Life insurance is a financial product that provides essential protection and financial security to your loved ones in the event of your untimely passing. While contemplating one's mortality may be uncomfortable, having life insurance offers peace of mind, knowing that your family's well-being and financial stability will be taken care of even in your absence. In this article, we explore the significance of life insurance, its types, and how it can be a crucial component of your financial planning.
1. The Essence of Life Insurance
Life insurance is a contract between an individual and an insurance company. The insured pays regular premiums, and in return, the insurance company guarantees a death benefit to the designated beneficiaries upon the insured's passing. This death benefit is a lump sum amount that can help the beneficiaries cover various financial obligations, including funeral expenses, outstanding debts, mortgage payments, and living expenses.
2. Protecting Your Loved Ones
The primary purpose of life insurance is to protect your loved ones from financial hardships after you're gone. Losing a family member is emotionally devastating, and the last thing your family should worry about during such a challenging time is financial burdens. Life insurance ensures that your dependents have the necessary financial support to maintain their lifestyle and fulfill their future goals, such as funding education, paying off debts, or building a nest egg.
3. Types of Life Insurance
There are several types of life insurance, each designed to cater to different needs and circumstances:
A) Term Life Insurance: Term life insurance provides coverage for a specified term, usually 10, 20, or 30 years. It offers a death benefit if the insured passes away during the policy term. This type of insurance is generally more affordable and suitable for individuals seeking temporary coverage, such as during their working years or while paying off a mortgage.
B) Whole Life Insurance: Whole life insurance provides coverage for the entire lifetime of the insured. It combines a death benefit with a cash value component, which grows over time and can be accessed by the policyholder during their lifetime. While whole life insurance premiums are higher than term life insurance, it offers lifelong protection and the potential to build cash value.
C) Universal Life Insurance: Universal life insurance is a flexible policy that allows the policyholder to adjust their premiums and death benefit over time. It also includes a cash value component, which can be invested to potentially accumulate tax-deferred earnings.
4. Considerations for Choosing Life Insurance
When selecting a life insurance policy, several factors should be considered:
a) Coverage Amount: Calculate the amount of coverage your family would need to maintain their standard of living and meet financial goals in your absence.
b) Policy Term: Determine the length of coverage you require. For example, if you have young children, you might consider a term policy that provides coverage until they become financially independent.
c) Budget: Evaluate your financial capabilities and choose a policy that aligns with your budget. Keep in mind that term life insurance typically offers more affordable premiums than permanent life insurance.
d) Financial Goals: Consider how life insurance can fit into your broader financial plan. Some policies, like whole life insurance, can offer additional benefits such as building cash value or serving as an estate planning tool.
5. Securing Your Family's Future
Life insurance is more than just a policy; it is a way to secure your family's future and provide them with financial stability when they need it the most. By planning ahead and obtaining the right life insurance coverage, you can offer your loved ones the reassurance that they will be cared for even if life takes an unexpected turn. Speak with a reputable insurance professional to explore the options available and select a life insurance policy that best meets your family's unique needs and aspirations. Remember, investing in life insurance is investing in the well-being and security of those you hold dear.
6. Life Insurance as a Tool for Debt Management
Life insurance can also play a significant role in debt management. If you have outstanding debts, such as a mortgage, car loan, or student loans, the death benefit from a life insurance policy can be used to settle these debts, preventing them from becoming a financial burden for your family. It ensures that your loved ones are not burdened with the responsibility of paying off debts in your absence, allowing them to focus on healing and moving forward.
7. Protection for Business Owners
For business owners, life insurance can be a crucial component of succession planning. If you are a business owner, life insurance can be used to fund a buy-sell agreement, ensuring a smooth transition of the business to a designated successor upon your death. The death benefit can provide the necessary funds for the surviving business partner(s) to purchase the deceased partner's share of the business, allowing the business to continue operating seamlessly.
8. Tax Benefits and Estate Planning
Life insurance also offers certain tax benefits, making it an attractive option for estate planning. The death benefit is generally tax-free to the beneficiaries, providing a source of tax-free funds that can be used to settle estate taxes or other financial obligations that arise upon death.
