What is a Guaranteed Period Annuity?

Often individuals will choose a "guaranteed period" annuity as a way of protecting the capital invested in an annuity. The "guaranteed period" for an annuity is the initial period for which the annuity is guaranteed to be paid regardless of whether or not the individual dies during that specific period of time. The standard guaratee period is 5 years but it can also be pushed out to 10 years. The cost of the regular annuity payment is often reduced by the Life Company when additional "benefits" get built into the annuity. A "guaranteed period" would be considered a benefit.