Definition of "Deposit term life insurance"
Policy in which a premium (the deposit) is paid in the first policy year, in addition to the regular term insurance premiums required. The deposit is left to accumulate at interest for a specific number of years, e.g., 10. Thereafter, the policy owner can receive the deposit plus interest or may renew the policy without the insured having to furnish evidence of insurability. This procedure can be repeated every 10 years, in some instances up to age 100. A deposit term policy can be converted to ordinary life, or decreasing term life insurance without evidence of insurability. However, if the policy owner cancels the policy prior to the initial 10 years, the deposit and any interest is forfeited. If the insured dies before the policy is converted, the deposit plus the interest is added to the death benefit.
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