Compensation Glossary

Group Life Insurance

Group life insurance is part of an increasing number of workplace benefit packages. Most group life insurance policies offer term life coverage, but individual states in the U.S. usually insist that companies allow employees to change their life insurance policies from term to permanent when employees leave their jobs. The individuals then pay premiums to the insurer. Federal requirements for group life insurance include: (1) The policy must provide a general death benefit. (2) The policy must cover a "group of employees." (3) The policy must be carried directly or indirectly by the employer. (4) The amount of insurance must be computed under a formula precluding individual selection.