What is an insurance premium?

An insurance premium is the amount of money that an individual or business must pay periodically to maintain an insurance policy in force. This payment is essential as it compensates the insurance company for the risk it assumes when providing coverage. The premium can be paid monthly, quarterly, annually, or through other payment arrangements, depending on the terms set by the insurer and the policyholder's preference.

Understanding this concept is crucial because it directly affects the policy's active status; if the premium is not paid, the policy may lapse, leaving the policyholder without coverage. The other options do represent relevant aspects of insurance but do not define what a premium is. For instance, the total coverage amount pertains to the extent of financial protection offered, while fees for policy changes and savings accrued in a whole life policy are components related to specific features or modifications of insurance products.