There are plenty of valid reasons for
purchasing life insurance, all of which relate directly to providing funds in
the event of premature death of the insured. All that’s required in order to
obtain a policy is to be the named insured or have an “insurable interest” in that person and have the ability to pay the premium.
Term vs Whole Life
There are two main types of life insurance:
term and whole life. Term insurance has one single benefit, derived should the
insured die during the term of the policy. At this point, the beneficiary is
paid the face amount stated in the policy. Term insurance is issued for a
specific time period, or term, after which point it expires and must be renewed
to obtain continuing coverage. It is relatively inexpensive and easy to
purchase. Terms generally last between one and thirty years, during which time
the premium charged for the coverage remains level. At subsequent renewals,
premium amounts increase due to the increased age of the insured, which means
higher risk that the insurer will pay out on the policy.
Whole Life
Whole life coverage is usually more difficult
to obtain, requiring a medical examination, and it's also more expensive
initially. Its coverage is meant to last the insured his/her lifetime, during
which premium payments remain level. In addition to the death benefit, whole
life also has a cash accumulation feature that slowly builds up over the years.
This accumulation may be used to lower premiums, to increase face value or as a
source for borrowing. Some whole life policies may also pay annual dividends.
Which is Better?
Term life insurance is what’s typically sold
to cover the risk assumed when buying a vehicle or a home. In the event of
premature death, funds would be available to pay off the loans, leaving the
family of the insured unencumbered by these debts. Policies would be written to
cover the time frame (term) the loans are active. Because term life insurance
usually costs a fraction of what whole life costs initially, it allows young
families on a tight budget to obtain maximum coverage for an affordable monthly
premium.
For those able to afford higher premium amounts, whole life insurance is worth considering because of the lifetime coverage and the built-in cash accumulation feature. Your best bet is to discuss the benefits of each with your professional life insurance agent.
Term vs Whole Life
There are two main types of life insurance:
term and whole life. Term insurance has one single benefit, derived should the
insured die during the term of the policy. At this point, the beneficiary is
paid the face amount stated in the policy. Term insurance is issued for a
specific time period, or term, after which point it expires and must be renewed
to obtain continuing coverage. It is relatively inexpensive and easy to
purchase. Terms generally last between one and thirty years, during which time
the premium charged for the coverage remains level. At subsequent renewals,
premium amounts increase due to the increased age of the insured, which means
higher risk that the insurer will pay out on the policy.
Whole Life
Whole life coverage is usually more difficult
to obtain, requiring a medical examination, and it's also more expensive
initially. Its coverage is meant to last the insured his/her lifetime, during
which premium payments remain level. In addition to the death benefit, whole
life also has a cash accumulation feature that slowly builds up over the years.
This accumulation may be used to lower premiums, to increase face value or as a
source for borrowing. Some whole life policies may also pay annual dividends.
Which is Better?
Term life insurance is what’s typically sold
to cover the risk assumed when buying a vehicle or a home. In the event of
premature death, funds would be available to pay off the loans, leaving the
family of the insured unencumbered by these debts. Policies would be written to
cover the time frame (term) the loans are active. Because term life insurance
usually costs a fraction of what whole life costs initially, it allows young
families on a tight budget to obtain maximum coverage for an affordable monthly
premium.For those able to afford higher premium amounts, whole life insurance is worth considering because of the lifetime coverage and the built-in cash accumulation feature. Your best bet is to discuss the benefits of each with your professional life insurance agent.
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