A variable life insurance policy provides both a death benefit and an investment component called cash value. The owner of the policy invests the cash value in subaccounts selected by the insurer. The policyholder may accumulate cash value over the years and "borrow" the appreciated funds without paying taxes on the borrowed gains (taxes may be required if policy is surrendered). As long as the policy stays in force the borrowed funds do not need to be repaid, but interest may be charged to your cash value account.
Some things to consider about variable universal life insurance is that the value of the funding options will fluctuate with changes in market conditions. There is growth potential as well as risk. Additionally, skipping or postponing premiums can affect your policy's cash value and death benefit and may cause increased premiums later.