A limited-pay life insurance policy is a type of permanent life insurance that provides coverage for the entire lifetime of the insured but involves paying premiums for a limited number of years.

The correct answer to the question is “age 100” because coverage on a limited-pay life policy typically remains in force until the insured reaches the age of 100. Let’s explore the reasons why this answer is correct and why the other options are not:

“Age 100” – Correct Answer

Limited-pay life insurance policies are designed to provide coverage throughout the insured’s lifetime, just like traditional whole life insurance. However, the key difference lies in the premium payment duration.

In a limited-pay policy, the policyholder is required to pay premiums for a specified number of years (e.g., 10 years, 20 years, etc.), after which premium payments cease, and the policy is considered paid up. While premium payments cease, the coverage continues until the insured reaches the age of 100.

The age 100 is a common endpoint for coverage in limited-pay life policies because it is an actuarially sound assumption that most policyholders will not live beyond this age. At age 100, the policy matures, and the policyholder or their beneficiaries are entitled to receive the policy’s face value or death benefit.

It’s important to note that the age 100 endpoint is not an arbitrary choice but is based on actuarial tables and insurance industry standards. Limited-pay policies offer the benefit of predictable premium payments during the limited-pay period, after which the coverage remains in force until the insured’s 100th birthday, at which point the policy matures.

Now, let’s discuss why the other options are not correct:

“Age 65” – Not Correct

The option “age 65” is not correct because limited-pay life policies are designed to provide coverage throughout the insured’s lifetime, and age 65 is significantly short of a typical life expectancy. Limited-pay policies do not terminate at age 65; instead, they provide coverage until age 100 or until the insured’s death, depending on which event occurs first.

“When Premium Payments Stop” – Not Correct

While it is true that premium payments cease after the specified limited-pay period in a limited-pay life policy, the coverage does not automatically terminate when premium payments stop. The coverage typically remains in force until the insured reaches age 100 or until their death, whichever comes first. The cessation of premium payments signifies that the policy is considered paid up, but the coverage persists.

“At the Discretion of the Insurer” – Not Correct

Limited-pay life insurance policies are typically contractual agreements with specific terms and conditions. The insurer and policyholder agree upon the premium payment period and the age at which the policy matures.

This age is commonly set at 100 years, and it is not at the discretion of the insurer to terminate the coverage earlier. The insurer may adjust the terms of the policy, but it would require mutual consent from both parties and follow applicable insurance regulations.

In conclusion, limited-pay life insurance policies are structured to provide coverage until the insured reaches the age of 100. The premium payments cease after the limited-pay period, typically lasting a specified number of years. The age 100 endpoint is based on actuarial calculations and is a standard feature in these policies.

The other options, such as age 65, when premium payments stop, or at the discretion of the insurer, do not accurately represent the typical terms and conditions of limited-pay life policies. These policies are designed to offer lifetime coverage, making them a valuable choice for those who want to limit the duration of premium payments while ensuring lifelong protection.