Life insurance is a contract in which a policyholder pays regular premiums in exchange for a lump-sum death benefit paid to the policyholder's beneficiaries. The lump-sum benefit is paid when the policyholder either passes away or a specific amount of time has passed. Life insurance policies can provide financial security for surviving family members by replacing lost income and covering expenses.

There are a number of different types of life insurance policies (sometimes referred to as products)—all of which generally fall under the categories of term life insurance and whole life insurance. The names and terms of different life insurance products in these two categories vary from one insurance company to another.

Some examples of life insurance products include:

• term life insurance

• whole life insurance

• universal life insurance

• indexed universal life insurance

• guaranteed universal life insurance

• variable life insurance

• variable universal life insurance

• hybrid life insurance with long term care

• group life insurance

• mortgage life insurance

• credit life insurance

• joint life insurance

• simplified issue life insurance

• guaranteed issue life insurance

• accidental death and dismemberment insurance

In Georgia, life insurance is regulated under state law and overseen by the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner. Life insurance policies are legal contracts where the insurer agrees to pay a specified death benefit to the beneficiaries upon the death of the insured, or after a set period. The policyholder pays premiums in exchange for this benefit. The types of life insurance available include term life insurance, which provides coverage for a specific term, and whole life insurance, which offers coverage for the insured's entire lifetime and typically includes a savings component. Other variations such as universal life, variable life, and various hybrid policies offer different investment options and flexibility in terms of premiums and death benefits. Specific regulations govern the sale, advertising, and administration of these policies to ensure they are fair and financially sound. Insurers in Georgia must be licensed by the state, and policies must comply with state statutes that protect consumers, including provisions for a 'free look' period, during which a policy can be canceled without penalty. It's important for consumers to understand the terms and costs associated with each type of policy before making a purchase.