A life insurance policy is a contract between you and an insurance company. In exchange for regular payments, called premiums, the insurer pays out money after you die. This payment goes to the people you choose as beneficiaries - usually children, a spouse or other family members. It can be an important safety net if anyone depends on you financially. Beneficiaries can use the money to repay debts, replace your income, or provide funds for future expenses like college tuition.
The death benefit can replace your financial support for decades and ensure your family won't struggle to cover the costs of a mortgage, funeral, care, and college for your kids. It also means your spouse can continue saving for retirement or have money to support an ageing parent.
Term insurance is easy to understand. It's also simple to find and compare quotes for life insurance. The policy covers you for the entire term of the policy as long you pay the premium. Three important decisions are required: how much coverage you need for life, how long you would like the range to last, and what type of insurer you wish to work with.
You have two options if you don't meet the criteria for fully underwritten term life insurance. Term policies also make up the lowest form of insurance that does not require a medical exam. No medical exam policies allow for term lengths up 30 years. Term policies can usually be purchased through the age of 75. However some insurers have restrictions on term lengths.
Quick approval: No medical exam is required. You will be covered right away, instead of waiting weeks for the results. This might be an option if your immediate needs are urgent, such as for a future trip.
No medical exam insurance will require you to answer several questions about yourself and your medical history. Your answers will determine whether or not you qualify for coverage. Each insurer has a different list of questions, so you might be denied by one company and then get coverage from another.
Term life insurance is an affordable and simple way to ensure the financial well-being of your loved ones should something happen.
Because term policies provide coverage for a predetermined duration, life insurance rates tend to be more affordable for whole life than term. If you are unable to live out the term, the policy will expire and your beneficiaries won't be able to receive the death benefits. The insurer is therefore less likely to take on this risk. Whole-life insurance premiums, in comparison, are more expensive as they pay out no matter what happens to you. Term life is what all of the best life insurers sell.
The guaranteed issue might be the right fit for you if you're searching for:
Term policies can be purchased either individually or as part a group policy through an employer, civic or religious entity.
Quick approval: You don't need to wait weeks for your results or undergo a medical exam. This is a great option if you are in urgent need of coverage, such as for a upcoming trip.
Most term life insurance policies have level premiums, meaning the payments remain the same throughout the policy term. However, some policies may have increasing premiums as you age.
In its simplicity, term life insurance offers coverage for a specific period and doesn't include a cash value component. On the other hand, whole life insurance provides lifelong coverage and may build cash value over time.
Unlike whole life insurance, term life insurance offers coverage for a specific period and doesn't include a cash value component. On the other hand, whole life insurance provides lifelong coverage and may build cash value over time.