University of Maryland Global Campus

FINC 352: Life and Health Insurance

A study guide to UMGC's FINC 352, the course on life and health insurance as tools in financial planning for businesses and individuals.

Updated October 2026 · 5 min read

FINC 352 at the University of Maryland Global Campus is a three-credit study of the tools and principles of life and health insurance in financial planning for businesses and individuals. UMGC notes that students may receive credit for only one of BMGT 347 or FINC 352.

The goal, per the catalog, is to assess personal needs and decide which types of life and health plans fit best. Topics include pension planning strategies such as deferred-compensation and profit-sharing plans, the use of trusts in business and in planning estates, and the effects of income, estate and gift taxes on life insurance and estate planning.

The course is a prerequisite for FINC 490, so students planning financial planning careers need it. The difficulty is combining insurance, tax and legal ideas in one recommendation.

Course at a Glance

ItemDetails
UniversityUniversity of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)
Course codeFINC 352
Credits3
LevelUndergraduate
PrerequisiteNone listed in the catalog
Credit restrictionOnly one of BMGT 347 or FINC 352

What FINC 352 Covers

Catalog topicWhat to be able to do
Assessing personal needsEstimate coverage for income, debts and dependants
Life and health plan typesCompare term, permanent and health coverage
Pension planning strategiesDescribe deferred compensation and profit-sharing plans
Trusts in business and estatesExplain why and how trusts are used
Income, estate and gift taxesTrace the tax effects on insurance and estate plans

Key Concepts with Worked Examples

Estimating Life Insurance Need

A common method adds the funds a family would need and subtracts existing resources.

Example: A household needs $240,000 to replace income for a surviving spouse, $200,000 to clear a mortgage and $60,000 for education, a total of $500,000. Existing savings and group cover total $150,000, so the shortfall is $350,000. Your analysis should state each assumption and explain that real planning uses current tax and benefit rules.

Term Versus Permanent Insurance

Term cover is for a set period and is usually cheaper at the start. Permanent cover lasts for life and builds cash value, at higher cost. Match the type to the need: a temporary need such as a mortgage suits term; a lifelong need such as estate liquidity may suit permanent.

Why Taxes Matter

Whether premiums, proceeds and transfers are taxed shapes the best structure. Describe the principle and cite current rules for your jurisdiction, because figures and thresholds change.

Typical Assignments and How to Approach Them

UMGC's public page lists no assessments. This table shows typical work for the course; follow your syllabus.

Assignment typeWhat it testsApproach
Needs analysisQuantifying coverageList needs, resources and the gap clearly
Plan comparisonMatching products to needsCompare cost, duration, flexibility
Business insurance or pension caseApplying plans to firmsIdentify the goal, then the structure that serves it
Tax and estate discussionUnderstanding effectsUse current rules and cite them

Comparing Cover Types

Use a comparison table to prepare for case questions. This outline is a general summary; confirm details in your text.

TypeTypical featureOften suits
Term lifeCover for a set period, no cash valueTemporary needs such as a mortgage or child-raising years
Permanent lifeLifetime cover with cash value, higher premiumLifelong needs such as estate liquidity
Health coveragePays or reimburses medical costsProtecting against large medical bills
Employer-based plansGroup cover, sometimes with deferred pay featuresEmployee benefits and owner planning

For each case, state the need first, then choose the type, then discuss cost and tax treatment.

A Second Example: Deferred Compensation in Context

An owner wants to keep a key manager by promising extra income at retirement. A deferred-compensation arrangement promises future payments, and the business may fund the promise with life insurance on the manager.

A case answer should explain the goal, how the arrangement works, what each party gets and risks, and the tax treatment as described in your course materials. Avoid stating tax outcomes you cannot cite, because rules differ by plan type and change over time.

Where Students Get Stuck

Study Tips for FINC 352

How We Help with FINC 352

Send the case, readings and rubric. A finance writer can prepare a worked needs analysis or paper, or review your draft for logic and clarity. See our finance assignment help guide.

GradeEssays is independent of the University of Maryland Global Campus. Our work is for study and reference and is not personal insurance or tax advice; submit your own work under UMGC's academic integrity policy. Orders are written from scratch, with free revisions within the scope of your original request and a full refund if late.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does FINC 352 have prerequisites?

The catalog lists none.

Is FINC 352 needed for FINC 490?

UMGC lists FINC 352 among the prerequisites for FINC 490.

Which course is an alternative?

Credit can be received for only one of BMGT 347 or FINC 352.

Does it cover taxes?

Yes, including the effects of income, estate and gift taxes on life insurance and estate planning.

Is the focus personal or business?

Both: financial planning for businesses and individuals.

Can you check my needs analysis?

Yes. Send it and we review logic and calculations.