For the purpose of this title, an "annuity" is a contract under which obligations are assumed with respect to periodic payments for a specific term, or terms, or where the making or continuance of all or of some of such payments or the amount of any such payment is dependent upon the continuance of human life, except payments made pursuant to optional modes of settlement under the authority of Section 27-5-2. Such a contract, which includes extra benefits of the kinds set forth in Sections 27-5-2 and 27-5-3, shall, nevertheless, be deemed to be an annuity if such extra benefits constitute a subsidiary or incidental part of the entire contract.
Ala. Code § 27-5-3 (1975)