What distinguishes variable life insurance from traditional whole life?

Variable life insurance is characterized by its investment options, which include equity investments as part of the cash value. This feature allows policyholders to allocate their premiums among various investment options, such as stocks, bonds, or money market funds, contributing to the growth potential of the policy's cash value. Unlike traditional whole life insurance, which typically has a guaranteed cash value that grows at a fixed rate, variable life insurance provides the opportunity for potentially higher returns, albeit with increased risk.

This investment component not only distinguishes variable life insurance but also means that the cash value and death benefit can fluctuate based on the performance of the chosen investments. If the investments perform well, the cash value and death benefit can increase. Conversely, poor investment performance can lead to a decrease in these values. This dynamic aspect of variable life insurance reflects the essential balance of risk and reward inherent in these types of policies.