more than two years. (Shorter life expectancies may qualify for a viatical settlement.)
  • Own a whole life, universal life, or convertible term life policy with a face value of at least $100,000.
  • No longer need or can no longer afford their policy.
  • Prefer to receive a lump sum payout now.

Common Conditions That May Qualify

While life settlements are often associated with aging individuals, policyholders with serious health conditions may also qualify. Some illnesses that may qualify include:

  • Stage 3 or 4 cancer
  • Congestive heart failure (CHF)
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • End-stage renal disease (ESRD)
  • Liver disease
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Advanced Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia

Each case is reviewed individually, and the key factor is life expectancy. Policyholders with progressive illnesses that significantly impact longevity but do not qualify for a viatical settlement may still be eligible for a life settlement.

How Much Can You Get for a Life Settlement?

The amount policyholders receive from a life settlement varies depending on several factors:

  • Life expectancy – Shorter life expectancies typically result in higher offers.
  • Policy type and size – Universal and whole life policies generally receive higher offers than term policies.
  • Premium costs – Lower premiums make a policy more valuable to buyers.
  • Market conditions – Investor demand influences settlement amounts.

While offers can range widely, policyholders typically receive 10% to 60% of the policy’s face value. For example, a $500,000 policy could result in a payout between $50,000 and $300,000, depending on eligibility factors.

How Are the Funds Used?

One of the main advantages of a life settlement is flexibility. Unlike some financial assistance programs that restrict how money is spent, life settlement proceeds can be used however the seller chooses. Common uses include:

  • Medical expenses – Covering treatments, medications, or complementary and alternative therapies.
  • Long-term care – Paying for assisted living, in-home care, or nursing services.
  • Debt repayment – Reducing financial burdens by paying off outstanding loans or credit card debt.
  • Everyday living expenses – Maintaining financial stability for household bills and necessities.
  • Enjoying life – Taking a trip, visiting family, or making meaningful memories.

Benefits of Selling a Life Insurance Policy

✔ Immediate access to cash.
✔ No restrictions on how funds are used.
✔ Eliminates the need to pay future premiums.
✔ Potentially higher payout than surrendering the policy.

Is a Life Settlement Right for You?

If you have a serious illness but do not qualify for a viatical settlement, life settlements for terminal illness may still be an option. Selling your policy can provide financial relief, eliminate costly premium payments, and allow you to use the funds in a way that benefits you the most. To learn if you’re likely to qualify for a life settlement or a viatical settlement, please give us a call at 800-727-7654.

Surprising Facts About Life Settlements You Didn’t Know

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This infographic lists several surprising facts about life settlements you didn't know as well as several benefits.

Life settlements can be a powerful financial tool, but there are surprising facts about life settlements you didn’t know that could help you maximize the value of your policy. While most people understand the basic concept—selling a life insurance policy for a lump sum—there are many hidden nuances to this process. Whether you’re exploring this option for the first time or looking for deeper insights, these unexpected facts might surprise you.

1. Term Policies Can Qualify for Life Settlements

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t always need a whole life policy to benefit from a life settlement and many additional types of policies can qualify. Many term life insurance policies are eligible if they are convertible or renewable. This means that even if you thought your term policy had no cash value, it could still generate a significant payout in a term life insurance settlement.

2. Payouts Are Often Higher Than Cash Surrender Values

If you’re considering surrendering your policy back to the insurance company, think again. Life settlement offers are typically much higher than the policy’s cash surrender value. This makes it an excellent alternative for those who no longer need their coverage but want a better financial outcome.

3. Policyholders Can Retain a Portion of Their Death Benefit

One lesser-known option within life settlements is called a retained death benefit. With a retain-a-portion settlement, you can sell your policy while keeping a portion of the death benefit for your beneficiaries. This allows you to access immediate cash while still leaving something behind for your loved ones.  Not everyone will qualify for this option, but it’s worth asking about if you are interested in keeping part of the death benefit. 