Moreover, life insurance can be an essential tool for high-net-worth individuals to preserve and transfer wealth to their heirs. By placing life insurance policies within an irrevocable trust, the death benefit can be protected from estate taxes, ensuring that more of your assets are passed on to your beneficiaries.
9. Peace of Mind for Stay-at-Home Parents
While stay-at-home parents may not have a direct income, the value of their contributions to the family is immeasurable. If something were to happen to a stay-at-home parent, the surviving spouse might need to hire childcare or household help, incurring significant expenses. Life insurance can provide the financial resources necessary to cover these additional costs, ensuring that the family's daily routines and stability are not disrupted during a difficult time.
10. Flexibility to Adapt to Changing Circumstances
Life insurance policies often come with flexibility that allows you to adapt your coverage to changing life circumstances. For example, some policies offer the option to convert a term life insurance policy into a permanent policy without undergoing a medical exam. This adaptability ensures that your insurance coverage can grow and evolve with your changing financial needs and family dynamics.
Buying a life insurance policy can help provide financial protection for your loved ones, but choosing the right policy can be confusing. There are several types of life insurance policies available. Some, like term life insurance, last for a set number of years. Others, like permanent life insurance policies, can provide coverage that lasts a lifetime while offering additional savings or investment components.
To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of the top life insurance companies of 2023. We’ve also gathered information about different types of policies, how the life insurance quote process works, and how to purchase a policy once you find the right one.
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Bestow offers term life insurance policies that don’t require a medical exam, though applicants must answer a health questionnaire prior to purchase. Unlike most companies in our rating, you can get a quote and apply for a policy through its website without needing to go through a separate agent. This is because Bestow is a digital life insurance agency. Its policies are issued and administered by the North American Co. for Life and Health Insurance.
Policies: Term
Coverage limits: Bestow offers policies with coverage ranging from $50,000 to $1.5 million.
Bottom Line:
Bestow may be suitable for individuals who want a quick and easy process for buying term life insurance online without a medical exam. Coverage amounts range from $50,000 to $1.5 million for terms between 10 and 30 years. However, it’s only available to adults ages 18 to 60.
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Similar to Bestow, Haven Life offers term life policies and an online application process. Unlike Bestow, Haven offers one complimentary add-on, an accelerated death benefit that is included in both the Haven Term and Haven Simple policies. There aren’t any optional riders to customize your policy.Haven Life is considered an insurance agency. The policies it sells are issued by MassMutual and C.M. Life Insurance Co., a subsidiary of MassMutual.
Policies: Term
Coverage limits: Haven Life offers coverage ranging from $25,000 to $3 million.
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State Farm is the highest-rated company in our study to offer both term and permanent life insurance policies. It also offers several optional riders, such as waiver of premium for disability and a children’s term rider. There are also two policies that don’t require a medical exam: Instant Answer Term and Guaranteed Issue Final Expense. You will need to work with an agent to purchase a policy.
Policies: Term, whole life, final expense, universal, survivorship universal, and joint universal
Coverage limits: Coverage starts at $10,000 for its Final Expense policy and goes up from there. Its term life policies provide coverage starting at $50,000. You’ll need to speak to a State Farm agent about what the upper coverage limits for any individual policy are
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Most of USAA’s policies, such as car or homeowners insurance, are available only to members of the military, veterans, and immediate family, but all U.S. citizens and permanent residents can apply for its life insurance policies. USAA life insurance policies have some features that benefit members of the military, such as expediting your application if you’re getting ready to be deployed and providing coverage if the insured person dies during war or because of an act of terrorism.
USAA's universal life policy is issued by John Hancock and isn’t available in New York. Its guaranteed whole life policy is underwritten by Mutual of Omaha and isn’t available in Montana.
Policies: Term, universal, and whole life
Coverage limits: USAA’s term policies start at $100,000 and go up to $10 million for the Level Term V policy. Its whole policies start at $2,000 and go up to $10 million, while its universal policy can also provide coverage up to $10 million.
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Nationwide has both term life insurance and several whole and universal life policies. There are riders available to customize your policies, including long-term care, accidental death benefit, accelerated death benefit, and conditional return of premium. While you can get a quote and apply for its term policy online, you’ll need to work with a Nationwide agent to get quotes or apply for its permanent policies.
