The term "Viaticus Settlement" refers to a legal agreement in which a terminally ill patient sells their life insurance policy to a third-party investor for a lump sum, with the investor receiving the benefit when the patient passes away. The phonetic transcription of this term in IPA is /vaɪˈætɪkəs ˈsɛtlmənt/. It is derived from the Latin word "viaticum," meaning "provision for a journey," and the English word "settlement," which refers to an agreement or arrangement of financial affairs.
A Viaticus Settlement refers to a financial transaction in which an individual sells their life insurance policy to a third party, known as a viatical settlement provider, in exchange for a lump sum payment. This arrangement is specifically designed for individuals who are terminally ill or have a chronic illness, as the viatical settlement provides them with immediate cash to cover medical expenses, living costs, or other financial needs.
The process of a Viaticus Settlement involves a thorough evaluation of the insured individual's life expectancy by the viatical settlement provider. The provider calculates the potential value of the policy by considering various factors such as the policy's face value, premium payments, and the estimated lifespan of the individual. Based on this assessment, a mutually agreed-upon amount is offered to the insured. In the event of the insured individual's death, the viatical settlement provider becomes the beneficiary of the life insurance policy and receives the full payout from the insurance company.
Viaticus Settlements can provide a beneficial option for terminally ill individuals who need immediate financial relief, as it allows them to access a portion of their life insurance policy's value while they are still alive. Additionally, it offers flexibility and control over their financial affairs, affording them the opportunity to use the funds as they see fit. Overall, a Viaticus Settlement is a financial tool that enables individuals to convert their life insurance policies into a valuable asset and obtain financial stability during a difficult and challenging time in their lives.