4. The Age and Health of the Insured Matter Most

While people often assume life settlements are only for the elderly, the reality is more nuanced. Policies owned by individuals with significant health changes are often more valuable to investors, even if the policy insured is younger than typical candidates. This can open up opportunities for those who might not meet the usual age criteria.  Most people can start looking into life settlements at around age 65 or older, but younger individuals may qualify based on health. 

5. Life Settlements Are a Growing Financial Trend

The life settlement market has expanded rapidly over the past decade, with increasing numbers of policyholders choosing this option. Investors are drawn to the reliability of life insurance as an asset, creating more competition and better offers for sellers.

6. Proceeds Are Often Taxable

While life settlements provide much-needed liquidity, it’s important to know that the proceeds are often subject to taxation. Depending on your policy type, purchase price, and gains, you may owe taxes on the amount you receive. Consulting a trusted tax advisor is essential to understand your obligations. In most cases, viatical settlement proceeds are not subject to tax.

7. It’s a Heavily Regulated Industry

The life settlement industry is governed by strict regulations to protect consumers. These rules vary by state but generally ensure transparency, fair pricing, and the ethical treatment of policyholders. This makes it a safe financial transaction. 

8. Life Settlements Can Help Fund Healthcare or Retirement Costs

Many people turn to life settlements to cover major expenses like medical bills, long-term care, or retirement needs. The lump-sum payment can make a significant difference for those facing financial challenges during their later years.  Many policyholders also choose to use part of the funds for fun excursions like a trip with family or a cruise. 

9. Life Settlements Are Not Just for Individuals

Businesses that own key man life insurance policies can also explore life settlements as an option. If a business no longer needs the coverage or has experienced changes in ownership, selling the policy can free up capital for other needs.

Life settlements are more versatile and beneficial than many people realize. By understanding these surprising facts about life settlements you didn’t know, you can make more informed decisions about your financial future. If you’re considering selling your policy, take the time to explore all your options and consult with a trusted advisor to ensure you get the best possible outcome.

To find out if a life settlement may be an option for you, please give us a call at 800-727-7654.

Turn Life Insurance into Cash

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If you decide to turn life insurance into cash, there are many ways to use the funds as shown in this chart.

Did you know that you can turn your life insurance into cash when it’s no longer needed or becomes too costly to maintain? Many policyholders are unaware that selling their life insurance policy is an option that can provide significant financial relief. Known as a life settlement, this process allows you to sell your life insurance to a third party for more than its cash surrender value, but less than the death benefit, giving you immediate funds to meet current needs.

If your policy no longer fits your financial goals or is becoming a burden, a life settlement might be the right option for you.

What Is a Life Settlement?

A life settlement is a transaction where a policyholder sells their life insurance policy to a buyer in exchange for a cash payout. The buyer takes over premium payments and becomes the beneficiary, receiving the death benefit when the insured passes away. Life settlements offer policyholders a way to access the value of their life insurance while they are still alive, rather than surrendering it back to the insurance company for minimal value or letting it lapse.

This process has become more common as more people look for ways to tap into their assets to cover costs like healthcare, retirement, or simply to improve their quality of life. Instead of canceling a policy that no longer serves you, you can turn life insurance into cash that can be used for various needs.

Who Qualifies for a Life Settlement?

Not everyone will qualify for a life settlement, but several factors increase your chances of eligibility:

  • Age and Health: Seniors age 65 and older with declining health are typically the best candidates for life settlements. Buyers are looking for policies with a shorter life expectancy to receive a return on their investment sooner.  When appraising a policy for value, the buyer must consider the amount of time they will be paying premiums on the policy.
  • Policy Size: Larger policies are more attractive to buyers, with most life settlements involving policies worth $100,000 or more.  Some smaller policies may still qualify.  If you are unsure, please give us a call to learn if yours may be eligible.
  • Type of Policy: While universal life and whole life policies are the most common for life settlements, some term life policies can also be sold in a term life insurance settlement, depending on their conversion options and the insured’s health.  Convertible policies may be able to be sold, even if the insured is in relatively good health.  Non-convertible term policies may be eligible if the insured has a terminal diagnosis.

