Did you know that nearly half of American households—44%, to be exact—would face serious financial strain within just six months if they lost their primary breadwinner? Shockingly, for 28% of families, this would become a reality in a mere month [1].

The importance of life insurance cannot be overstated. The only thing that needs to be discussed is when, where, and how to get it. Should you get term life insurance or go for whole life insurance and why?

This article shows you the benefits, downsides, and other types of life insurance you can invest in now to secure your future and that of your family.

What is Term Life Insurance?

Term life insurance is a type of insurance policy that provides coverage for a specific period. It is designed to give financial protection to your loved ones in the event of your death during the term of the policy.

When you purchase a term life policy, you choose a specific time, such as 10, 20, or 30 years, during which the policy will be in effect. This is known as the policy term. Note that term life insurance averages are for 20-year terms.

If you pass away during the policy term, the life insurance company will pay a lump sum, known as the death benefit, to your designated beneficiaries. Your beneficiaries are typically your loved ones, such as your spouse, children, or other family members.

If you outlive the term you signed up for in a term life insurance policy, the coverage simply expires, and you won't receive any payout or refund for the premiums you've paid.

However, some term life insurance policies offer additional features. For example, renewable policies allow you to extend coverage beyond the initial term without needing a medical exam, although the premiums may increase.

Pros and Cons of Term Life Insurance

Pros of Term Life Insurance:

• Affordability: Term life insurance is cheaper than whole life.
• Flexibility
• Simplicity
• Financial Protection: Term life insurance provides a death benefit that can help replace lost income, cover debts, and provide financial security for your loved ones in the event of your death.

Cons of Term Life Insurance:

• No Cash Value: Term life insurance does not accumulate cash value over time, so there is no opportunity for savings or investment growth.
• Limited Duration: Once the term of the policy expires, you may need to reapply for coverage, which can be more expensive due to age or changes in health.
• No Return on Premiums.
• No Permanent Coverage.

What is Whole Life Insurance?

Whole life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance policy that lasts your entire lifetime, as long as you continue to pay the premiums. Whole life policies are designed to offer financial protection for your loved ones and also include a savings component.

When you purchase a whole life insurance policy, you're getting coverage that lasts for your entire lifetime, as long as you continue to pay the premiums. Unlike term life insurance, there is no set term or expiration date.

If you pass away, the insurance company will pay a lump sum to your designated beneficiaries to use for funeral expenses, outstanding debts, or financial support.

To maintain the coverage, you must pay monthly, quarterly, or annual premiums to the insurance company, which is determined by factors like your age, health, and the coverage amount you choose. 

One unique feature of whole life insurance is that it accumulates a cash value over time. Part of the premiums you pay goes towards building this cash value. As the cash value grows, you have options to access it. You can borrow against it or make partial withdrawals, known as policy loans.

However, you must understand that the death benefits are reduced with constant withdrawal and borrowing from your cash value.

Pros and Cons of Whole Life Insurance

Pros of Whole Life Insurance:

1. Whole life insurance lasts your entire life
2. Cash Value Accumulation
3. Fixed Premiums
4. Estate Planning Benefits

Cons of Whole Life Insurance:

1. Higher Premiums
2. Limited Flexibility
3. No Control Over Investments
4. Complex Product

What are the Differences Between Term and Whole Life Insurance?

The main difference between term life insurance and whole life insurance is that term life insurance provides coverage for a specified period while whole life insurance covers your entire lifetime:

• Coverage Duration: Term life covers 10, 20, or 30 years, while whole life insurance covers a lifetime, as long as premiums are paid.
• Premiums: Whole life insurance is more expensive than term policies for the same coverage amount. Whole life premiums are typically higher because they account for the lifelong coverage and the cash value component.
• Cash Value: Whole life builds cash value over time, which grows on a tax-deferred basis. Term life insurance does not accumulate any cash value.
• Investment Component: Whole life policies often include an investment or savings component, where a portion of the premiums goes towards building cash value. Term life insurance does not include an investment component.
• Flexibility: Term life is more flexible in terms of coverage duration. You can choose a term that aligns with your specific needs, such as the duration of a mortgage or until your children become financially independent. Whole life insurance offers less flexibility because it is designed to provide lifelong coverage.
• Policy Modifications: Term life policies are more straightforward and cannot be modified once issued. Whole life insurance policies often have options for modification, letting you increase or decrease the death benefit, adjust premium payments, or use the cash value to pay premiums.
• Estate Planning: Whole life insurance can be used as a tool for estate planning, as it provides a guaranteed death benefit that can help cover estate taxes, leave an inheritance, or equalize inheritances among beneficiaries. Term life insurance is used for specific financial protection needs during a defined period.

