Real Results

What Seniors Actually Received

Six real case studies showing what seniors received when they chose a life settlement instead of surrendering their policy or letting it lapse.

$2,152,000

Total paid out

Up to 21×

Above cash surrender value

$1,694,400

Total net gain

1

Case Study #1

Policy on Track to Lapse Within 18 Months

IUL · Indexed Universal Life
74-Year-Old Male life settlement case study
Insured

74-Year-Old Male

Carrier

National Life Group

Health

Type 2 diabetes, controlled with medication

Policy Age

12 years in-force

Annual Premium

$28,400 / yr

Face Amount

$1,000,000

Death benefit

Insurer Would Pay

$41,200

Cash surrender value

Life Settlement

$185,000

What they actually got

Net Gain Over Surrender Value

+$143,800

4.5× more than cash surrender value

What Happened

Rising cost-of-insurance charges had the policy underfunded and heading toward lapse. His financial advisor recommended exploring a life settlement rather than surrendering for the cash value. The settlement offer came in at more than 4× the surrender value — providing meaningful funds that were redirected into a fixed annuity, securing stable retirement income.

2

Case Study #2

Estate Plan Changed — Policy No Longer Needed

SUL · Survivorship Universal Life
78-Year-Old Male / 76-Year-Old Female life settlement case study
Insured

78-Year-Old Male / 76-Year-Old Female

Carrier

Lincoln Financial

Health

Male: COPD Stage II · Female: Good health

Policy Age

16 years in-force

Annual Premium

$52,600 / yr

Face Amount

$3,000,000

Death benefit

Insurer Would Pay

$112,000

Cash surrender value

Life Settlement

$410,000

What they actually got

Net Gain Over Surrender Value

+$298,000

3.7× more than cash surrender value

What Happened

After tax law changes reduced their expected estate tax liability, the survivorship policy was no longer necessary for its original purpose. The $52,600 annual premium had become a real burden on retirement cash flow. Their estate planning attorney referred the case, and the $410,000 settlement proceeds were used to fund a charitable remainder trust.

3

Case Study #3

Term Policy About to Expire Worthless

Term · Convertible Term Policy
69-Year-Old Female life settlement case study
Insured

69-Year-Old Female

Carrier

Prudential

Health

Early-stage Parkinson's, mild symptoms

Policy Age

Conversion window: 8 months remaining

Annual Premium

$4,800 / yr

Face Amount

$500,000

Death benefit

Insurer Would Pay

$0

Cash surrender value

Life Settlement

$72,000

What they actually got

Net Gain Over Surrender Value

+$72,000

Policy would have expired worthless

What Happened

Her term policy was approaching the end of its conversion window with $0 surrender value. Her life insurance agent recognized that her health decline had created settlement value that didn't exist at policy inception. The term policy was converted to a permanent product at standard rates — no new medical underwriting required — then settled. She received $72,000 from a policy that would otherwise have expired with nothing.

4

Case Study #4

Premiums No Longer Sustainable in Retirement

Whole Life · Whole Life Policy
79-Year-Old Male life settlement case study
Insured

79-Year-Old Male

Carrier

MassMutual

Health

Cardiac bypass surgery (2019), stable

Policy Age

31 years in-force

Annual Premium

$18,200 / yr

Face Amount

$750,000

Death benefit

Insurer Would Pay

$198,500

Cash surrender value

Life Settlement

$340,000

What they actually got

Net Gain Over Surrender Value

+$141,500

1.7× 71% above cash surrender value

What Happened

He had faithfully paid premiums for over three decades, but retirement income could no longer support the $18,200 annual cost. His children were financially independent and the death benefit was no longer critical to the family's financial plan. Rather than surrendering for the cash value, his financial advisor explored a life settlement and secured an offer 71% above what the insurer would have paid.

5

Case Study #5

COI Charges Had Quadrupled — Policy Failing

UL · Universal Life
87-Year-Old Female life settlement case study
Insured

87-Year-Old Female

Carrier

Transamerica

Health

Breast cancer survivor (5+ yrs remission), Type 2 diabetes

Policy Age

24 years in-force

Annual Premium

$68,400 / yr

Face Amount

$2,000,000

Death benefit

Insurer Would Pay

$43,500

Cash surrender value

Life Settlement

$920,000

What they actually got

Net Gain Over Surrender Value

+$876,500

21× more than cash surrender value

What Happened

Escalating cost-of-insurance charges had more than quadrupled her annual out-of-pocket premium over eight years, draining the policy's cash value to near zero. An in-force illustration showed the policy lapsing within two years. Her insurance agent brought the case forward, and the $920,000 settlement — 21× the surrender value — eliminated the premium burden while generating significant funds for long-term care planning.

6

Case Study #6

Business Key-Person Policy Outlived Its Purpose

UL · Universal Life
73-Year-Old Male life settlement case study
Insured

73-Year-Old Male

Carrier

John Hancock

Health

Mild cognitive decline, otherwise fair health

Policy Age

14 years in-force

Annual Premium

$36,100 / yr

Face Amount

$1,500,000

Death benefit

Insurer Would Pay

$62,400

Cash surrender value

Life Settlement

$225,000

What they actually got

Net Gain Over Surrender Value

+$162,600

3.6× more than cash surrender value

What Happened

He had retired from his business three years prior, and the key-person policy no longer served its original purpose. The company's CPA flagged the ongoing premium as an unnecessary expense on the books. Through a life settlement, the business recovered more than 3.5× what the carrier would have paid on surrender — and the proceeds were reinvested directly back into operations.

What Does This Mean for You?

Every policy and every situation is different. But these cases show a clear pattern: seniors who explore a life settlement almost always receive significantly more than what their insurance company offers.

No Cost to Find Out

There is absolutely no cost to apply and get an estimate. The worst outcome is you learn your policy doesn't qualify — and that information is free.

Competitive Bidding

The brokers we connect you with shop your policy to multiple buyers simultaneously, creating competition that drives your offer higher.

60–90 Day Process

From your first conversation to funds in hand, the typical life settlement takes 60 to 90 days. No drawn-out process — just a clear timeline.

What Is Your Policy Worth?

Every situation is different. Get a free, no-obligation estimate and find out what your specific policy may be worth in today's secondary market.

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