What is "nonforfeiture" in a life insurance policy?

Nonforfeiture refers to provisions included within a life insurance policy that protect the policyholder in the event they can no longer continue making premium payments. Specifically, if a policyholder decides to stop paying their premiums, these provisions ensure they can still receive some benefit from the policy rather than losing everything they have paid into it.

When a policy lapses due to non-payment, nonforfeiture benefits may take the form of a reduced paid-up policy, where the policyholder can keep coverage for a lesser amount without needing to continue paying premiums. Alternatively, it might allow for a cash surrender value that can be accessed. Thus, the concept of nonforfeiture is vital in providing policyholders with options, so they do not completely forfeit their benefits solely due to lapses in premium payments.