No matter your age or your goals, life insurance policies should be evaluated according to your family's financial situation and goals. These are crucial factors in determining the best coverage.
There are many kinds of life insurance policies. However, the most popular ones include whole and term. Term life insurance seems more practical to most people. It is easy, affordable, and can be used for as long or as you need. Your financial situation, income, and lifestyle will all play a role in choosing the right policy.
While term life insurance can be purchased to protect their family until they are old enough, some people may require a longer safety net. You might have special needs dependents, for example. A 30-year term life policy could be extended through the entire life of your child. It can also be used to provide financial assistance if your long-term plans for care and investment are not mature. An extended term, say 30 years, can offer protections to other dependents such as an older parent who needs your help.
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.
Term life insurance (also known as pure insurance) guarantees the payment of a death benefit to the insured person if they die within a specific time period. The policyholder has the option to renew the policy, change to permanent coverage or terminate the term life insurance policy after the term ends.
No whole or term insurance policies with medical exam coverage are available. The death benefits for whole life coverage are often limited to $50,000 -- this is ten times less than for term insurance. If an insurer doesn't offer medical coverage that includes a higher death benefits, it usually means that the medical test is dependent upon your answers to certain health questions.
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.
No-questions-asked coverage. Guaranteed Issue lives up its name. This ensures that you are covered no matter what your health is like. This type of permanent insurance will continue to be in force as long as you pay your premiums. Guaranteed Issue can be a great option for those who have serious conditions such as heart disease or cancer.
You should be eligible for guaranteed universal or term life insurance policies with low rates for seniors if you are below 80 years old or in good health. Guaranteed whole life insurance is a better option if you have pre-existing conditions.
You might have less options for life-insurance as a senior depending on your age and health. There are no significant restrictions for those who are below 70 years old and in good health. It may be necessary to search for a wider range of companies as some insurance companies will limit the age groups that can purchase certain products.
Once the term ends, the coverage ceases unless you renew the policy, purchase a new one, or convert it to a permanent policy. Some policies offer renewal options, though the premiums may increase.
How much term life insurance coverage do you need? It depends on your financial situation, income, debts, family needs, and future financial obligations. A good rule of thumb is to have coverage that's 5-10 times your annual income.
Term life insurance is a policy that provides coverage for a set period, like 10, 20, or 30 years. If the policyholder passes away during this time, their beneficiaries receive a death benefit.