An insured's life insurance policy includes a conversion option. What does this generally allow?

The conversion option in a life insurance policy primarily grants the policyholder the ability to convert a term life insurance policy into a whole life policy, or sometimes to another type of permanent coverage, without having to provide evidence of insurability. This is a significant benefit as it allows individuals to maintain their coverage even if their health status has changed since the inception of the term policy.

When term insurance approaches its expiration date, policyholders often face the challenge of obtaining new coverage, particularly if they have developed health issues that could hinder their ability to secure a new policy. The conversion option alleviates this concern by ensuring that they can continue their life insurance protection through a different type of policy, which accumulates cash value over time, a feature typically associated with whole life insurance.

Options that involve converting cash value to premium payments, transferring beneficiaries, or switching insurers do not align with the definition and purpose of a conversion option within life insurance policies. These features pertain to different aspects of life insurance contracts and do not typically come with a conversion feature.