Universal Life Insurance

Types of Universal Life Insurance

Universal life insurance comes in different forms, each offering lifetime coverage but with different features and benefits. The three main types are: Guaranteed, Indexed, and Variable Universal Life Insurance.

Guaranteed Universal Life Insurance (GUL) 

• GUL policies offer simple, fixed coverage
• You pay the same premium throughout the policy, and the death benefit remains constant
• There’s no flexibility to change payments, and the policy usually has little or no cash value
• It also has an end date, often set at an advanced age like 90 or 100. It is suitable for people who want lifelong coverage at a predictable cost and don’t need investment or savings options

Indexed Universal Life Insurance (IUL) 

• IUL policies link part of your cash value to a stock market index
• These plans offer flexible premiums and adjustable death benefits. You can borrow or withdraw from the cash value
• However, returns are often capped, so even if the market does well, your gains may be limited
• It is ideal for people looking for growth potential with moderate investment risk and flexibility

Variable Universal Life Insurance (VUL)

• VUL policies give you control over how the cash portion is invested, such as in stocks, bonds, or mutual funds
• This offers higher growth potential but comes with more risk. You also have flexible premiums and can adjust the death benefit
• Keep in mind that VULs often have higher fees due to active investment management
• It is perfect for experienced investors who want control over their portfolio’s growth and are comfortable with market risks

How Does Universal Life Insurance Work?

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how it works– 

• Once you buy a policy, you’ll start paying premiums—either monthly, quarterly, or yearly. A portion of your premium goes toward life insurance coverage, while the rest builds cash value over time. This cash value earns interest and grows every year
• If the policyholder passes away, the insurance company pays the death benefit to their family. Meanwhile, the cash value works like a savings fund—you can borrow from it or make partial withdrawals when needed. This makes Universal Life Insurance a smart option for both protection and saving

Can You Cash Out on Your Universal Life Insurance Plan?

You can use the cash value from your universal life insurance policy while you're still alive in a few ways —

• Policy Loan – Borrow money from your policy and repay it whenever possible. These loans usually have low interest rates
• Withdrawals – You can take out some cash, but this will lower the amount your family receives as the death benefit
• Surrendering the Policy – If you choose to cancel the policy, you'll get the cash value minus any surrender fees. However, the coverage ends completely

These options give you access to funds when needed, but it's important to understand how each choice affects your policy.

Difference between Whole Life Insurance and Universal Life Insurance in Dubai

This section outlines the difference between whole life insurance and universal life insurance. Let’s dive in to learn more. 

Factors Affecting Universal Life Insurance Premiums in the UAE

The following are the factors affecting the universal life insurance premium in the UAE —