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Life insurance policies provide financial security for your loved ones if you pass away. However, your needs might change, and keeping your policy might not make sense anymore. You might want to cash in your policy due to changes in beneficiaries, financial hardship, or health problems. Many people think they only have two options: surrender the policy or let it lapse. Surrendering means getting less money because of fees, while lapsing means losing both the death benefit and the money already paid.

Fortunately, there are other options. You can sell your life insurance policy through a life settlement or a viatical settlement. This gives you a lump sum of cash and frees you from paying premiums. Both involve selling your policy to a third-party investor for immediate cash. This article explains the differences between life settlements and viatical settlements, including eligibility, benefits, taxes, and the process involved.

Key Takeaways

• Viatical settlements are for individuals with a terminal or chronic illness, providing higher payouts due to shorter life expectancy, at times falling between 50% to 70% of the policy’s lump sum benefit.
• Life settlements are more suited for healthier seniors, yielding a payout between 10% and 25% of the policy’s lump sum benefit.
• Tax implications are significant: viatical settlements are usually tax-free at the federal level, while life settlements have tax implications based on the amount received over total premiums paid.
• Engaging with reputable settlement companies streamlines the process, ensuring fair valuation and compliance with legal requirements.
• The decision between a viatical or life settlement heavily depends on personal circumstances, health condition, and financial needs, requiring a thorough assessment and often professional consultation.

Understanding Viatical and Life Settlements when Selling Life Insurance Policies

The ability to sell your life insurance policy is supported by two primary routes: viatical settlements and life settlements. These settlements occur in secondary markets where life insurance policies are bought and sold. Understanding the nuances, eligibility criteria, and tax implications empowers a life insurance policyholder to make informed decisions that best align with their financial and health circumstances.

What Is a Viatical Settlement?

A viatical settlement is a financial transaction in which a policyholder with a serious illness sells their life insurance policy to a third-party buyer, usually a viatical settlement company, at a discounted rate in exchange for an immediate cash payout. This payout is typically more than the policy’s cash surrender value but less than its policy payout. The buyer takes over the premium payments and becomes the beneficiary, ultimately receiving the policy payout upon the seller’s passing.

Who Qualifies for a Viatical Settlement?

Eligibility for a viatical settlement hinges on the policyholder’s health condition. Individuals diagnosed with a serious illness, such as ALS, Alzheimer’s, or Cancer  generally qualify. However, specific eligibility criteria may vary among different viatical settlement companies and state regulations.

Valuing a Viatical Settlement

The valuation of a viatical settlement is determined by several factors, primarily the insured’s life expectancy and the insurance policy’s terms. The shorter the life expectancy, the higher the payout tends to be. Other factors include the face value of the policy, the type of insurance policy, and the cost of future premiums. Dealing with professional viatical settlement providers helps obtain a fair valuation for your policy.

Why Choose a Viatical Settlement?

Opting for a viatical settlement reduces financial strain, providing immediate funds for medical treatments, paying off debts, or fulfilling personal desires. It’s a great choice when facing a serious illness, especially when the policy’s premiums become too much or the initial purpose of the insurance policy no longer exists.

What Is a Life Settlement?

A life settlement is a transaction in which a policyholder sells their life insurance policy to a third-party investor for a one-time cash payment that is more than the cash surrender value but less than the final payout. Life settlements are usually chosen by seniors who no longer need or can afford the policy or whose beneficiaries’ circumstances have changed.

Eligibility Criteria for a Life Settlement

Eligibility for a life settlement is typically based on age, health, the type of insurance policy, the policy’s face value, and the cost of premiums. Unlike viatical settlements, life settlements are for individuals who are senior-aged and not seriously ill.

Valuing a Life Settlement

The valuation in life settlements is influenced by factors like the insured’s age and health, the type of insurance policy, the face value of the policy, and the cost of future premiums. Typically, the lump sum ranges between 10% and 25% of the policy’s final payout. A life settlement provider helps appraise the policy and simplifies the transaction.

Why Choose a Life Settlement?

Life settlements provide a significant financial resource for seniors looking to enhance their retirement funds, cover medical expenses, or finance other life ventures. It’s worthwhile considering whether the life insurance policy is no longer needed or the premiums have become unaffordable.

Similarities Between Viatical and Life Settlements

Viatical and life settlements allow policyholders to monetize their life insurance policies. They involve selling the policy to a third-party buyer who then assumes the responsibility of premium payments and becomes the policy’s beneficiary.

Getting A Lump Sum Payment of Money

Viatical and life settlements provide policyholders with a lump sum of money, which can be a financial lifeline in challenging times. The amount received from these settlements may be used for various purposes, including paying off debts, covering medical expenses, or improving the quality of life during retirement or a serious illness.

