Final answer:
To access a life insurance benefit to pay for a long-term illness or life-threatening disease, an insured can purchase an accelerated benefit rider.
Step-by-step explanation:
An insured can access all or a portion of a life insurance benefit to pay for a long-term illness or life-threatening disease by purchasing an accelerated benefit rider.
Accelerated benefit riders are optional additions to a life insurance policy that allow the insured to receive a portion of the death benefit early if they are diagnosed with a qualifying illness or condition.
By choosing the accelerated benefit rider, the insured can use the funds to cover medical expenses or any other financial needs arising from their illness.