Should You Buy Term or Whole Life Insurance?

Each year, seemingly countless families make the decision to buy a term life or whole life insurance policy. With the right life insurance policy, you can provide your family with a strong sense of financial security that can last for many years to come.

However, the phrase “life insurance” can be used to describe an incredibly wide range of financial policies. There are many different categories of life insurance available for you to choose from and the differences between these categories can often be quite profound.

In this article, we will discuss the differences between term life and whole life insurance policies. We will also discuss how to decide which policy makes the most sense for your current financial situation. By taking the time to understand the life insurance industry, you will be in a position to make the financial decision that is right for you.

What are the Differences Between a Term Life and Whole Life Insurance Policy?

The primary differences between a term life and whole life insurance policy include the length of time that you’ll be covered, the costs, and the benefits associated with the policy itself. Term life insurance policy, as the name implies, only provide you with a specific amount of coverage (the “term”). Usually, this term will be for 10, 20, or 30 years. On the other hand, if you keep paying the premiums, whole life insurance policies will provide you with coverage for however long you might live.

Naturally, because whole life insurance policies provide more extensive coverage, they will usually be more expensive than term life policies. But as an added benefit, whole life insurance policies also provide policyholders with something known as a “cash value.” This cash value accumulates over time and provides you with equity that can be accessed while you are still alive. Depending on which type of life insurance provider you work with and which type of policy that you choose, there may be additional benefits included as well.

What Are the Benefits of Choosing a Term Life Insurance Policy?

Term life insurance policies are the most popular type of life insurance policies available, and there are a number of reasons why this is the case. If you are young and relatively healthy, you may be able to gain access to a reasonably extensive term life insurance policy for less than $10 per month. This is significantly less than you would be paying for a whole life insurance policy with an equal death benefit.

Additionally, term life insurance policies are often among the easiest to qualify for (with some exceptions). These policies can often be later upgraded to or purchased in addition to a permanent life insurance policy, meaning that you do not need to make any firm commitments in the status quo.

What Are the Benefits of Choosing a Whole Life Insurance Policy?

The most obvious reason that someone would choose to purchase a whole life insurance policy is that they can have coverage—with predictable monthly premiums—that will last for their entire life. With a term life insurance policy, your death benefit will only be paid if you pass away while the policy is still active. Though they will usually cost more on a monthly basis, whole life insurance policies may provide a greater sense of financial security.

Having access to the cash value of a policy is also one of the reasons many people choose to purchase whole life insurance. With each passing year, the amount that the cash value increases will be greater than the year before. The longer you can go without withdrawing from the policy, the more equity you will be able to accumulate. Because of this, many people consider a whole life insurance policy to be an essential component of a well-rounded financial portfolio.

How do I decide which type of Life Insurance Policy Is Best for Me?

The premiums that you pay for a term life insurance policy will only provide your loved with a death benefit if you died within a specified term, while in whole life insurance your premium dollars build cash value that you can use later in life or add to your life insurance payout.

Deciding whether to purchase a term life or whole life insurance policy can often be quite difficult. The policy that makes the most sense for one family may not be the same as the policy that makes the most sense for another. When deciding which policy to apply for, you should consider your health, your current financial situation, the financial state of your dependents, and your long-term financial goals. Talking with a life insurance agent like LifeQuote and getting free life insurance quotes online may also help you better understand which decision will be right for you.

>> Compare Your Life Insurance Rates by Age

Once you have decided to purchase a life insurance policy, you will be moving closer to a state of financial independence. However, deciding to purchase a policy is just the first step. The next step is correctly identifying which policy can help meet your needs. Term life insurance policies are the most affordable but will only offer a limited amount of protection. Whole life insurance policies are more extensive and beneficial but will also cost more on a monthly basis. Understanding the differences between the two will be essential.