Life Insurance That Protects You Now
Not Just After You’re Gone
Most people think life insurance is only for their family after they die. What if your policy could also protect you while you’re still here?
Living benefits life insurance pays out in the event of a critical illness, chronic illness, disability, or terminal diagnosis — while you’re alive. That means if you’re diagnosed with cancer, suffer a heart attack, or become unable to work, your policy can send money to cover your bills, treatment, and family expenses without you having to die first to collect.
At CMS Legacy Builders, we connect Missouri families with the right life insurance policy through our GFI partnership — including access to Ethos, ranked the #1 life insurance company in the U.S. by Forbes in 2024. We do all the shopping across 25+ top-rated carriers so you don’t have to.
What Are Living Benefits?
Living benefits are built-in or rider-added features on a life insurance policy that allow you to access a portion of your death benefit early under qualifying circumstances. Common triggers include:
- Terminal illness diagnosis (typically 12–24 month life expectancy)
- Critical illness such as heart attack, stroke, cancer, or organ failure
- Chronic illness or long-term disability preventing normal daily activities
- Permanent confinement to a nursing home or care facility
Types of Life Insurance We Offer
- Term Life Insurance — Affordable coverage for a set period, ideal for young families and income replacement
- Whole Life Insurance — Permanent coverage with guaranteed cash value growth
- Indexed Universal Life (IUL) — Market-linked growth with living benefit riders and tax-free wealth building
- Simplified Issue & Guaranteed Issue — Options for families with health conditions who may not qualify for traditional coverage
Why Work With CMS Legacy Builders for Life Insurance?
- Non-captive — we shop all major carriers to find your best rate
- Free quotes with no obligation to purchase
- We explain every policy in plain language — no insurance jargon
- Partner of Ethos, Forbes #1 rated life insurance company in the U.S.
- Licensed to serve families across Missouri and all 50 states
Frequently Asked Questions
What is life insurance with living benefits?
Life insurance with living benefits allows you to access part of your death benefit while you’re still alive if you’re diagnosed with a qualifying critical, chronic, or terminal illness. It functions as both a life insurance policy and a financial safety net during serious health events.
How much life insurance do I need?
A common rule of thumb is 10 to 12 times your annual income, but the right amount depends on your debts, dependents, mortgage balance, and income replacement needs. We use a detailed DIME analysis — Debt, Income, Mortgage, and Education — to calculate the exact coverage your family needs.
Is life insurance with living benefits more expensive?
Not necessarily. Many policies include living benefits at no additional cost as built-in features. Others offer them as affordable riders. We compare options across multiple carriers to find the best combination of coverage and price for your situation.
Can I get life insurance if I have a pre-existing condition?
Yes, in many cases. We work with carriers that offer simplified issue and guaranteed issue policies for people who may not qualify for traditional underwriting. The right carrier depends on your specific health history, and we’ll identify your best options.
Do I need life insurance if I’m single with no kids?
Life insurance can still make sense if you have debts, aging parents you support, or want to lock in low rates while you’re young and healthy. Premiums are significantly cheaper when you’re young — and adding living benefits protection makes the policy valuable at any stage of life.