Definition of "Life insurance"

Protection against the death of an individual in the form of payment to a beneficiary usually a family member, business, or institution. In exchange for a series of premium payments or a single premium payment, upon the death of an insured, the face value (and any additional coverage attached to a policy), minus outstanding policy loans and interest, is paid to the beneficiary. Living benefits may be available for the insured in the form of surrender values or income payments.

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