Guaranteed Universal Life (GUL)
Guaranteed universal life is permanent life insurance built for one job: a death benefit that stays in force to an age you choose, often 90, 95, 100 or later, for a level premium. It builds little or no cash value, which is why it usually costs much less than whole life for the same amount of coverage.
What is guaranteed universal life?
It's a kind of universal life insurance designed to keep the death benefit in force to a chosen age for as long as each scheduled premium is paid in full and on time. The focus is the benefit, not savings: there's little cash value to borrow against.
Because the coverage depends on the payment schedule, a late, skipped or short payment can shorten how long the policy lasts. Some carriers allow a catch-up payment and others don't. We go through the carrier's rules with you before you apply.
Who it is for
- People in their 50s, 60s and 70s who want lifelong coverage at a lower price than whole life.
- Anyone leaving a set amount to children, a spouse or a charity.
- People whose term policy is ending and who still want coverage.
- Families planning for estate costs or a debt that may outlast a term policy.
What it helps cover
The death benefit is paid to your beneficiaries, who can use it for anything: an inheritance, final expenses, a mortgage, estate costs or a business arrangement. It suits a need that lasts for life and a budget that wants the lowest premium for that need.
Why work with an independent agency
Pricing and rules differ between carriers: the ages you can cover to, how late payments are treated, and how each one underwrites your health. We compare the carriers you qualify with and show you the premium for each age you might cover to. The carrier makes the final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is it different from whole life?
Both can last for life. Whole life builds a meaningful cash value and costs more; this coverage builds little or none and costs less for the same death benefit.
What if I miss a payment?
Missing or shortening a payment can reduce how long the coverage lasts. Some carriers let you catch up later at a cost; others don't. Paying by automatic draft is the simplest way to stay on schedule.
What age should I cover to?
Many people choose 95, 100 or later. A lower age lowers the premium but leaves a chance of outliving the coverage. We'll show you the price of each.
Related Coverage
Whole Life Insurance
Permanent coverage in larger amounts, with a level premium and a cash value that grows.
Learn moreTerm Life Insurance
Level protection for a set number of years, suited to income and mortgage cover.
Learn moreFinal Expense Insurance
Smaller, simplified whole life coverage that pays quickly so a funeral and final bills are covered.
Learn moreTalk through guaranteed universal life with a licensed agent.
No obligation: clear answers, real monthly amounts from more than one carrier, and a recommendation that fits your family and budget.
Product availability, features, riders and any carrier guarantees vary by carrier, product and state, and are subject to the carrier's underwriting and approval. This page explains the product and is not an offer of coverage.