The life settlement market is growing, giving more flexibility to policyholders who might otherwise let their policies lapse. However, each case is unique, and eligibility will depend on several individual factors.

Why Turn Life Insurance into Cash?

There are many reasons someone might choose to sell their life insurance policy:

  1. Premiums Are Too Expensive: As you age, life insurance premiums can increase, especially for universal or whole life policies. If paying those premiums becomes a financial strain, selling the policy can relieve you of this burden while still giving you access to the policy’s value.
  2. Life Changes: Perhaps your original reasons for purchasing life insurance have changed. You may no longer have dependents relying on the policy’s death benefit, or your financial situation may have improved to the point where the coverage is no longer necessary. As you are planning future financial goals, it may be worth reconsidering whether the policy still aligns with your needs.
  3. Medical Expenses: Seniors often face significant medical costs that can drain savings and retirement funds. A life settlement provides a lump sum of cash that can be used to cover those expenses without depleting other assets.
  4. Supplement Retirement Income: Many people use life settlements to enhance their retirement lifestyle. Selling a life insurance policy can provide additional sources of retirement income to travel, pursue hobbies, or enjoy a higher quality of life during retirement.
  5. Debt Relief: If you have outstanding debts, a life settlement may be able to provide the funds necessary to pay them off, relieving financial stress and ensuring that your estate is debt-free for your heirs.

How Much Cash Can You Get?

The amount of money you can receive from selling your life insurance policy depends on several factors, including:

  • The size and type of the policy
  • Your age and health
  • The amount of premium payments remaining
  • The policy’s death benefit
  • Current market conditions for life settlements
  • Policy specifics and provisions

On average, policyholders receive anywhere between 10% to 30% of their policy’s death benefit, but this amount can vary widely. For example, a $500,000 life insurance policy could result in a life settlement payout of $50,000 to $150,000, depending on your circumstances.  Some viatical settlements pay a much higher percentage.  It is always wise to have your policy appraised for hidden value.

The Life Settlement Process

The process of turning your life insurance into cash is relatively straightforward.  Here are the steps:

  1. Policy Review: The first step is to contact a life settlement company who will review your policy to determine whether it’s a good candidate for a life settlement.
  2. Application: If your policy is eligible, you may submit a formal application. This may require sharing information about your health, the policy, and your financial needs.  With our direct platform, this step is greatly streamlined and you will only need to submit a few compliance forms rather than a lengthy application. 
  3. Offer Review: If your policy has value and there is interest, you’ll receive offers from interested buyers.
  4. Accepting an Offer: Once you’ve reviewed the offers, you can accept the one that best meets your financial goals. The sale process will begin, and you’ll receive a lump sum payment in exchange for transferring ownership of the policy.
  5. Completion: The buyer takes over the policy’s premium payments and becomes the beneficiary, while you receive cash and no longer have any obligations regarding the policy.

Is a Life Settlement Right for You?

Turning your life insurance into cash can be an excellent option for those who no longer need the coverage or who are facing financial difficulties. However, it’s essential to consider the following:

  • Impact on Estate Plans: Selling your policy means your beneficiaries will no longer receive the death benefit, so it’s crucial to consider how this will affect your overall estate plans.
  • Tax Implications: Are life settlement proceeds taxed? Life settlement proceeds may be subject to taxes, depending on your individual circumstances. It’s a good idea to consult with a trusted tax professional to understand the tax impact of a life settlement.  Typically, viatical settlement proceeds are not taxed.
  • Alternatives: If a life settlement isn’t the right choice for you, there are other ways to access the value of your policy, such as a loan against the policy’s cash value or surrendering it for a smaller payout.  Loans do require repayment and surrendering a policy usually results in a much lower payout than a life settlement.

For many, the ability to turn life insurance into cash can provide financial freedom and peace of mind. Whether you need to cover medical expenses, supplement your retirement, or simply no longer need the coverage, a life settlement offers a practical solution.

