Child Whole Life Insurance: What You Need to Know

As a parent, you want to ensure your child’s financial security in case something happens to you. One way to do this is by purchasing a child whole life insurance policy. While most people think of life insurance as something you buy for adults, it’s not uncommon for parents to buy a policy for their children as well. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about child whole life insurance.

What is Child Whole Life Insurance?

Child whole life insurance is a type of life insurance that covers a child from birth to death. It provides a death benefit, which is paid out to the beneficiary (usually the parent) if the child passes away.

Additionally, child whole life insurance policies accumulate cash value over time. This means that as the child grows up, the policy can be used as a savings vehicle, with the option to withdraw or borrow against the cash value later in life.

It’s important to note that child whole life insurance policies are typically more expensive than term life insurance policies, which only provide coverage for a set amount of time.

Why Do Parents Buy Child Whole Life Insurance?

There are several reasons why parents might choose to buy a child whole life insurance policy:

Reasons
Description
Final Expenses Coverage
If the worst happens and a child passes away, parents may use the death benefit to cover final expenses such as funeral costs.
Guaranteed Insurability
A child whole life policy guarantees the child’s insurability in case the child develops a health condition later in life that could make it difficult or costly to buy life insurance.
Cash Value Growth
The cash value component of a child whole life policy can be used as a savings vehicle that can be accessed later in life to pay for things like college tuition or a down payment on a house.
Legacy
Some parents choose to purchase a child whole life policy as a way to leave a financial legacy to their child.

How Much Does Child Whole Life Insurance Cost?

The cost of child whole life insurance depends on several factors, including:

  • The age of the child
  • The amount of coverage
  • The health of the child
  • The type of policy

On average, a child whole life insurance policy can cost anywhere from $25 to $50 per month.

How Much Coverage Should You Get?

The amount of coverage you should get for your child depends on your individual needs and circumstances. Some factors to consider include:

  • Final expenses such as funeral costs
  • Existing debts such as a mortgage or car payments
  • Future expenses such as college tuition
  • The desired amount of cash value growth

It’s important to work with an insurance agent to determine the appropriate amount of coverage for your child.

Are There any Limitations or Drawbacks of Child Whole Life Insurance?

While child whole life insurance can provide many benefits, there are some limitations and drawbacks to consider:

  • Higher premiums compared to term life insurance
  • Lower death benefits compared to policies for adults
  • Low cash value growth in the first few years of the policy
  • The possibility of outliving the policy, which means you won’t receive a payout

It’s important to carefully consider these limitations and drawbacks before purchasing a child whole life insurance policy.

FAQ

Is child whole life insurance necessary?

Child whole life insurance is not a necessity, but it can provide peace of mind for parents who want to ensure their child’s financial security in case of an unexpected death.

Can you cash out a child whole life insurance policy?

Yes, you can withdraw or borrow against the cash value component of a child whole life insurance policy. However, this may reduce the death benefit and affect the overall value of the policy.

What happens to a child whole life insurance policy when the child turns 18?

When the child turns 18, they can take over ownership of the policy and continue to pay the premiums. Alternatively, the parent can continue to own the policy and transfer ownership to the child at a later time.

Can you purchase child whole life insurance for a grandchild?

Yes, grandparents can purchase child whole life insurance policies for their grandchildren. However, the parent or legal guardian must consent to the policy and be listed as the beneficiary.

Is the death benefit from a child whole life insurance policy taxable?

No, the death benefit from a child whole life insurance policy is generally not taxable.

Conclusion

Child whole life insurance is a type of life insurance that provides coverage for a child from birth to death. It can provide peace of mind for parents who want to ensure their child’s financial security in case of an unexpected death, and can also be used as a savings vehicle that accumulates cash value over time. However, it’s important to consider the cost, amount of coverage, and limitations and drawbacks before purchasing a policy. Working with an insurance agent can help ensure that you make the right decision for your family’s needs.