Policies: Term, whole, universal, variable universal, indexed universal, and survivorship indexed universal
Coverage limits:Nationwide’s policies have coverage starting at $10,000 and going up from there. To learn the maximum amount of coverage available for a policy, contact a Nationwide insurance agent.
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MassMutual has a wide variety of available policies. If you purchase its term policy through a MassMutual agent, it can be converted to a permanent policy. There is also the option to purchase a term policy online, but it will be through Haven Life, a MassMutual subsidiary, and cannot be converted. You can also start the process of filing a claim online.
Policies: Term, whole, universal, variable universal, and survivorship universal
Coverage limits:Coverage limits will depend on the type of policy. The upper limit for many of its policies will be dependent on the results of the underwriting process. The set maximum amount of coverage for a term policy purchased through an agent is $10 million
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Lincoln National Life Insurance Company was founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1905. The company was named after Abraham Lincoln, and Lincoln’s son Robert Todd Lincoln gave the company permission to use the name and Abraham Lincoln’s likeness, which remains part of the company logo. Today, Lincoln Financial Group offers insurance and financial planning solutions to individuals and employers.
Policies:There are two types of term life policies and 10 types of universal life policies available. Some of these also include long-term care insurance and variable and indexed universal life policies.
Coverage limits: Term life policies start at $100,000 or $250,000 depending on the policy you choose. For its universal life policies, some don’t have specific coverage maximums (it’s best to consult one of its agents), while some have minimum coverage amounts starting at $100,000 or maximum amounts of $500,000.
Coverage Restrictions: Term life policies are offered at 10,15, 20, or 30 years. Many of its universal policies cap the initial issue age of the applicant at 80.
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Lincoln National Life Insurance Company was founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1905. The company was named after Abraham Lincoln, and Lincoln’s son Robert Todd Lincoln gave the company permission to use the name and Abraham Lincoln’s likeness, which remains part of the company logo. Today, Lincoln Financial Group offers insurance and financial planning solutions to individuals and employers.
Policies:There are two types of term life policies and 10 types of universal life policies available. Some of these also include long-term care insurance and variable and indexed universal life policies.
Coverage limits: Term life policies start at $100,000 or $250,000 depending on the policy you choose. For its universal life policies, some don’t have specific coverage maximums (it’s best to consult one of its agents), while some have minimum coverage amounts starting at $100,000 or maximum amounts of $500,000.
Coverage Restrictions: Term life policies are offered at 10,15, 20, or 30 years. Many of its universal policies cap the initial issue age of the applicant at 80.
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Lincoln National Life Insurance Company was founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1905. The company was named after Abraham Lincoln, and Lincoln’s son Robert Todd Lincoln gave the company permission to use the name and Abraham Lincoln’s likeness, which remains part of the company logo. Today, Lincoln Financial Group offers insurance and financial planning solutions to individuals and employers.
Policies:The company’s offerings include term policies, which expire after a set number of years, and permanent insurance, which stays with you for your lifetime or as long as you continue to pay your premiums. It has two types of permanent policy: whole life and universal life. Universal life policies offer flexibility while whole life gives you a stable premium and death benefit. There is a fee if you wish to convert your term policy to permanent.
Coverage limits:Coverage limits vary with the type of policy. The Protection Up to Age 90 policy, for example, starts at $1 million. But, for most policies, you will need to talk to an agent to know what coverage options are available.
Coverage Restrictions: Policies are available in all fifty states and there are no age limits listed, so that might be something to discuss with your agent.
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People with families, business owners, and those with extensive financial portfolios could benefit from having life insurance. New York Life is one provider people can turn to for insurance policies.
New York Life was founded over 175 years ago. Today, it operates as a mutual company, has paid dividends to policyholders for over 160 consecutive years, and is headquartered in New York City.
One of the largest life insurance companies, New York Life offers customizable policies throughout the U.S. Most include a tax-free death benefit paid to your beneficiaries when you pass. To purchase a New York Life policy, you’ll need to talk to an agent. There is no option on the company’s website to request a quote or to apply for insurance.
