Which premium payment frequency typically results in the highest premium costs?

When examining premium payment frequencies, monthly payments usually result in the highest overall cost compared to other payment schedules. This is primarily due to the increased administrative costs and the additional risk that insurers take on when allowing for more frequent payments. In order to offset these costs and risks, insurance companies typically charge higher premiums for monthly payment plans.

In contrast, annual payment plans provide a lower total premium because the insurer receives the entire year's premium upfront, thus reducing ongoing administrative costs and risks associated with payment collection. Similarly, semi-annual and quarterly payment plans also average lower overall costs than monthly plans, as they require fewer transactions and less administrative overhead. Therefore, choosing to pay premiums monthly can lead to higher total expenses for the policyholder compared to paying annually, semi-annually, or quarterly.