Get Financial Support When You Need It Most

At Summit Life Settlements, we help individuals facing serious or terminal illness unlock immediate financial support through viatical settlements. If you’ve heard the term “viatical” and wondered what it means or how it works, you’re in the right place.

What Is a Viatical Settlement?

A viatical settlement is a financial agreement in which a person with a life-threatening or terminal illness sells their existing life insurance policy to a third party for a lump-sum cash payment. The buyer takes over future premium payments and receives the death benefit when the insured passes away.

Unlike traditional life settlements, viaticals are specifically designed for those with a significantly reduced life expectancy, often less than two years.

How Does a Viatical Settlement Work?

In a viatical settlement, the policyholder transfers ownership and beneficiary rights to an investor or provider. The buyer then assumes the responsibility for paying the remaining premiums and collects the death benefit upon the insured’s passing. The payout is typically between 50-80% of the policy’s face value, offering significant financial relief to the seller.

Sell Your Life Insurance Policy for Cash: a man and woman holding hands on a beach

The best cash value life insurance depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and coverage needs. Here are some of the most effective options:

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1. Immediate Financial Relief

A viatical settlement provides instant access to cash, which can be used for medical treatments, paying off debts, or other financial obligations.

Lower Monthly Expenses

2. No More Premium Payments

Once the policy is sold, the policyholder is no longer responsible for paying premiums, reducing financial burdens.

Age and Health Parameters

3. Higher Payouts Than Surrendering

A Viatical settlement often yields a much higher payout compared to the cash surrender value of a policy.

Age and Health Parameters

3. Higher Payouts Than Surrendering

A Viatical settlement often yields a much higher payout compared to the cash surrender value of a policy.

Viatical Definition and Key Features

According to financial and insurance industry standards, a viatical settlement is defined as “The sale of a life insurance policy by a chronically or terminally ill policyholder in return for immediate cash.”

Primary Features of a Viatical Settlement Include:

  • The insured is typically diagnosed with a terminal or life-threatening condition.
  • No age requirement, unlike traditional life settlements.
  • The payout is usually tax-free under IRS guidelines (subject to specific conditions).
  • Provides financial flexibility for medical care, living expenses, or personal goals.

Why Consider a Viatical Settlement?

Viaticals are often a compassionate financial option for those navigating severe health conditions. Selling your policy can give you:

  • Immediate cash for treatments or care
  • Relief from ongoing premium payments
  • Freedom to spend your remaining time as you choose
Life Settlement - a man and woman dancing

Risks and Considerations of a Viatical Settlement

sell term life insurance policy

1. Loss of Death Benefit

Once a policy is sold, beneficiaries will not receive the death benefit, which may impact financial planning.

2. Impact on Public Assistance

The lump sum received from a settlement may affect eligibility for Medicaid or other government programs.

3. Potential Tax Implications

While most settlements are tax-free, policyholders should consult a tax professional to understand potential obligations.

4. Privacy Concerns

Selling a life insurance policy requires sharing medical and financial information with third parties.

Choosing the Best Viatical Settlement Companies

Finding the best settlement companies ensures a transparent, fair, and financially beneficial transaction. When selecting a broker, consider:

The Viatical Settlement Process

Step 1: Initial Consultation

A broker or settlement provider evaluates the policy and determines eligibility.

Step 2: Policy Review and Documentation

Medical records, policy details, and other documents are collected for assessment.

Step 3: Market the Policy

The policy is presented to potential investors or best viatical settlement companies for competitive bidding.

Step 4: Offer and Negotiation

The policyholder receives offers and negotiates for the best deal.

Step 5: Sale Agreement & Closing

Once an offer is accepted, the policyholder signs the contract, transfers ownership, and receives payment.

Step 6: Funds Disbursement

The lump sum is disbursed, providing financial relief for the policyholder.

Life Settlement - a man and woman dancing

Viatical Settlement vs. Life Settlement

FeatureViatical SettlementLife Settlement
EligibilityTerminally ill individualsSeniors (65+ years)
Payout Percentage50-80% of policy value20-50% of policy value
Tax ImplicationsTypically tax-freeMay be taxable
Policyholder’s NeedUrgent medical & financial assistanceRetirement funding & financial flexibility

Finding the Right Viatical Broker

When searching for the best viatical settlement companies, policyholders should:

  • Seek licensed and regulated providers.
  • Request multiple quotes for competitive offers.

Work with experienced brokers to ensure a smooth transaction.

How Summit Life Settlements Supports You

As a trusted life settlement brokerage, Summit Life Settlements works for you, not the buyer. We bring your policy to a network of licensed viatical settlement providers and secure competitive offers—all with personalized, hands-on guidance.

What sets us apart:

  • No upfront fees or hidden costs
  • Compassionate, experienced advisors
  • Fast, confidential processing
  • 100% compliance with state regulations

For assistance in exploring a viatical settlement, contact us, your trusted viatical broker today!

Viatical Settlement Calculator – Know Your Policy’s Value

Not sure what your policy is worth? Use our free, confidential settlement calculator to get a quick estimate in minutes. There’s no obligation—just clarity.

“A policy that once protected your family can now help protect your quality of life.”

A viatical settlement is the sale of a life insurance policy by someone who is terminally or chronically ill in exchange for a lump-sum cash payment. The buyer becomes the new policy owner, pays the premiums, and collects the death benefit when the insured passes away.

The key feature of a viatical settlement is that it’s specifically available to individuals diagnosed with a terminal or life-threatening illness. It allows access to immediate cash when it’s needed most, without waiting for the policy’s maturity.

In simple terms, a viatical settlement means selling your life insurance policy while you’re still alive—typically due to a serious illness—so you can access the policy’s value now instead of later.

While both involve selling a life insurance policy, a viatical settlement is for terminally ill policyholders regardless of age, while a life settlement is usually for seniors (65+) who may or may not be ill. Viaticals are typically tax-exempt, whereas life settlements may be taxed.

To qualify, you generally must:

  • Have a terminal or chronic illness (e.g., late-stage cancer, ALS)
  • Own a life insurance policy with a face value of $100,000 or more
  • Be the legal owner of the policy and meet your state’s viatical regulations

Yes, viatical settlements are legal and regulated in most U.S. states. They must be conducted through licensed viatical settlement providers or brokers to protect the rights of policyholders.

In most cases, viatical settlement payouts are tax-free under IRS rules—provided the insured meets the criteria for being chronically or terminally ill as defined by the IRS. However, you should always consult with a tax advisor.

Most types of life insurance can qualify, including:

  • Whole life
  • Universal life
  • Term policies (if convertible to permanent insurance)

The typical viatical settlement process takes 6 to 12 weeks from application to payment. At Summit Life Settlements, we work to expedite this process while maintaining compliance and clarity.

Start by using our settlement calculator to estimate your policy’s value. You can also request a free consultation where our specialists will walk you through your options, eligibility, and next steps.