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Company |
AGE 35 FEMALE |
AGE 45 FEMALE |
AGE 55 FEMALE |
AGE 65 FEMALE |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bestow » | $56.00 | $135.99 | N/A | N/A | |
| Haven Life » | $81.16 | $154.36 | $368.21 | N/A | |
| State Farm » | $54.79 | $119.19 | $269.69 | $854.39 | |
| USAA » | $75.82 | $139.15 | $311.64 | N/A | |
| Nationwide » | $59.94 | $123.81 | $283.94 | $948.94 | |
| MassMutual » | $67.43 | $144.86 | $339.73 | $1,021.81 | |
| Lincoln Financial » | $57.09 | $124.66 | $290.80 | $896.07 | |
| New York Life » | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| Northwestern Mutual » | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| Guardian Life » | $57.00 | $119.00 | $259.00 | $375.00 |
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Life insurance is a type of insurance that provides money to your chosen beneficiary when you die. You choose a life insurance company that offers a type of policy and death benefits that you want, apply, and if you are accepted the insurance company promises to provide the specified amount of money to your beneficiary (this can be a relative, loved one, or even an organization) when you die, as long as you paid the required premiums.
This money is often used to cover burial expenses and replace lost income. For example, if the primary wage earner in a family dies the money would help the remaining family members pay their bills.
Term life insurance is a kind of temporary life insurance. A term life insurance policy is defined by how long it remains active, or its term. A term can generally be as short as a year or may last 30 years. Term policies may also provide the option of being converted to a permanent life insurance policy or renewed for another term.
A permanent life insurance policy is designed to be a life insurance policy for the long haul. These policies generally contain two parts: the death benefit and the cash value. The cash value can work as a kind of savings component or type of investment, depending on the exact policy. Examples of permanent life insurance include whole and universal life policies.
A whole life policy is a type of permanent life insurance that contains both a death benefit and cash value. The cash value can grow if the company you buy insurance from pays dividends into it. Mutual life insurance policies and some policies sold by stock insurers frequently contain dividend options. Dividends can be based on things like the financial performance of the company.
Universal life insurance is another example of permanent life insurance. One of the key differences between whole and universal life insurance is in the policy’s flexibility. With many universal policies, you can adjust your premiums and the death benefit while the policy is active. There are also several different types of universal life policies, including indexed universal life (IUL), variable universal life (VUL), and guaranteed universal life insurance.
The cost of a life insurance policy can vary widely, even among policies for people in the same demographic. Some of the factors that go into determining the cost of premiums for a life insurance policy include the life insurer, age, gender, health, and policy add-ons (also called riders).
If you look at a person’s gender, the cost for a 35-year-old female in the Standard Plus risk class with a $1 million 20-year term life policy from Guardian Life is $57 per month. For a male in the same risk class with the same policy, the premium is $65 per month, a difference of over $10 per month.
Age is another important factor. The difference in cost between a 35-year-old female in the Standard Plus risk class and 65-year-old woman in the same class with the same $1 million 20-year term policy from Nationwide is almost $890 per month.
Q1. What is life insurance, and why do I need it?
Life insurance is a contract between an individual and an insurance company. The insured pays regular premiums, and in return, the insurance company provides a death benefit to the designated beneficiaries upon the insured's passing. Life insurance is essential for providing financial protection to your loved ones and ensuring their well-being and financial stability in the event of your death.
Q2. What are the types of life insurance available?
There are several types of life insurance, including:
A) Term Life Insurance: Provides coverage for a specific term, typically 10, 20, or 30 years. It offers a death benefit but does not build cash value.
B) Whole Life Insurance: Offers lifelong coverage and includes a cash value component that grows over time.
C) Universal Life Insurance: Offers flexibility in premium payments and death benefit amounts, with the potential to accumulate cash value.
Q3. How much life insurance coverage do I need?
The amount of life insurance coverage you need depends on factors such as your financial responsibilities, outstanding debts, future goals, and the well-being of your loved ones. It's essential to evaluate these factors to determine an appropriate coverage amount.
Q4. What happens if I outlive my term life insurance policy?
If you outlive your term life insurance policy, the coverage will expire, and you will no longer have a death benefit. However, some term life policies offer the option to convert to permanent life insurance without a medical exam.
