What is the term for the total amount of premiums paid if the insured dies within a specific period?

The term for the total amount of premiums paid if the insured dies within a specific period is known as "Return of Premium." This feature is particularly associated with certain types of life insurance policies, such as return of premium term life insurance. Under this arrangement, if the insured passes away during the policy term, the beneficiary receives the total amount of premiums paid to date. This provides a sense of security for policyholders, as they can recover some of their investment should the unforeseen occur during the policy duration.

This feature distinguishes it from other options like the death benefit, which refers to the payout the beneficiaries receive upon the insured's death but does not necessarily equate to the total premiums paid. Cash value represents the savings component of permanent life insurance, which accumulates over time and can be borrowed against, but does not directly relate to the total premiums upon death. Lastly, policy payoff is a more general term that does not specifically denote the return of premiums paid.