Survivorship Life (SL), which is also called second-to-die or last-to-die life insurance, provides no death benefits upon the first death. If coverage is desired or needed for the first death, a special rider paying the desired amount can be added to the SL policy. Otherwise, one should consider a combination of SL and joint life (first-to-die) insurance with death benefits associated with each policy appropriate to the need.
In term/permanent plans, there is a risk that premiums could escalate prohibitively if dividends are lower than projected and/or term rates increase.
Reproduced with permission. Copyright The National Underwriter Co. Division of ALM