Which type of life insurance policy combines protection features with cash value growth potential?

The type of life insurance policy that combines protection features with cash value growth potential is variable life insurance. This policy not only provides a death benefit but also allows the policyholder to allocate a portion of the premiums to a variety of investment options, such as stocks, bonds, or mutual funds. The cash value can grow based on the performance of these investments, which is why it has the potential for greater growth compared to other types of life insurance.

Universal life and whole life also have cash value components that grow over time, but they generally provide a more conservative growth mechanism, usually tied to a fixed interest rate or a rate set by the insurer rather than linked to investment performance. Term life, on the other hand, does not include a cash value component at all; it only provides coverage for a specified term without any savings or investment feature. Therefore, variable life stands out as the correct answer due to its dual feature of life insurance protection and a cash value that can significantly fluctuate based on investment choices.