First, we'll explain the different
types of term life policies available, and the benefits of each type, so you can make an educated decision.
This is important in regard to both whole life policies — which the company will ultimately pay out whether you die or not — but even more in the
case of term life policies.
This allows the
owner of the term life policy to convert to a permanent life insurance policy without having to show that the insured is in good health.
When calculating premiums for a term life insurance policy, life insurance carriers consider several risk factors, as well as, the amount of life insurance and
duration of your term life policy.
Of course, health changes can and usually will impact renewal rates; in fact, health changes for the worse can even make
renewal of term life policies impossible in some cases.
When the coverage
period of a term life policy ends, you could face dramatically increased premiums or be required to go through underwriting.
Typically, as
part of a term life policy, or a permanent life insurance policy, you can get accidental death benefit rider on top of your policy.
The most common
use of a term life policy is to provide for financial responsibilities following death such as debt, mortgage payments, or dependent care.
If you pass away during the
term of your term life policy, your death benefit is paid free from federal income taxes to your spouse (beneficiary).
Level term insurance is the most popular type
of term life policy because it's easy - to - understand, and offers the maximum coverage at the lowest cost, for a period of up to 30 years.
While the survey didn't break down the particular types, we can assume the majority had the combination
of a term life policy with a smaller universal or whole life insurance as subsequent policy.
Because the majority
of term life policies never pay a death benefit, insurance companies can offer them much more cheaply than whole life policies (every one of which eventually pays), and still make money.
This can be one of the most valuable
features of a term life policy... a low cost, and guaranteed option to convert at the original health class, regardless of how your health changes over times.
If you have dreams for your business and you need funding to help them come true, keep the option
of a term life policy as loan collateral in mind as you talk with lenders.
By contrast, if you invest the $ 8,000 per year that you save as a
result of a term life policy, and invest it at, say 7 % per year, blended between mutual funds invested in growth stocks and fixed income securities, your account will grow to more than $ 784,000 after 30 years.
This is a great way for people to enjoy the lower premiums
of a term life policy now, while having peace of mind knowing that they will never have to worry about how their potential health changes could affect their future insurability.
What a return of premium rider offers is that it will pay you back all the premiums you have paid during the life of the term policy at the
expiration of your term life policy.