New premium sales of individual life combination products jumped 62 percent in 2010 compared to 2009, reaching $1.2 billion, according to research firm LIMRA.

"Overall sales of combination products in 2010 were remarkable, especially coming off the double-digit growth experienced in 2009," said Catherine Ho, LIMRA research actuary. "In addition to carriers boosting their marketing campaigns, consumers’ growing desire for an alternative to stand-alone long-term care insurance (LTCI) has driven sales of these products. For some buyers, combination products are a more affordable alternative to stand-alone LTCI."

Sales of whole life (WL) and universal life (UL) combination products also increased in 2010 over 2009, according to a statement. However, sales of variable life products have been down the past two years, not yet recovering from lows hit during the financial crisis. But new premium sales of variable universal life (VUL) combination products increased 44 percent and policy count improved 88 percent in 2010.