Variable Universal Life Insurance

You can make changes to your coverage as your needs change, and you may have flexibility in your payment amounts as long as there is sufficient cash value to cover monthly charges.

Want to learn more?

• 5-Minute Guide to Variable Universal Life Insurance (PDF)
• Choosing a beneficiary
• Fees and charges

Advantages and Disadvantages

With a variable universal life policy, you can take advantage of potential economic growth because your policy value is invested in the stock market. Your policy also has the flexibility to adjust to your changing needs. Underlying sub-accounts are only available as investment options in variable insurance contracts issued by life insurance companies. They are not offered directly to the general public.

However, it also puts greater responsibility on you − you assume the investment and mortality risks, and you select and monitor your own underlying investment options, instead of the insurance company doing it for you.

Your insurance needs may change if your personal situation changes, for example if you get married, have a child or get a promotion. Make sure that these strategies and products are suitable for your long-term life insurance needs. Also, make sure you are able to continue premium payments so your policy doesn’t lapse if the market goes down. If you take a loan, withdrawal or partial or whole surrender your death benefit may be reduced, your policy may lapse or you may face tax consequences.

There are fees and charges for variable life insurance, including a cost of insurance based on characteristics of the insured person such as gender, health and age. There may also be underlying fund charges and expenses, and additional charges for riders that customize a policy to fit your individual needs.

Before deciding on a variable life insurance policy, you should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the policy and its investment options. The product prospectus and underlying fund prospectus contain this and other important information. To obtain a product prospectus, variable universal life insurance quote, or underlying fund prospectus, contact your investment professional or Nationwide. Read the prospectus carefully before making a purchase.

Variable universal life insurance products

• The Best of America Next Generation^®II FPVUL
• America's marketFLEX^® VUL
• The Best of America Next Generation^® Survivorship Life
• The Best of America^® MSPVL II
• Nationwide^® Options Select
• The Best of America Protection^® FPVUL  
• The Best of America Protection Survivorship^®

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Guarantees and protections are subject to Nationwide's claims-paying ability. They do not apply to the investment performance or safety of the underlying investment options. Life insurance is issued by Nationwide Life Insurance Company, or Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company, Columbus, Ohio. The Best of America, The Best of America Next Generation and America’s marketFLEX are federally registered service marks of Nationwide Life Insurance Company.

Investment products are not FDIC-insured, may lose value and have no bank guarantee.

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