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By: Carol DeMarco
Life insurance provides financial protection for your loved ones in the event of your death. It typically covers funeral expenses, debt repayment, income replacement, and future financial needs. Life insurance providers might deny coverage for fraudulent claims, suicide within set timeframes, or high-risk activities such as scuba diving.
There are two main types of life insurance: whole life and term life.
Whole life Insurance covers you for life as long as you keep up with the premiums. It accumulates cash value over time, which you can withdraw or borrow against. It also provides a guaranteed death benefit and can be used in estate planning and wealth transfer. However, it typically comes with higher premiums and less flexibility than other insurance options. It may also offer lower returns than alternative investments.
In contrast, Term life Insurance is more affordable and provides coverage for a specified term, such as 10, 20, or 30 years. During this period, you pay regular premiums, and if you die within this term, your beneficiaries receive the death benefit. If you outlive the policy’s span, the coverage expires without any payout.
There are also other types of life insurance worth considering:
Term life policies offer protection for a specific period — typically five to 30 years — while whole life provides coverage for your entire life as long as you pay the premiums. Generally, term life insurance is also less expensive than whole life insurance.
For instance, a 35-year-old non-smoker might find a 20-year term life policy for $30 a month, while a whole life policy with the same coverage could cost about $200 monthly.
The choice between whole life and term life insurance depends on factors like your age, health, and the coverage amount you need.
Choosing term life insurance may be more appropriate if:
A whole life insurance policy, however, might be more beneficial in the following situations:
The table below compares key features of whole and term life insurance.
Term Life Insurance | Whole Life Insurance | |
Coverage Period | Fixed period | Lifetime coverage |
Premiums | Lower premiums | Higher premiums |
Cash Value Accumulation | None | Grows over time |
Death Benefit | Pays out if you die during the policy term | Guaranteed payout |
Additional Features | Option to renew or convert the policy | Potential dividends from the insurer’s profits |
Consider these factors when evaluating life insurance policies:
Learn more about the top life insurance companies.
While employer-provided life insurance policies are beneficial, they often lack comprehensive coverage. These policies base coverage on your salary multiples, which might not replace your total income or handle significant financial duties. It’s also usually tied to your employment, meaning you lose your coverage if you leave your job.
Individual term life insurance is a more reliable choice. Despite the increased costs and separate application processes, it provides customization, better coverage, and stays with you regardless of your job status.
The table below compares employer life insurance and individual term life.
Employer Life Insurance | Individual Term Life Insurance | |
Policy Cost | Lower cost or free coverage | Higher cost |
Admin | Easy and hassle-free enrollment | Administrative burden |
Underwriting | No medical checks required | Underwriting process |
Dependency | Tied to employment | Policy control and independence |
Coverage Amount | Limited coverage amounts | Higher coverage amounts |
Portability | Lack of portability | Portability, regardless of employment |
Customization | Limited options for customization | Flexible and personalized coverage |
To determine the right amount of life insurance, you need to evaluate your current financial situation and anticipate future expenses. Follow these steps to calculate how much coverage you need.
Note that a financial adviser or insurance professional can help tailor a plan to your needs.
Learn more about how much life insurance you might need.
Marriage changes your life insurance needs. As a single person, you may focus on covering debts, funeral expenses, and potential medical costs. However, you need to increase your coverage to protect your spouse’s financial well-being in the event of death. The more dependents you have, like children or elderly relatives, the more coverage you need.
Consider John (35), the primary earner in a family of four. To secure his family’s future, John decides to purchase a term life insurance policy. His coverage goals are as follows:
Goal | Amount | Details |
Income replacement | $1.2M | Replaces John’s income for 20 years |
Debt coverage | $280K | Fully pays off mortgage and car loans |
Education expenses | $400K | Provides a college education for each child |
Funeral expenses | $15K | Covers funeral and final expenses |
Based on these goals, John chooses a term life insurance policy with a total coverage amount of $1.9 million. This coverage ensures John’s family can maintain their lifestyle in his absence.
Alternatively, John could consider getting whole life insurance, which can include special features, or riders, for added benefits:
The life insurance application process may include the following steps:
How much does a life insurance policy cost?
Is life insurance worth it?
Bio: Mario Quijada has over three years of experience in the mortgage field as a loan specialist. With a BA in Business Administration and Finance, he combines his education with industry expertise to streamline loan processes. Mario is focused on guiding individuals toward their financial goals and homeownership dreams.
*AM Best Rating: AM Best’s Financial Strength Rating (FSR) is a measure of an insurer’s financial strength and ability to pay out claims to policyholders. An “A” rating with AM Best indicates that an insurer is considered to be top of the industry in its ability to meet ongoing insurance obligations.
Ladder Insurance Services, LLC (CA license # OK22568; AR license # 3000140372) distributes term life insurance quotes from various insurers – for further details, see ladderlife.com. All insurance products are governed by the terms outlined in the applicable insurance policy. Each insurer has financial responsibility for its own products. Coverage amounts vary by state.