Yes, most life Insurance companies provide life insurance policies that can pay benefits that the insured can get enjoy even while he is still living.  This is through a living benefit rider, usually called an ADB or accelerated death benefit rider.  The ADB can be purchased (added) at the time the life insurance policy is issued, or later on during the life of the insurance policy. With this rider, the insured can "advance" his death benefits when he is diagnosed with a terminal or critical illness.  When this happens, the insurance company will pay a portion of the insured's death benefits. The insured can usually get from 50 to 80 percent of the face amount of the life insurance policy. This is either paid out on an installment basis or as a lump sum.  Learn more about accelerated death benefits for life insurance.