Which payment option typically involves the highest total annual cost for life insurance premiums?

Monthly payments tend to involve the highest total annual cost for life insurance premiums primarily due to the increased frequency of payment. When policyholders choose to pay premiums monthly, insurance companies generally charge a higher total amount compared to paying premiums annually or semi-annually. This is often attributed to the administrative costs associated with processing more frequent payments, including billing and transaction fees.

Moreover, some insurers utilize a concept called a "monthly payment factor," which adds an additional surcharge to the monthly premium to cover these expenses. This factor can result in higher overall costs when the monthly premiums are summed over the year. Conversely, paying premiums annually or semi-annually usually provides a discount or lower rate, as these methods reduce the insurer's administrative burden.