If a life insurance policy is described as "permanent," what does it mean?

When a life insurance policy is described as "permanent," it signifies that the coverage is designed to last for the entire lifetime of the insured, as long as the required premiums are consistently paid. This type of policy differs from term life insurance, which provides coverage for a specified period (usually ranging from one to thirty years) and does not build cash value.

Permanent policies often include a cash value component that accumulates over time, providing an additional financial resource for the policyholder during their lifetime. The commitment to providing lifelong coverage is a distinctive characteristic of permanent life insurance, ensuring that beneficiaries will receive the death benefit regardless of when the insured passes away, assuming the policy is kept in force through proper premium payments.

This understanding clarifies that options referring to termination without notice, limited one-year duration, or coverage for only accidental deaths do not align with the essence of what makes a policy "permanent."