<ul data-eligibleForWebStory="true">Universal life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance with a cash value component and flexibility in premium and death benefit adjustments.There are four main types of universal life insurance, with traditional universal life being the primary focus.The average cost of universal life insurance is around $90 per month for a $250,000 policy for a 30-year-old female.Premiums depend on factors like age, coverage amount, medical condition, and lifestyle.Forbes Advisor has analyzed over 6,600 universal life policies to determine the best companies based on cash value growth and other factors.It is advisable to consult with a financial advisor before purchasing a universal life insurance policy to understand its complexity.Understanding policy costs, including fees, is crucial as high fees can reduce the amount that goes towards cash value.Policy illustrations provide guaranteed and non-guaranteed projections, and it's essential to consider both when evaluating a policy.