In the context of life insurance, what is an annuity?

An annuity is a financial product designed to provide a series of payments made at regular intervals. It is often used as a retirement planning tool, allowing individuals to accumulate funds during their working years and then receive a steady income during retirement. This structure enables policyholders to manage their financial needs over time rather than receiving a lump sum.

In contrast, the other choices depict different concepts in the realm of life insurance and finance. A one-time payment for coverage refers to a single premium payment for a life insurance policy, which does not capture the essence of what an annuity is. A type of life insurance policy may suggest various forms of coverage, but an annuity specifically serves a different purpose than providing life insurance benefits. A policy with no cash value indicates certain types of life insurance products, particularly term policies, and does not relate to the payment structure synonymous with annuities. Therefore, the focus on a series of payments is what accurately defines an annuity.