If you’re considering selling your life insurance policy, call us today at 800-727-7654 to learn more and find out if you’re likely to qualify for a life settlement.

Sell My Life Insurance for Cash

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Sell my life insurance policy for cash in four simple steps shown in this chart.

As life circumstances change, many policyholders find themselves reconsidering the value of their life insurance policies. If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I sell my life insurance for cash?” you’re not alone. This option is becoming popular among those looking to unlock the cash value of their policies for immediate financial needs. In this post, we’ll explore how to sell your life insurance for cash, the benefits of doing so, and key considerations to keep in mind.

What Does It Mean to Sell My Life Insurance for Cash?

Selling your life insurance policy as reverse life insurance, often referred to as a life settlement, means transferring ownership of the policy to a third party in exchange for a lump sum payment. The option to turn life insurance into cash is appealing for various reasons, from financial necessity to changing life situations. When selling a policy through a life settlement, the offer you receive will always be higher than the cash surrender value offered by the insurance company, but lower than the death benefit of the policy.

Steps to Sell Your Life Insurance Policy

The process of selling your life insurance can be straightforward if you understand the steps involved:

  1. Assess Your Policy: Start by reviewing the details of your life insurance policy. Note the face value, type of policy, and your current health status. Policies typically eligible for sale have a face value of $100,000 or more.  Some smaller policies can qualify.  Please give us a call and we’ll be happy to help you learn if your policy may be eligible. 
  2. Consult with Professionals: Engage with a reputable life settlement company who can guide you through the evaluation process. They will help you determine if your policy qualifies and what its potential market value might be.  Reverse Life Insurance has been helping people sell their policies direct to life settlement purchasers for nearly 20 years. 
  3. Obtain a Policy Appraisal: A thorough appraisal will consider factors like your age, health, and the policy’s terms. Life settlement companies will use this information to estimate the amount you could receive from the sale. 
  4. Review Offers: After the appraisal, you will receive offers from potential buyers if value is found and they are interested in purchasing your policy.
  5. Complete the Sale: If you accept an offer, you’ll need to sign the necessary paperwork to transfer ownership and beneficiary rights of the policy. Once the sale is finalized, the new owner takes over premium payments and becomes the beneficiary.
  6. Receive Your Cash: After the transfer, you will receive your lump-sum payment, providing you with immediate funds to use as needed.

Benefits of Selling Your Life Insurance

Selling your life insurance for cash can offer several advantages:

  1. Immediate Cash Flow: The most significant benefit is the immediate access to cash. This can be crucial for paying off debts, covering unexpected expenses, or simply improving your financial situation.  Some policy sellers even use the funds to pay for vacations with loved ones. 
  2. No More Premium Payments: Once you sell your policy, you are relieved of the obligation to make ongoing premium payments, which can be a significant relief.
  3. Flexibility: The cash obtained from selling your policy can be used for a wide range of purposes—whether you want to invest in a new opportunity, fund medical expenses, or treat yourself to a long-deserved vacation.
  4. Tailored Financial Strategy: By converting your life insurance into cash, you can reassess your financial strategy to better align with your current needs and goals.

Who Should Consider Selling Their Life Insurance?

Not every policyholder should sell their life insurance policy. However, certain situations may warrant this decision:

  • Changing Life Circumstances: If your financial needs have changed—perhaps you no longer have dependents or your circumstances have shifted—it may be time to reconsider the necessity of your life insurance.
  • Unmanageable Premium Payments: For many, the cost of premiums can become a financial burden, especially for those on fixed incomes. Selling the policy can relieve this pressure.
  • Underperforming Policies:  Sometimes, it can be beneficial to sell an underperforming policy and use the funds received to purchase a new policy.  This does not make sense for everyone, but is an option you may want to discuss with your trusted personal financial advisors. 
  • Increased Healthcare Costs: Rising medical expenses can be a challenge. The cash received from a life insurance policy sale can help cover these costs.