The Third-Party Processing Mechanism

Both settlements involve transferring the ownership and beneficiary designation of the life insurance policy to a third party. This third party continues to pay the policy’s premiums and, in return, receives the policy’s death benefit upon the original policyholder’s passing.

Differences Between A Viatical Settlement vs. Life Settlement

Although viatical and life settlements may seem similar, they cater to distinct demographic and health status groups and have different regulatory and tax implications.

Amount of Money Received

The amount of money you should expect from a viatical or life settlement largely depends on a combination of factors, including the policy’s face value, the premiums, the life expectancy of the insured, and the type of policy being sold.

Here’s a comparative breakdown:

Viatical Settlements:

In viatical settlements, the amount received is often significantly higher than in life settlements. This is typically due to the seller’s shorter life expectancy. The payout may range between 50% to 70% or more of the insurance proceeds. The health condition of the policyholder accelerates the timeline for the investor to receive the insurance proceeds, increasing the settlement offer.

Life Settlements:

Life settlements generally fetch a lower payout of 10% to 25% of the policy’s death benefit. The seller’s longer life expectancy implies a longer duration for the investor to cover the premium payments before they receive the death benefit. This extended timeframe usually results in a lesser payout to the policyholder.

Eligibility Criteria: Health and Age

Viatical settlements are primarily for individuals who have a life-threatening illness, irrespective of their age, with a life policy of $150,0000 or more. On the other hand, life settlements are targeted towards healthier seniors, typically aged 75 and above, with a life insurance policy of $150,000 or more.

Tax Implications: What to Expect

Tax implications play a major role when considering either settlement. Generally, viatical settlements are tax-free at the federal level due to the severe health conditions of the policyholder. 

Life settlements, on the other hand, have tax implications based on the amount received over the total premiums paid into the policy. To understand the full tax implications, it is advised to consult a tax or financial advisor.

Alternatively, speak to American Life Fund today to see if you qualify for a viatical settlement or a life settlement.

Medical Requirements: A Closer Look

The medical underwriting process in both settlements is necessary in determining eligibility and valuation. In order to give you the maximum payout, viatical settlements require a more extensive look at medical conditions, records and documentation of the illness, whereas life settlements may require a simpler health assessment, given they are often targeted at healthier seniors.

Deciding Between a Viatical or Life Settlement

Determining between a viatical or life settlement requires a delicate balance of practical considerations and personal reflection. Your choice will ultimately be influenced by your unique circumstances, health prognosis, and the financial needs you face. Here’s a closer examination of the factors you should consider:

Assessing Your Personal Circumstances

Understanding your financial situation and the urgency of your needs is key to determining the best settlement option for you. Consider the immediacy of your financial requirements and how your health condition impacts your eligibility for either settlement. Remember, a settlement can provide a much-needed cash infusion, potentially relieving some of your immediate financial concerns.

Benefits: A Look at Potential Payouts

Comparing the potential payouts of both viatical and life settlements against factors such as premiums saved and the cash surrender value of your policy can provide valuable insights. Analyze the financial benefits of each settlement option meticulously, considering the immediate cash infusion and the long-term ramifications. By assessing the reasons and benefits, you can make a more informed decision that aligns with your financial objectives and overall well-being.

Qualification Criteria: Health, Age, and Policy Metrics

The qualification for either settlement heavily depends on the policyholder’s health status, age, and the specifics of the insurance policy, such as the type, face value, and premium costs. Understanding these metrics is important in determining eligibility and the potential financial benefit from the settlement.

Tax Implications: Understanding the Financial Impact

A tax professional can provide insight into how settlement proceeds will be taxed based on various factors, such as the policy’s ownership, the amount received, and the intended use of the funds. Different tax rules and rates may apply depending on whether the settlement proceeds are considered income or a capital gain, and these determinations can vary based on individual circumstances and jurisdictional regulations.

Engaging with A Viatical Settlement Company

Handling the complexities of life and viatical settlements can be daunting, so partnering with a professional settlement company such as American Life Fund, specializing in these transactions, is a wise choice. We do the heavy-lifting for you to streamline the process and provide the reassurance you need regarding your financial future.

Here’s how we work together to achieve this:

Initial Consultation:

• Policy Assessment: In our initial consultation, we carefully evaluate your policy, health condition, and other pertinent factors to offer a preliminary estimate tailored to your circumstances.

• Education: We believe in equipping you with knowledge. During this stage, we will guide the process, legal requirements, and what you can expect throughout the transaction, ensuring you feel informed and supported at every step.

Documentation and Evaluation:

• Gathering Documents: Your cooperation in providing necessary documents such as the insurance policy, recent premium statements, and medical records is essential. These documents help us assess your situation accurately and efficiently. However, we are also able to gather these documents on your behalf if you don’t have them on-hand.
• Medical Underwriting: We conduct a thorough process to determine your life expectancy, which influences the offer amount. Rest assured, your privacy and confidentiality are paramount throughout this process.

