Life Insurance Questions & Answers: Advice for Beneficiaries

Advice for Beneficiaries Q&A

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Answered by Mark Bilgere Life Insurance Agent

Mark Bilgere

Bilgere Insurance • Bedford, TX

What is the difference between a beneficiary and a contingent beneficiary?

The beneficiary is the person or persons who will receive the life insurance payout when the insured passes away. The contingent beneficiary is a different person who will receive the benefit, if the first (primary) beneficiary is no longer able to receive it. Many people make their spouse the primary beneficiary and then add a contingent beneficiary in case the spouse dies first or they both die at the same time. In this case the contingent beneficiary would receive the proceeds.

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