Considerations Before Selling

While there are many benefits to selling your life insurance, it’s important to consider a few key factors:

  1. Loss of Coverage: Selling your policy means you will no longer have the life insurance coverage provided by that policy. This is a critical consideration, especially if you have dependents who may rely on the death benefit.  Some policyholders choose to sell only some of their policies or a portion of a policy.  If you are considering a life settlement, but may be interested in a retain a portion settlement, please reach out to see if you may qualify for this option. 
  2. Tax Implications: The proceeds from selling your life insurance may be subject to taxes, depending on the difference between what you paid into the policy and what you receive from the sale. Consulting your trusted tax professional is recommended to understand your specific situation.  If you qualify for a viatical settlement, the proceeds are usually tax-free.
  3. Potentially Lower Offers: Not every policy will fetch a high price. Be prepared for the possibility that offers may not meet your expectations, especially if your health is relatively good or the market conditions are unfavorable.

Real-Life Scenarios

Consider these examples of individuals who successfully sold their life insurance for cash:

  • Debt Management: A retiree facing credit card debt sold their life insurance policy to pay off their balance, achieving peace of mind and financial stability.  They no longer needed the policy as they did not have any beneficiaries to leave it to. 
  • Healthcare Needs: An individual diagnosed with a chronic illness opted to sell their policy to cover mounting medical bills, alleviating financial stress during a difficult time.  They were also able to pay for alternative treatments not covered by their medical insurance. 
  • Investment Opportunities: A policyholder who no longer needed their life insurance sold their policy to invest in real estate, leading to long-term financial growth.

Selling your life insurance for cash can be a smart financial decision that offers immediate benefits and enhances your overall financial flexibility. If you’re considering this option, it’s essential to understand the process, weigh the benefits against the potential drawbacks, and consult with professionals who can guide you.

We specialize in helping policyholders navigate the life settlement process. If you’re ready to explore your options, contact us today to see if selling your life insurance policy may be an option for you. 800-727-7654

Impact of Inflation on Life Settlements

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The impact of inflation on life settlements is vast as shown in this chart.The impact of inflation on life settlements can affect the amount of hidden value your policy has.

Inflation is a financial reality that affects everyone, especially those on fixed incomes. As prices rise and the cost of living increases, seniors and retirees often face difficult financial decisions. One option that has gained attention is the sale of life insurance policies through life settlements. The impact of inflation on life settlements is significant and worth considering for anyone exploring this option as part of their financial planning strategy.

Understanding Life Settlements

A life settlement is a financial transaction in which a policyholder sells their life insurance policy to a third-party buyer for a lump sum cash payment. The buyer takes over the ownership and beneficiary rights to the policy, pays the premiums, and collects the death benefit when the insured person passes away. For many seniors, this can be an attractive option, especially if they no longer need the policy or can no longer afford the premiums.

Life settlements offer an alternative to surrendering a policy for its cash value or allowing it to lapse. By selling the policy, the policyholder can receive a lump sum that is greater than the surrender value but less than the death benefit.

Inflation and Its Effects on Retirement

Inflation erodes purchasing power over time, meaning that the same amount of money buys less as prices rise. For retirees, who often rely on fixed incomes from pensions, Social Security, or retirement savings, inflation can pose a significant threat to financial stability.

As inflation increases, so do the costs of healthcare, housing, food, and other essential expenses. This can create a gap between income and necessary spending, forcing retirees to look for ways to supplement their income. Selling a life insurance policy through a life settlement becomes a viable option for many, particularly when they are facing unexpected financial challenges due to rising prices.

The Role of Inflation in Determining Life Settlement Value

The impact of inflation on life settlements is twofold. First, inflation can increase the attractiveness of life settlements as policyholders seek additional funds to cover rising expenses. Second, inflation can influence the secondary market value of life insurance policies themselves.

