Eterna Policy Help Desk
Life insurance payment options, explained.
Struggling with a premium or just want to change how you pay? You usually have more flexibility than you'd expect.
Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm ET. No cost, no obligation.
Talk it through
Speak with a licensed agent.
- No cost
- You didn't need to buy from us
- Your info is never sold
Eterna is an independent agency, not your insurance company. Payments and claims go to your insurer.
Payments
Your options.
- Ask about switching between monthly, quarterly, or annual billing.
- Set up automatic payments to avoid missing a due date and risking a lapse.
- If the premium is too high, ask whether reducing coverage lowers it.
- For permanent policies, ask whether cash value can cover a premium temporarily.
- Never let a policy lapse without first asking an agent about your options.
A licensed agent can walk you through every step at no cost. Eterna is independent, so the guidance is about what's best for you.
Your policy, explained
Know what you're paying for.
Choose your policy type to see what to watch for.
Coverage for a set number of years at a level price.
- The price can rise sharply after the level period ends.
- The conversion deadline is often before the term ends.
- No cash value, so nothing is paid back if it ends.
Lifetime coverage with a level price and cash value.
- Costs more per $1,000 than term for the same amount.
- Loans reduce the death benefit if not repaid.
- Surrender charges can apply in the early years.
Flexible lifetime coverage. Cash value earns interest, sometimes tied to an index.
- Internal costs rise as you age.
- If it's underfunded, it can lapse even if you keep paying.
- Your annual statement shows if it's on track.
A smaller whole life policy for funeral costs, with few health questions.
- Some pay a reduced benefit in the first two or three years.
- Over time, premiums paid can exceed the coverage amount.
- If your health is good, other options may cost less.
Not sure which type you have? The plan name is on your policy data page, or call us and we'll read it with you.
What does your coverage cost?
See your price per $1,000 of coverage and what you've paid so far.
Enter your coverage and premium from your policy or a recent statement.
- Coverage amount
- Listed as "face amount" on your policy data page
- Premium
- On a recent statement or your bank draft
- Years
- Count from the policy date
Common questions
Quick answers, clear next steps.
Paying for it
My premium went up
Term policies often jump in price when the level period ends. Some universal life policies need more funding later.
Next step: Check when your level period ends, then call us to compare options.
I missed a payment
Most policies give you a grace period, commonly 30 or 31 days, before coverage lapses.
Next step: Call your insurer to pay what's due.
My policy lapsed
Many insurers allow reinstatement for a while, usually with back premiums.
Next step: Ask your insurer if it can be reinstated. If not, we can look at new coverage.
I changed banks or moved
Your insurer makes account changes. A closed bank account is a common cause of accidental lapses.
Next step: Update it with your insurer using your policy number.
Making changes
Changing my beneficiary
Only the policy owner can change it, on the insurer's form. A will doesn't override it.
Next step: Request the form from your insurer. We can help you fill it out.
Borrowing from cash value
Only permanent policies build cash value. Unpaid loans reduce what your family receives.
Next step: Ask your insurer for a current statement of values first.
Not sure it still fits
Coverage is sized for your life when you bought it. Needs change.
Next step: Call us for a review. Keeping what you have is often the answer.
Ending or replacing
My term is ending
You can usually let it end, renew at a higher price, or convert it. The conversion deadline often comes first.
Next step: Find the conversion date on your policy, then call us.
Thinking about cancelling
Term just ends. Permanent policies may have surrender charges, taxes, and better alternatives.
Next step: Ask what you'd give up before you cancel.
Comparing to a new policy
A new policy may cost less if your health improved, but some protections restart.
Next step: Keep your current policy until the new one is in force.
After a death
Filing a claim
Claims go to the insurer, usually with a claim form and a certified death certificate.
Next step: Call the insurer's claims line. We can help you find out who that is.
Finding a lost policy
Bank statements often show premium drafts. Paperwork may show an older company name.
Next step: Search free with the NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator. Open locator
Switching policies
Do it in this order.
Never cancel your current policy before the new one is in force.
- Get your current statement
- Compare side by side
- Apply and keep paying
- Review the new policy
- Then decide on the old one
What restarts with a new policy: the two-year contestability period, the suicide exclusion, and pricing at your current age.
Policy terms
Words on your policy, defined.
- Owner
- The person who controls the policy and can make changes. Not always the insured.
- Insured
- The person whose life is covered.
- Beneficiary
- Who gets paid. A contingent beneficiary is next in line.
- Face amount
- The death benefit before loans or unpaid premiums are subtracted.
- Grace period
- Time after a missed due date when coverage stays active, commonly 30 or 31 days.
- Level term period
- The years a term premium stays the same.
- Lapse
- When a policy ends because premiums weren't paid in time.
- Reinstatement
- Restoring a lapsed policy, usually with back premiums.
- Conversion privilege
- The right to switch term to permanent coverage, often without an exam, until a deadline.
- Cash surrender value
- What a permanent policy pays if cancelled, after charges and loans.
- Contestability period
- Usually the first two years, when an insurer can review the application on a claim.
- Rider
- An add-on to the base policy, such as accelerated death benefits.
- In-force illustration
- Your insurer's projection of how a permanent policy performs from today.
- Fraternal certificate
- What fraternal societies like Foresters call a policy.
- 1035 exchange
- A tax rule that can let cash value move to a new policy or annuity without current tax.
About Eterna
Here for you, whoever your insurer is.
Independent
We don't work for any insurance company.
No cost
A policy review is free, with no obligation.
Any state
We can help wherever you live.
Are you the insurance company?
No. Eterna is an independent agency. We don't work for any insurance company.
Did I need to buy my policy from you?
No. We can help however you bought your policy.
Will you try to sell me something?
If another policy fits better or costs less, we'll show you. If yours is the right fit, we'll say so.
How are you paid?
Insurers pay agents a commission on new policies. A review costs you nothing.
Does it matter what state I live in?
No. Our agents can help you no matter which state you live in.
More guides
Keep reading.
Or start with your insurance company to see what to handle with them and what to ask us.
Next step
Still have questions?
A licensed agent can walk through your policy with you. No cost, no obligation.