Upon the death of the insured and except as is otherwise expressly provided by the policy or premium deposit agreement, a life insurer may pay to the surviving spouse, children, beneficiary, or person other than the insured's estate, appearing to the insurer to be equitably entitled to such payment, sums then held by it and comprising:
(1) Premiums paid in advance, if such premiums did not fall due prior to the death, or funds held on deposit for the payment of future premiums.
(2) Dividends theretofore declared on the policy and held by the insurer under the insured's option.
(3) Dividends becoming payable on or after the death of the insured.