Life insurance. The key word is right in the name… “Life” insurance.
It’s really something that should carry you through life — all its ups and downs, all of its changes, all of its good times and bad, and ready to lend a helping hand when the time comes.
But how do you know which type of life insurance makes sense at each stage of your life? Let’s walk through some of your options, and what makes sense for you!
Life Insurance Options
There are three main categories to choose from, no matter what age you are at the time of application. The pros and cons of each, however, may become clearer as time progresses.
Term Life Insurance
Term life insurance, as its name implies, is a life insurance policy that covers the insured for a set and predetermined amount of time. Term life insurance typically comes in periods of 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years, and some companies offer terms up to age 95.
This choice is often more affordable, making it accessible to families just starting out, or for young professionals who simply want to relieve their parents of a burden. While it does not accumulate a value over time (you simply pay a monthly premium, a bill for services), it will provide a set amount of financial payout for your loved ones. This also gives you peace of mind, knowing some expenses are taken care of in the case of your untimely death.
One valuable feature of many term life policies is the option to convert to whole life insurance within a specific timeframe, usually within the first few years of the policy. This conversion option gives you flexibility to switch to permanent coverage without having to undergo another medical exam, should your needs change in the future.
Read more details about Term Life Insurance right here.
Whole Life Insurance
Probably not shocking, whole life insurance covers you for just that: Your whole life. But, it also differs from term life insurance in that it can accumulate value over time. It can be an asset; something you continue to add to over time.
This type of policy is great, as it may provide extra protection later in life. Perhaps you need to pay for a child’s education or save money for retirement. A whole life insurance policy can be the financing you need later in life. While whole life insurance premiums are typically higher than term life insurance premiums, this reflects the permanent coverage and cash value benefits that the policy provides.
Get more details about Whole Life Insurance at this link.
Universal Life Insurance
A universal policy offers both death benefits and the ability to build cash value over time. While you pay monthly premiums like term insurance, universal life offers more flexibility. You can adjust your premium payments and death benefits as your needs change.
These policies can be an excellent option at any stage of life, as they combine insurance protection with investment features. The cash value portion earns interest based on current market rates, giving you the potential for growth while maintaining life insurance coverage. These policies truly offer a “best of both worlds” approach, providing the flexibility to adapt to life’s ups and downs.
Find out more about Universal Life Insurance here.
Which Life Insurance Type Is Right For Me?
Much like life itself, insurance can be tough to understand, as your needs change over time. It is also unique to each individual. This makes it challenging to make broad generalizations when providing sound advice.
I find it is always best to consult with an experienced professional, to be sure the life insurance policy you select is right for you and your life stage. Another important thing to remember is to continually check in with your agent. With life’s changes, so too should come life insurance changes.
I recommend that you meet with your local insurance agent at least annually. They can check to see if anything in your life has changed, since this might affect your existing life insurance policy. Adjustments can be made, premiums can be moved up or down the ladder, or coverage can be updated. And this doesn’t have to be an extensive meeting – even just a quick phone call could suffice!
The important thing to remember is that, just like life, your policies are fluid and can change, grow, and support you regardless of your life stage. Just remember to keep your information updated, and check in annually!
