Critical Illness
Some policies may provide access after certain covered conditions such as cancer, heart attack or stroke, subject to policy definitions.
Life Insurance With Living Benefits
Protection That May Help While You Are Still Living
Some life insurance policies may allow eligible policyholders to access a portion of the death benefit after a qualifying critical, chronic or terminal illness.
Clear education before a decision
Policy-specific review
No one-size-fits-all answer
A Personal Reason to Educate
Why Living Benefits Matter to Lee
Lee Moultrie’s work is shaped by his own experience as a cancer survivor and longtime healthcare advocate. He understands how quickly a diagnosis can affect income, household stability and a family’s sense of security.
Protection should be understood before a crisis, not discovered after one.
This page helps families ask better questions about policy provisions that may provide support during life, not only after death.
Understand the Categories
Three Common Types of Qualifying Conditions
Definitions vary by insurer, policy and rider. These are general examples, not promises of coverage.
Chronic Illness
Eligibility may depend on the inability to perform specified activities of daily living or on severe cognitive impairment.
Terminal Illness
Some policies may allow accelerated access after a qualifying terminal diagnosis and required medical certification.
Practical Flexibility
What Accessed Benefits May Help Address
When approved, funds are generally paid to the policyowner and may help with personal financial obligations during a difficult period.
- Household expenses
- Mortgage or rent
- Transportation
- Caregiving needs
- Medical-related travel
- Lost income
Important limitations
Living-benefit riders and accelerated death benefits vary by insurer and policy. Accessing benefits may reduce the policy’s death benefit and cash value. Eligibility, waiting periods, exclusions, charges and tax treatment may apply.
1. Clarify your concern
Discuss who depends on you, what worries you and what protection you already have.
2. Review eligible options
Compare available provisions, costs, limitations and underwriting requirements.
3. Decide with confidence
Move forward only when the coverage and tradeoffs are clear.
Understand the Policy Before You Need It
Request a conversation focused on your family, your existing coverage and the questions that matter most.
Request a Living Benefits ReviewInsurance products are subject to eligibility, underwriting, policy terms, exclusions, limitations and carrier availability. This page is for general educational purposes and is not legal, tax, investment or medical advice.