As inflation drives up the cost of living, more seniors may consider selling their life insurance policies to access the policy’s hidden value immediately. This increased demand can lead to more competitive offers from life settlement purchasers. In other words, the need for liquidity among seniors can create a more favorable market for selling policies.

However, inflation can also affect the buyers of life settlements. Investors who purchase life insurance policies through life settlements must consider the future value of the death benefit in the context of inflation. If inflation is expected to remain high, the future value of the death benefit may be worth less in real terms, making the policy less attractive to buyers. This could result in lower offers for certain life insurance policies.

Strategic Considerations for Policyholders

Given the impact of inflation on life settlements, it is crucial for policyholders to carefully evaluate their options before selling a policy. Here are some key considerations:

  1. Current and Future Financial Needs: Consider your current financial situation and how inflation is affecting your budget. If you anticipate needing more cash to cover rising expenses, a life settlement may provide a solution. However, it’s essential to weigh this against the long-term benefit your life insurance policy could provide to your beneficiaries.
  2. Policy Valuation: The value of your life insurance policy in a life settlement is influenced by factors such as your age, health, and the policy’s death benefit. Inflation can impact these factors, so it’s important to work with a reputable life settlement company who can offer an appraisal of your policy’s value in the current economic environment.
  3. Tax Implications: Life settlements are generally subject to taxation, with different portions of the payout being taxed as ordinary income, capital gains, or not at all. Inflation can influence tax brackets and rates, so it’s wise to consult with your trusted tax advisor to understand how selling your policy could affect your tax situation.
  4. Alternative Income Sources: Before deciding on a life settlement, consider other ways to supplement your income. For example, you may have investments, assets, or other retirement savings that could be leveraged without selling your life insurance policy. Comparing the potential returns and risks of different options is crucial in an inflationary environment.

The Future Outlook for Life Settlements in an Inflationary Economy

As inflation continues to be a concern for retirees, the demand for life settlements is likely to grow. This could lead to a more competitive market, potentially benefiting policyholders looking to sell their policies.  The future outlook will also depend on broader economic conditions, including interest rates, market stability, and the overall performance of the life insurance industry.

For investors, life settlements may remain an attractive asset class, offering diversification and the potential for returns that are not directly tied to traditional financial markets. However, they will need to factor in inflation when evaluating potential returns, which could impact the prices they are willing to pay for life insurance policies.

For policyholders, the key takeaway is that inflation adds another layer of complexity to the decision to sell a life insurance policy. While life settlements can provide much needed liquidity, especially in a high-inflation environment, it’s essential to approach the decision with careful consideration of all factors involved.

The impact of inflation on life settlements is an important consideration for anyone thinking about selling their life insurance policy. As inflation continues to affect the cost of living, life settlements may become an increasingly attractive option for retirees seeking to supplement their income. Policy owners should carefully evaluate their financial situation, the value of their policy, and the potential implications of selling before making a decision. By understanding how inflation influences the life settlement market, seniors can make more informed choices that align with their long-term financial goals.

To find out if you are likely to qualify for a life settlement or any other Reverse Life Insurance solution, such as a viatical settlement or term life settlement, please give us a call at 800-727-7654.

What Is Reverse Life Insurance?

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What is reverse life insurance? All of the secondary market options such as viatical settlements, life settlements, retain-a-portion, and Medicaid life settlements are types of reverse life insurance

Reverse Life Insurance is sometimes referred to as Life Settlements, but in reality Reverse Life Insurance is much, much more. While Life Settlements allow certain qualified individuals to sell their life insurance policy in the secondary market for life insurance, Reverse Life Insurance also facilitates solutions that allow qualified Policy Owners to receive a cash advance against their life insurance policy (Life Insurance Advance), convert their life insurance policy into an FDIC-secured benefit account to pay for long-term care (Medicaid Life Settlement), or sell their life insurance to pay for treatments and expenses from chronic or terminal illnesses (Viatical Settlements). Reverse Life Insurance even helps qualified Policy Owners sell their Term Life Insurance policies with no cash value (Term Life Insurance Settlement).

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