http://blog.christianmoney.com/2010/05/viatical-settlements-are-not-a-liquid-investment-there-is-no-return-on-the-investment-until-the-death-benefit-is-paid.html
Most people are familiar with the availability of buy-outs on life insurance for those with a terminal illness, but the elderly in good health may also be able to sell their life insurance policy as well. For a policy holder, selling their life insurance policy may be a much better deal than to cash it in with their insurance company. Depending on their age and medical condition, their life insurance policy could very well be worth a substantial sum. The buyers (investors) in early payoffs (also called life settlements), are earning solid returns and dont have to worry about the ups and downs of the stock market.
James L. Paris http://ChristianMoney.com