CommerceGuard.org is the primary site of the Commerce Accountability Project (CA Project, LLC), an organization dedicated to exposing anti-competitive, anti-labor and anti-consumer practices in industry. We rely on the support of the public to continue our work. If you would like to support us, please consider donating or volunteering. You can learn more about us here.
Glossary
InsuranceFinanceHealthcareEmployment LawPrivacy

Accelerated Death Benefit

An Accelerated Death Benefit is a provision in a life insurance policy that allows the policyholder to receive a portion of the death benefit while still alive if they are diagnosed with a terminal illness or a specified medical condition.

Example #1

For instance, if someone with a life insurance policy is diagnosed with a terminal illness and meets the policy's criteria, they may be eligible to receive a portion of the death benefit to help cover medical expenses or improve their quality of life.

Example #2

Another example is if an insured individual suffers a critical illness that meets the policy's conditions, they could request an accelerated payout to use the funds towards treatment or other essential needs.

Misuse

Misuse of the Accelerated Death Benefit provision could occur if an insurance company denies a valid claim for this benefit, leaving the policyholder in a vulnerable financial situation during a critical time. It's crucial to ensure that insurance providers honor the terms of the policy and pay out legitimate claims promptly when the conditions are met.

Benefits

The Accelerated Death Benefit provides policyholders with financial assistance when facing serious medical conditions, offering peace of mind and support during challenging times. By accessing a portion of the death benefit early, individuals can alleviate financial burdens associated with medical treatments or other expenses.

Conclusion

Understanding the Accelerated Death Benefit provision in a life insurance policy can be crucial for consumers as it provides a safety net during times of medical need. Ensuring that insurance companies adhere to the terms of this provision is vital to protect policyholders from financial hardship.

Related Terms

PolicyholderDeath Benefit

Last Modified: 4/29/2024
Was this helpful?