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Term Life Insurance

Affordable, straightforward coverage that protects your loved ones for a set period of time.

overview

Term life insurance provides affordable, straightforward coverage for a specified period, offering a clear death benefit that supports your loved ones financially if you pass away during the term. This type of insurance is designed to cover critical financial responsibilities—such as mortgages, student loans, and childcare costs—by ensuring that your family is protected during times of need. Because term life insurance does not include a cash value component, it remains much more cost-effective than permanent policies. Additionally, the premiums are typically lower when you are young and healthy, making it an ideal choice for securing high levels of protection at a lower cost early in your life.

Some important things you should think about

01

Provides coverage for a specified term (e.g., 10, 20, or 30 years).

Term life insurance offers protection for a defined period of time, allowing you to choose a length that aligns with your financial responsibilities, such as covering a mortgage, providing for dependents, or securing income replacement during critical years. Once the term ends, coverage typically expires unless renewed or converted.

02

Typically more affordable than permanent policies.

Term life insurance is generally the most cost-effective option, offering high coverage amounts for lower premiums. This makes it a practical choice for younger individuals or families looking for budget-friendly protection during their working years.

03

Pays a death benefit if the policyholder dies during the term.

If the insured passes away while the policy is active, their beneficiaries receive a lump sum death benefit. This payout can be used to cover essential expenses like funeral costs, outstanding debts, or replacing lost income to ensure financial stability for loved ones.

You are a good fit for ​Term Life Insurance if:

1. you have Temporary Financial Obligations

Why it's a good fit for you

  • Term life insurance provides a fixed death benefit for a set time period (e.g., 10, 20, or 30 years).
  • It’s designed to cover specific, time-limited financial responsibilities like a mortgage, student loans, car loans, or ensuring children have financial support until adulthood.

Key Considerations

  • Length of Coverage: Choose a term that matches your major obligations—e.g., a 20-year term to cover the years while children are still dependent.
  • Policy Amount: Make sure the death benefit can handle all debts and living expenses during the coverage period.
2. you need or want Affordable Coverage

Why it's a good fit for you

  • Term life policies typically offer lower premiums than permanent life insurance for the same coverage amount.
  • This makes it attractive for budget-conscious individuals and families who need a substantial death benefit without the higher cost of building cash value.

Key Considerations

  • Premium Stability: Many term policies have level premiums for the duration of the term. Be aware of what happens when the term ends—if you renew, premiums often increase significantly.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: If affordability is your main concern, term life insurance will usually provide more coverage per dollar than whole or universal life.
3. you are Currently in Good Health

Why it's a good fit for you

  • Insurers price term life policies based on age, health, and lifestyle. Good health often translates to lower monthly premiums for the duration of the term.
  • Good health also results in faster approval times.
  • Young, healthy adults can lock in a low rate for decades.

Key Considerations

  • Underwriting: Be prepared to undergo medical exams or provide health records for the best rates.
  • Timing: Buying coverage when you’re young can help you lock in favorable pricing before potential health issues arise.
  • Age: If you are young enough, you may only be required to complete a short telephone interview.
4. you are the Sole or Primary Breadwinners

Why it's a good fit for you

  • If one person’s income supports the household, replacing that income becomes critical if that person dies unexpectedly.
  • Term life insurance helps ensure families can continue paying bills and maintain their lifestyle.

Key Considerations

  • Income Replacement: The policy’s death benefit should be enough to cover your salary (plus potential raises) for multiple years.
  • Living Expenses: Factor in not just the mortgage but also everyday expenses like groceries, utilities, childcare, and education costs.
5. you don’t need Life-Long Coverage

Why it's a good fit for you

  • Term life is temporary; it’s ideal if you anticipate your obligations will decrease over time (e.g., once the mortgage is paid off, kids are grown, or you have enough savings).
  • If you plan to become “self-insured” through retirement accounts and other investments, having coverage only until you reach that stage can be enough.

Key Considerations

  • Long-Term Goals: If you want a policy that lasts your entire life, term insurance alone may not be sufficient.
  • Conversion Options: Some term policies include a conversion rider, allowing you to switch to a permanent policy if your needs change.
6. ​you're looking to Supplement Existing Coverage

Why it's a good fit for you

  • Even if you have permanent life insurance, you may want additional coverage during high-need phases: a growing family, a new mortgage, or a business debt.
  • Term coverage can add an extra layer of protection for a set period without significantly increasing costs.

Key Considerations

  • Policy Coordination: Make sure the term policy and the permanent policy work together (e.g., naming the same beneficiaries, aligning coverage amounts).
  • Riders and Features: See if your permanent policy has riders that might already fulfill short-term needs before buying extra term coverage. These riders typically include Accidental Death and Dismemberment,  Critical Illness, Child Riders, Waiver of premium if you become disabled,  Guaranteed Insurability etc.
7. you're Starting out Financially

Why it's a good fit for you

  • Younger people often have limited budgets, yet they still need to protect their families or co-signed loans. 
  • Term life offers significant coverage at a lower monthly cost, which can be locked in for a long period.

Key Considerations

  • Future Insurability: Locking in coverage while young and healthy can save money over time.
  • Term Length: Pick a term that covers the prime working years if you’re unsure how your needs will evolve.
8. you don't need a Cash Value Component

Why it's a good fit for you

  • Unlike whole or universal life, term insurance does not accumulate cash value.
  • This appeals to those who prefer a “pure” insurance product and want to invest or save through other vehicles (such as 401(k)s, IRAs, or brokerage accounts).

Key Considerations

  • No Forced Savings: You won’t have the safety net of a built-in savings (cash value), so ensure you have a separate plan to save or invest.
  • Simplicity: Term life is straightforward—if you die within the term, your beneficiaries receive the face amount. Otherwise, coverage ends.
9. ​you're a Business Owner With Short-Term Needs

Why it's a good fit for you

  • Business owners may want coverage to secure a loan, protect business debts, or fund a buy-sell agreement if a partner passes away.
  • Term life can be set up to last the duration of a loan or until key business milestones are reached. 

Key Considerations

  • Business Continuity: The policy should be in place as long as liabilities or key-person risks exist.
  • Ownership and Beneficiaries: If used for a buy-sell agreement, the policy ownership and beneficiary designations must be set up correctly.

Term Life Insurance - Summing it all up

Term life insurance is best suited for individuals or business owners who have time-limited financial obligations and want substantial coverage at a lower cost compared to permanent life insurance. It’s straightforward, cost-effective, and provides peace of mind during the years you have significant responsibilities—like raising children, paying off a mortgage, or expanding a business. 

If you find your insurance needs might extend beyond a set term—or if you want a policy that accumulates cash value you can tap into—you might consider whole life or universal life. Otherwise, term life remains a popular choice for budget-conscious people who want to cover specific risks over a defined period.           

Still not sure?

If you're still unsure if Term Life insurance is right for you, don't worry. Go to our FREE Insurance Screening Tool. It will ask you a series of questions. Then, based upon your answers it will make personalized recommendations based on your financial situation and goals. Please note that this tool is completely FREE and anonymous, and does not require a phone number, email address or name to get the results.

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