A life insurance contract is a contract between you, the insured company. In return for regular payments (called premiums), the insurer pays money when you die. This payment is made to the beneficiaries you have chosen, usually your children, spouse, and other family members. This can act as a safety net for anyone who is financially dependent on you. Beneficiaries can use the money for repayments, to replace your income, and to fund future expenses, such as college tuition.
Term insurance covers you only for a certain time, like 10 or 20 year. You can choose the term length that best suits your needs. If you die during the term, your beneficiaries will get the payout. Your term life insurance policy can be renewed or cancelled at any time. The term should end by the time you are no longer eligible for life insurance. This means that your house, children, and bank account will have been paid off. Term life policies can be the cheapest type.
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.
Convenience. You don't have to go through a lengthy medical exam. A recent study showed that 47% Americans prefer to purchase their life insurance using a simplified process.
Term life is a temporary policy that covers a limited period of time and is typically less expensive than permanent insurance. This makes it a great choice for young families who are looking for coverage for unforeseen circumstances. You can purchase a policy that covers the years your family depends on you financially, and then lower your coverage when you become independent.
If you're not yet pregnant, you can lock down a lower premium while you're young and healthy. You can also make sure your policy does not mature before the children you have become adults.
Although term life insurance is designed to cover you until your children turn 18, many people need an extended safety net. If you have dependents with special needs, this is one example. A term policy of 30 years can be extended to cover additional years in the life of your child. It can also provide financial support in the event that you die before your investments for long-term care are mature. You can provide protections for your other dependents, such as an elderly parent who depends on you for support, if the term is longer than 30 years.
These policies have higher death benefit premiums. They are typically capped at $25,000 and lower. Many policies include graded death benefits. Your beneficiaries will receive a sum equal to premiums plus interest if your death occurs within the first two-three years of policy issuance.
If you are waiting to have kids, you can lock in a lower premium now while you are young and healthy. You can also ensure your policy doesn't mature before any children you have are adults.
Two standard life insurance policies don't require a medical exam: simplified issue and guaranteed issue. Understanding what they offer and their differences can help you decide which no medical exam life insurance policy will work best for your needs.
It can be used to provide coverage for your final expenses. Because the coverage amounts for the guaranteed issue are lower than those of other types of life insurance many people use it as a form or final expense insurance. This insurance can be used to cover funeral expenses and related medical bills as well as pay off any remaining debts. A guaranteed issue may also allow you to leave a little legacy for your children and grandchildren.
Many term life insurance policies offer a conversion option, putting you in control. This allows you to switch to a permanent life insurance policy before the term expires, usually without requiring a medical exam.
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.