Ensure to consider your circumstances, financial goals, and budget when choosing between term life insurance and whole life insurance. An expert can help you make a more constructive decision.

Which Should You Choose Between Term and Whole Life Insurance?

Deciding on the best life insurance between term life and whole life insurance is subjective. From the factors and points raised in this article, you should be able to determine which option works best for you. However, below are some more personal factors to consider:

1. Financial Goals

Consider your short-term and long-term financial goals. If you need coverage for a specific period, such as until your mortgage is paid off or your children are financially independent, term life insurance may be a better fit. If you're looking for lifelong coverage with a savings component, whole life insurance may align better with your financial goals.

2. Budget

How much can you comfortably afford to allocate towards life insurance premiums? Understandably, not everyone will have enough earnings to keep up with whole-life premiums, which is where term life insurance might come in for you. Whole life insurance is more expensive than term life but the benefits are also more.

3. Coverage Needs

Consider factors like outstanding debts, income replacement for your dependents, and future financial obligations. Determine the duration of coverage you need and the amount of death benefit necessary to adequately protect your loved ones.

4. Risk Tolerance

Whole life insurance typically includes a savings component and potential for cash value growth. If you prefer a guaranteed savings component and are willing to accept potentially higher premiums, the cash value growth in a whole life insurance policy will be mouthwatering.

5. Future Flexibility

If you think your needs will change or anticipate additional coverage, term life insurance allows you to adjust your coverage duration or purchase additional policies.

Remember, selecting the best life insurance option is a personal decision that depends on your unique circumstances, financial goals, and risk tolerance. You can speak with an insurance agent to learn more about insurance coverage, insurance costs, and benefits of both options.

Other Types of Life Insurance Policies for Seniors

If you don't want to go with term or whole life insurance, you can choose from a host of different other insurance policies, including the following:

1. Universal life insurance is a flexible type of permanent life insurance that offers both a death benefit and a savings component. It allows you to adjust the death benefit and premium payments throughout the policy's lifetime.

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3. Indexed universal life insurance is similar to universal life insurance but with a savings component tied to the performance of a stock market index. The cash value growth is linked to the index's performance, offering the potential for higher returns.

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5. Variable universal life insurance is another form of permanent life insurance that allows you to allocate a portion of your premiums into various investment options, such as stocks, bonds, or mutual funds. 

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7. Final expense insurance, also known as burial insurance or funeral insurance, is designed to cover the costs associated with your funeral and other end-of-life expenses. It is typically easier to qualify for, making it a popular option for seniors.

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9. Guaranteed-issue life insurance doesn't require a medical exam or ask health-related questions. It guarantees acceptance for seniors regardless of their health conditions. However, coverage amounts are usually limited, and premiums tend to be higher.

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11. Simplified issue life insurance does not require a medical exam but asks a simplified set of health questions during the application process. It offers quicker approval and coverage for seniors with minor health issues.

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13. Joint life insurance covers two people, typically spouses or partners, under one policy. It pays out a death benefit when either person passes away. Joint life insurance is less expensive than whole life and term life, especially since it covers two people.

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Choose what works for you and work with an expert to purchase any policy you conclude on. The benefits of a life insurance policy outweigh whatever costs you pay to maintain them.

Final Words

Determining whether term life insurance or whole life insurance is best for you depends on you and what you want out of it. Term life insurance offers affordable premiums and flexibility for specific coverage periods, making it suitable if you have temporary financial obligations.

Whole life insurance tends to offer lifelong coverage, builds cash value, and can be used for estate planning purposes, but comes with higher premiums and limited flexibility. 

Remember to request life insurance quotes from several providers to determine which company is right to work with.