Universal Life: an annual term life insurance policy with a side fund that accrues interest. As the cost of the term insurance increases each year, the side fund is used to offset the cost. Properly funded, this allows out-of-pocket premiums to remain level.

The side fund grows based on current interest rates. When rates are high, the side funds do well, when rates are low, the side fund does not grow much.

Eventually, the cost of the term insurance can grow to an amount higher than the premium and money is withdrawn from the side fund to help pay the increased cost of the term insurance. If interest remains low, the side fund may be depleted and the insured will have to increase premiums accordingly or reduce the face amount of the policy.