---
title: "What Is Insured? Definition | Epic Life Glossary"
description: "The insured is the person whose life the policy covers. The death benefit is paid when the insured dies, and the insured's health, age, and habits drive..."
url: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/insured
publisher: Epic Life Group
apply: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/apply
quote: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/get-a-quote
---

Policy mechanics

# Insured

The insured is the person whose life the policy covers. The death benefit is paid when the insured dies, and the insured's health, age, and habits drive underwriting and price.

## Why it matters

The insured and the owner are often the same person, but not always. When they differ, the insured usually must agree to the coverage and sign the application. The carrier reviews the insured's health and history, not the owner's. In a joint or spouse rider, more than one person may be covered. Always give accurate answers about the insured, since errors can affect a later claim.

Source: [law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/insured)

## Where we use this term

-   [Fixed vs fixed index annuity: how do they work and who do they fit?](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/fixed-vs-fixed-index-annuity)
-   [Guaranteed issue vs simplified issue: which fits your health and age?](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/guaranteed-vs-simplified-issue)
-   [How do you file a life insurance claim after a loved one dies?](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/how-to-file-a-life-insurance-claim)
-   [Can you still get life insurance over 70? Options that still work](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/life-insurance-over-70)
-   [Mortgage protection vs term life vs PMI: who does each one protect?](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/mortgage-protection-vs-term-life-vs-pmi)

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