Closing the Transaction:

• Legal Compliance: Our commitment to compliance means ensuring all legal formalities are meticulously followed by state laws governing viatical settlements. Your peace of mind is our priority.
• Funds Transfer: Upon successful closing, the funds are transferred to you promptly, and the new policy owner assumes responsibility for the policy. We strive to ensure a smooth and seamless transition for you.

At American Life Fund, we recognize the significance of this decision and its impact on your life. That’s why we are committed to working closely with you, offering support, and guiding you through the process with transparency, integrity, and professionalism.

Why Opt for a Viatical or Life Settlement?

Choosing a viatical or life settlement provides immediate cash relief by selling a life insurance policy. It eliminates premium payments, offers flexibility in fund usage, and optimizes underutilized assets. This proactive financial decision brings peace of mind to policyholders and their loved ones, effectively addressing pressing financial needs and uncertainties.

What factors affect how much I would receive from my settlement?

Several factors may influence how much money you would receive from a viatical or life settlement:

• Policy Face Value: Policies with higher face values often attract higher settlement estimates.
• Policy Type: Certain types of policies, like universal or whole life insurance, may be more favorable in settlements compared to term policies. However, term policies can be favorable due to lower premiums, as long as the insured isn’t expected to outlive the term of the policy.
• Premium Amounts: Lower premium amounts are preferable as they result in lower carrying costs for the investor.
• Life Expectancy: Shorter life expectancy generally results in higher settlement estimates.
• Health Condition: The severity of health conditions directly impacts the life expectancy and the settlement amount.
• Market Demand: The demand and supply dynamics in the secondary market for life insurance also play a role in determining the settlement amount.

What is the key difference between surrendering vs. selling a life insurance policy?

Surrendering a life insurance policy involves terminating it in exchange for its cash surrender value, typically lower than the potential value attained through life settlements or viatical settlements.

On the other hand, selling a policy through settlements involves transferring ownership to a third party in exchange for a lump sum payment greater than the surrender value.

This option allows policyholders to maximize the financial benefit of their policy while providing immediate liquidity, making it a more lucrative alternative to surrendering the policy.

Summary

Understanding the differences between viatical and life settlements is key to monetizing a life insurance policy. While surrendering a policy provides immediate access to funds, selling it through a viatical settlement offers a higher payout, a huge benefit for beneficiaries.

Viatical settlements cater to individuals with life-threatening illnesses, offering substantial payouts due to shortened life expectancies, while life settlements are more suitable for seniors in fairly good health. The two options differ in tax implications, eligibility criteria, and the valuation process.

Ultimately, deciding between viatical and life settlements depends on personal circumstances, health conditions, and financial needs. Consulting with a reputable viatical settlement company like American Life Fund can help you understand the implications of each option, ensuring informed decision-making and financial security for policyholders and their beneficiaries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still qualify for a settlement if I already used my accelerated death benefit?

Yes, you may still qualify for a viatical or life settlement even if you’ve accessed your accelerated death benefit, depending on the remaining cash value of your policy. While the full death benefit may be reduced, the remaining policy value can still be sold to a third party. At American Life Fund, we assess the residual value to determine eligibility and estimate potential life settlement proceeds.

What happens if a life insurance policyholder decides to sell a policy but later changes their mind?

If a life insurance policyholder decides to sell but reconsiders, some states provide a “rescission period” after the contract is signed, during which the policyholder can cancel the agreement. However, once the sale is finalized and funds are disbursed, the ownership and life insurance payout rights are permanently transferred to the buyer. It’s important to fully understand your options before committing.

How does being terminally or chronically ill affect the timeline of receiving funds?

For terminally or chronically ill individuals, the settlement process often moves more quickly. American Life Fund prioritizes expedited processing for clients with serious conditions to provide financial relief faster, especially when facing large medical bills or costs related to daily living needs.

Is the lump sum payment from a viatical or life settlement guaranteed?

The lump sum cash payment you receive is based on several factors including your  health status, policy type (e.g., universal life), and policy premiums.  While no two offers are identical, once you accept an offer through a licensed insurance company or settlement company  like American Life Fund, the payment amount is contractually guaranteed and delivered upon final approval and documentation.

What are a few key differences between selling a universal life policy and a term policy?

There are a few key differences: A universal life policy typically has cash value. Term policies, on the other hand, often have no cash value, but still qualify for sale if the insured is terminally or chronically ill and the term period has not expired. Understanding the nuances helps determine eligibility and the potential for financial relief through the settlement process.

About the Author: Eugene Houchins

In 2005, Gene Houchins founded American Life Fund, addressing a significant gap in financial options for life insurance policyholders. As its leader, Gene specializes in providing swift financial support for those with severe illnesses. Through viatical settlements, his organization is able to assist patients with funding medical and living expenses through their existing life insurance policies.