A single premium whole life policy requires only one lump-sum payment. That single payment fully funds the policy for the insured’s lifetime. The insurer places the premium into the policy’s cash value account, where it grows to cover the cost of insurance throughout life. Exact extract: “Single premium whole life provides lifetime protection with one lump-sum premium payment at issue.” This design is often used for estate planning or wealth transfer because the insured never has to make another payment, and the cash value builds immediately.