What Does Graded Whole Life Insurance Mean? 
A graded whole-Life insurance policy is intended for people in pretty bad health who ca n't qualify for a full benefit policy . If you have a graded policy for $ 10,000 and died during the first 12-months , it would usually pay only 30 % of the death benefit or $ 3,000 If you died during month 13-24 it would usually pay 70 % or $ 7,000 After 24-months it would pay the full $ 10,000 Before you sign up for a graded benefit policy , make certain that you have a very experienced agent review your options . Many people sign up for a graded policy after one or two companies turn them down for full benefit . An experienced agent can check your health against dozens of companies and often get you approved at full benefit and a lower premium . 