The Pros and Cons of Term and Whole Life Insurance: What You Need to Know

Learn about the pros and cons of term & whole life insurance policies so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.

The Pros and Cons of Term and Whole Life Insurance: What You Need to Know

Term life insurance is a type of policy that provides coverage for a certain period of time, usually between 10 and 30 years. On the other hand, comprehensive life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance that lasts a lifetime. Term life is often more affordable, while whole life can generate cash value. Term life insurance policies only cover you for a specific period, after which the policy expires.

Unlike term plans, lifetime insurance policies provide lifetime coverage. As long as the premiums are paid, the policy will remain in effect until you approve the policy. Full life insurance policies are permanent and last a lifetime. They pay death benefits to the primary beneficiary when you die.

Because of these two attributes, simplicity and finite duration policies also tend to be the cheapest, often by a wide margin. Talking to your insurance agent about your current lifestyle, your plans for the future, and what you want your policy to cover can help you find the plan that's right for you. When you switch from term insurance to full life insurance, you'll start to build up tax-deferred cash value. Setting an affordable premium in advance can make all the difference when it comes to paying for life insurance as you age. If you're looking for something to help cover your final expenses, a specific type of comprehensive life insurance called final expense insurance (also known as burial insurance or funeral insurance) may be better, depending on your age. It's important to understand that term and full-life insurance policies have their own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Term life is often more affordable than whole life, but it eventually expires and you may realize that you have spent all that money for no other purpose other than your peace of mind. On the other hand, whole life is more expensive because it lasts a lifetime and has a cash value that guarantees a return of the cash value. Get a quote today to see how much coverage you could get with a term or whole life insurance policy. Consider your current lifestyle, your plans for the future, and what you want your policy to cover to help you find the plan that's right for you. When it comes to choosing between term and whole life insurance, it's important to weigh up all the pros and cons before making a decision. Term life is often more affordable but may not provide enough coverage in the long run.

Whole life is more expensive but provides lifetime coverage and cash value. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide which type of policy best suits your needs.

Pattie Fritzler
Pattie Fritzler

Hipster-friendly coffee ninja. Infuriatingly humble zombie advocate. Hipster-friendly tv evangelist. Infuriatingly humble reader. Hipster-friendly twitter evangelist.