Life insurance can provide valuable peace of mind and security to you and your loved ones in times when it is needed most. Knowing the right type and length of term life insurance policy can help you be more prepared.
Term life insurance aims to cover you in the event of death for a certain amount of time, dictated by you. For example, you could have your policy cover you for 5 years, 11 years, 34 years etc.
But, how do you know what the best length for term life insurance is? This article will discuss some things to consider when determining what term life insurance length would be best for you and your loved ones.
What is term life insurance?
Term life insurance is a type of life insurance policy that provides cover for a specific period of time. It pays out a cash lump sum to the beneficiary if the policyholder dies during the term. The length of the term can vary from one year to 50 years, and sometimes more, depending on the needs, budget and age of the policyholder.
Types of term life insurance
There are 3 main types of term life insurance:
This type of term life insurance provides cover for a set period of time, usually 10, 15, 20 or 30 years. The premium remains the same throughout the duration of the policy, and the payout amount is guaranteed to remain level as long as premiums are paid on time.
Decreasing term life insurance
This type of policy is often used to provide protection against debts, such as mortgages and loans. It can also be used to provide financial support for dependents. The death benefit decreases over time, usually in line with the decreasing balance of the debt. Your premiums are fixed for the whole term, but usually start out cheaper than level term life insurance.
Increasing term life insurance
This type of policy is designed to provide protection against inflation. The death benefit increases over time, usually at a rate that is linked to inflation. This is also known as indexation. You can also expect your premiums to increase as well, so be sure to keep in touch with your provider to make sure your cover remains affordable.
Please note: The insurance products offered by Cavendish Online have no cash-in value at any time. If you stop paying your premiums your cover will stop, your policy will end, and you will receive no benefit.
Get life insurance online...
Which type is best for me?
The type of cover you need depends on your individual circumstances. If you are looking to provide financial protection for a specific debt, such as a mortgage, then a decreasing term policy may be the most suitable option.
If you are looking to provide long-term financial protection for dependents or protect against inflation, then an increasing term policy may be the best option.
How long should my policy term be?
The best length for term life cover depends on a variety of factors, including your age, health, financial goals, and budget. Generally speaking, the longer the policy term, the more expensive it will be. However, this also means that you will have greater cover and protection over a longer period of time.
If you have a mortgage to protect, you may want to set cover up for the same amount of years to ensure the debt can be paid off if you were to die. For example, if you have a 34 year mortgage, you could take out life insurance for 34 years.
If you have children, you may want to have cover in place until the youngest is likely to be financially independent, up to age 18, for example, or longer if you would like to account for higher education.
It’s also not uncommon to have multiple plans running side-by-side if you need cover that varies in amount or length. For example, you may want a decreasing term plan to cover your mortgage for 34 years, and a family plan to cover you for 19 years.
Ultimately, the best length for term life insurance depends on your individual needs and circumstances. It is important to speak with an experienced life insurance agent to determine which type of policy and term length is right for you.
Talk to a life insurance expert today...
What happens if you outlive the policy term?
If you outlive the policy term of your policy, then the cover will end and you will no longer be insured by the plan. However, some policies may allow you to renew the policy at a higher premium rate or convert it to a permanent life insurance policy.
Please note: The insurance products offered by Cavendish Online have no cash-in value at any time. If you stop paying your premiums your cover will stop, your policy will end, and you will receive no benefit. If you have not claimed before the end of your chosen policy term, the policy will end, and no benefit will be paid.
Is it better to get a term life or whole life policy?
When it comes to life insurance, there are two main types of policies: term life insurance and whole life insurance.
As already mentioned, term life insurance policies provide cover for a set amount of time. Whole life insurance, on the other hand, provides cover for your entire life. They also build cash value over time that can be used to pay premiums or borrowed against in the future.
Which type of policy is better for you depends on your individual needs and circumstances. Term life insurance may be more suitable if you are looking for protection for a certain amount of time or have a limited budget.
Whole life insurance is more expensive, but provides lifelong cover, which means that a payout is guaranteed, as long as you keep up with your premiums. If you stop paying your premiums, then your cover will end, and you will no longer be insured by the plan.
If you experiencing difficulties paying your life insurance premiums, please contact your insurer directly to see what options they have available.
It is important to speak with an expert life insurance adviser to determine which type of policy is right for you.
Speak to the experts...
Give our advisers a call today.
Our team of friendly and professional advisers are on hand to help with any questions you may have regarding Life Insurance.
The advisers can also make recommendations tailored to your current situation and will research the market on your behalf, ensuring you secure the cover you need and supporting you every step of the way.
01392 43 61 93(Monday to Friday, 9am - 5.30pm)
Request a callback