whole life Insurance

What is whole life insurance?

This type of permanent life insurance gives you lifelong protection³ and has features you can use along the way. As you make payments (which will never go up by the way), your policy will build cash value. It's guaranteed to grow tax deferred regardless of market ups and downs, and you can use the cash value to pay for whatever you want or need. You can also earn dividends that can be taken as cash, used to pay premiums, or buy more coverage. Find out more about whole life insurance.

What is the cash value of whole life insurance?

As you make payments, part of your premium will go toward building a pool of money over time called cash value.¹ This savings component grows tax deferred and gives you the option to withdraw or borrow against it for whatever you need throughout your life. It can come in handy for unexpected expenses, putting your kids through college, expanding your business, upgrading your home, or as additional income in retirement. See if whole life is right for you. Talk to one of our advisors.

How does whole life insurance work?

We promise to pay who you name (beneficiaries) a set amount of money when you're no longer here, and you in return, promise to make regular payments (premiums). But whole life insurance from Northwestern Mutual is much more than that. As you make payments, you'll build cash value (tax deferred) that you can use for anything you wish.¹ You can also earn dividends (while not guaranteed, we've paid them every year since 1872) that can be taken as cash, used to pay premiums, or buy more coverage. Get more details on how whole life insurance works.

What are the benefits of whole life insurance?

Whole life insurance is a uniquely flexible asset. Along with a guaranteed payout³ to your loved ones when you're no longer here, it has cash value that grows over time. It's tax advantaged and not directly tied to market fluctuations. Even better, you can use the cash value for anything you want throughout your life.¹ You can also earn dividends (while not guaranteed, we've paid them every year since 1872) that can be taken as cash, used to pay premiums, or buy more coverage. Ask an advisor if whole life is right for you.

Who should consider whole life insurance?

Really, anyone that might benefit from a uniquely flexible asset. Whole life provides financial protection for your loved ones when you're no longer here. Plus, as you make payments, part of it will go to building cash value that you can use for whatever you want, whenever you want.¹ Ask an advisor if whole life is right for you and your goals.

What is the difference between whole life insurance and term life insurance?

Term life covers you for a specified amount of time, while whole life covers you for your entire life. Along with a guaranteed payout³ when you're no longer here, whole life insurance also has a lot more life insurance benefits you can use throughout your life. It builds cash value over time that you can use for whatever you want.¹ Plus, whole life insurance can earn dividends that can be taken as cash, used to pay premiums, or buy more coverage. See more on the living benefits of whole life insurance.

Is whole life insurance a good investment?

Whole life insurance is not an investment—it provides protection for you and your loved ones. It accumulates cash value over time that's guaranteed to grow, will never go down, and has smart tax advantages. What you earn over what you put in won't be taxed (unless you withdraw it). Even better, you can use the cash value for anything you want throughout your life.¹ See how much you know about life insurance, take our quiz.

Can you cash out whole life insurance?

Yes, there are several ways you can tap into the value of your whole life policy. The best option for you will depend on several things like whether you want to keep your coverage or not and how much money you want to access.

Policy surrender — This option cancels your policy outright. The insurance company will give you back all the money you've paid (minus any fees) for coverage and any interest you've earned, but you won't be covered anymore.

Policy withdrawal — The accumulated cash value of your policy is likely the easiest and fastest way to cash in your policy. Keep in mind, by taking money out, you could reduce the long-term growth potential and could leave a smaller death benefit to beneficiaries.

Policy loan — You can borrow up to the total cash value of your policy. However, these loans will accumulate interest charges which can be high. Plus, any money that hasn't been paid back by the time you pass away will be taken from the amount paid to your beneficiaries.

Talk to an advisor about which option makes sense for you. Get matched today.

How much does whole life insurance cost?

What you pay monthly (or yearly) will depend on things like the amount of coverage you need, your age, and your health. The best way to get an accurate quote is to talk to one of our advisors.

Which is better: term life insurance or whole life insurance?

The best one for you depends on your goals. The biggest difference is that term life insurance covers you for a limited amount of time and is likely to be less expensive than whole life insurance. On the other hand, whole life insurance has lifelong coverage and gives you a lot more options that you can use throughout your life. Whole life builds cash value over time that you can use for anything.¹ Plus, it can earn dividends (while not guaranteed, we've paid them every year since 1872) that can be taken as cash, used to pay premiums, or increase your coverage (and cash value). Find out more about the benefits of whole life Insurance.

Is whole life insurance worth it?

Think of it this way: if it can help you reach your goals, then yes, it's worth it. Whole life insurance is a uniquely flexible asset and can be an important part of your financial plan. Along with a guaranteed payout when you're no longer here, it has more you can use throughout your life. Its cash value is guaranteed to increase, it's tax advantaged, and it's not affected by market fluctuations. Find out more about the benefits of whole life insurance.

What insurance riders does Northwestern Mutual offer?

A rider is an optional benefit or feature you can add to your life insurance policy for an additional cost. No matter if it's whole life, universal life, variable universal life or term life insurance, we have a specific rider available. Here's what you can consider:

Waiver of Premium — We'll pay your premiums if you become totally disabled from a sickness or accident.

Additional Purchase Benefit — You can buy more coverage at certain ages regardless of your health, and when you have certain life events like getting married or having a child.

Accelerated Care Benefit — You can use a portion of your death benefit early to help cover long-term care expenses.⁴

Check out all of our available riders, here. Or talk to an advisor about which rider could best fit your goals.

The Northwestern Mutual difference