Term life insurance Vs whole of life insurance
If you are considering your life insurance options, you have undoubtedly encountered the "term
Hot Topics
- What is the difference between a Life Insurance Broker and a Life Insurance Company?
- A Life Insurance Company is the organisation that actually writes your policy and covers the policy risk. It is also their name that appears on your policy documents and it is their duty to make any payouts if you make a claim.
- Can I get an Instant Quote for Life Insurance?
- No - not through this website, because we believe that to get the right life insurance, you need to talk to a professional.
- Will my life insurance premiums increase over time?
- The answer to this question depends upon whether you have a normal “Guaranteed” policy, a “Guaranteed indexed linked policy” or a “Reviewable” policy.
- Complaints about a Life Insurance Company
- If you want to make a complaint to a Life Insurance Company (that is the company which issues your insurance policy), you should write to their Compliance Director.
insurance" versus "whole life insurance" debate. With so much information and so many opinions, it is easy to get caught up in a whirl of confusion. The key is to research your options, because there is no 'one size fits all' approach.
First, you need to understand the basics of each type of insurance. Once you know that, consider how they will apply to you. What are your financial goals? Do you have other investment tools at work for you? Would a combination of strategies be your best option? Once we address a few of these questions, it will be much easier to determine which route will suit you and your family - term or whole life or even a combination of the two.
Defining Term Life
Term life insurance offers coverage to the policyholder for a specified length of time. Generally, this type of policy is bought with an objective in mind. For example, term life insurance is a popular option for individuals with limited income. It is also sought after by those with high, but short term insurance needs; entrepreneurs who wish to cover a business loan, or for ( mortgages ) personal family protection. While term life policies offer no cash value accumulation; they do provide for beneficiaries upon your death. The face value is usually collected tax free, assuming that all premiums are paid current.
The Advantages of Term Life
Term life insurance typically boasts low premiums. Given the lower premiums, many industry experts believe that term insurance provides the best insurance coverage per premium dollar. In addition, this type of policy does provide you with the coverage you need to meet all your short-term needs. A good example of such a need would be your mortgage.
Finally, term life insurance policies can also serve as a complement to your whole life insurance policy, should you opt to have both in place. Convertible term policies are ( Secured loans ) available. These policies will enable you to convert your current term coverage to permanent life insurance at a later date, and generally a medical exam is not required.
The Disadvantage of Term Life
To truly determine what type of coverage is right for you, you must also consider the disadvantages or cons of term life insurance. The first thing to keep in mind is that coverage only lasts a pre-determined length of time. In addition, premiums will continue to climb as you age, or your death benefit will decrease. As stated above, there is no cash value accumulation.
You will also need to look to the future, by realizing that riders that are available with whole life insurance policies are not usually obtainable, and you may be unable to purchase additional coverage at a later date. Finally, term life is not typically available to seniors and these policies are not appropriate for paying estate taxes.
Defining Whole Life Insurance
Whole life insurance offers policyholders permanent and lifelong insurance coverage. Of course, this is assuming that you continue to pay your premium payments! The policy benefit typically remains the same over the course of time, and is payable to the beneficiary(s), upon the insured's death.
Unlike term life insurance, whole life is designed to last over an extended period of time. Those wishing to cover permanent needs favor these types of policies. Permanent needs may include covering final expenses or contributing to a survivor's nest egg. Whole life policies also present you with an opportunity to build cash value. This may become important later in life, if you are faced with unexpected costs. You can take a loan on your policy to cover major purchases or help finance that 'rainy day'.