Q5. Can I have multiple life insurance policies?
Yes, it is possible to have multiple life insurance policies. Some individuals choose to have a combination of term and permanent life insurance to meet different financial needs and goals.
Q6. Can I change my life insurance coverage after purchasing a policy?
Yes, some life insurance policies offer flexibility, allowing you to adjust coverage amounts or convert from term to permanent insurance. However, changes to your policy may require approval from the insurance company.
Q7. Is life insurance necessary for single individuals with no dependents?
While life insurance is typically more critical for individuals with dependents, single individuals may also benefit from having coverage. Life insurance can help cover funeral expenses and outstanding debts, relieving financial burdens on family members.
Q8. How do insurance companies determine life insurance premiums?
Life insurance premiums are determined based on various factors, including age, health status, lifestyle habits, occupation, and the coverage amount desired. Generally, younger and healthier individuals may qualify for lower premiums.
Q9. Is a medical exam required to obtain life insurance?
Not all life insurance policies require a medical exam. Some insurers offer no-medical-exam policies, which may have higher premiums but provide a faster application process.
Q10. Can I name anyone as a beneficiary on my life insurance policy?
Yes, you can name anyone as a beneficiary on your life insurance policy. Beneficiaries can include family members, friends, charitable organizations, or even a trust.
Remember that life insurance is a vital tool for securing your loved ones' future and providing financial protection during challenging times. Before purchasing a life insurance policy, it's essential to evaluate your specific needs, consult with a qualified insurance professional, and carefully review policy terms and options to ensure you choose the most suitable coverage for your situation.
Q11. Can I purchase life insurance for my children?
Yes, you can purchase life insurance for your children. Child life insurance policies can offer financial protection in the unfortunate event of a child's passing. These policies may also include an option to convert to permanent coverage in the future, providing the child with lifelong protection and potentially building cash value.
Q12. Is life insurance expensive?
The cost of life insurance varies depending on factors such as age, health, coverage amount, and the type of policy. Generally, term life insurance is more affordable than permanent life insurance. It's essential to compare quotes from different insurance providers to find a policy that fits your budget and meets your coverage needs.
Q13. Can I use life insurance as an investment tool?
Permanent life insurance policies, such as whole life and universal life, have a cash value component that accumulates over time. Some individuals use these policies as part of their overall financial plan, leveraging the cash value for loans or withdrawals. However, it's essential to consider other investment options and consult with a financial advisor to determine the best approach for your financial goals.
Q14. Will I need to undergo a medical exam to get life insurance if I have health issues?
If you have certain health issues or pre-existing conditions, you may be required to undergo a medical exam as part of the underwriting process for some life insurance policies. However, some insurers offer no-medical-exam or simplified-issue policies that may be more accessible for individuals with specific health conditions.
Q15. Can I have life insurance coverage if I'm a senior or elderly individual?
Yes, it is possible to obtain life insurance coverage as a senior or elderly individual. While premiums may be higher at an advanced age, there are still life insurance options available to provide financial protection to seniors and their loved ones.
Q16. How can I find the right life insurance policy for me?
Finding the right life insurance policy involves understanding your financial goals, coverage needs, and budget. Working with an experienced insurance agent or financial advisor can be beneficial in navigating the various options and selecting a policy that aligns with your specific circumstances.
Q17. Can I use life insurance as a means of estate planning?
Yes, life insurance can be an essential component of estate planning. For individuals with significant assets, life insurance can provide liquidity to cover estate taxes or other expenses, ensuring that heirs receive their inheritances without the need to sell valuable assets.
Q18. What happens if I miss a premium payment on my life insurance policy?
If you miss a premium payment, most life insurance policies have a grace period during which you can make the payment without any penalty. However, it's essential to be aware of the grace period outlined in your policy, as a missed payment beyond the grace period may lead to a policy lapse.
Q19. Can I borrow against the cash value of my permanent life insurance policy?
Yes, many permanent life insurance policies allow policyholders to borrow against the cash value through policy loans. These loans typically accrue interest, and any unpaid loans at the time of the insured's death may reduce the death benefit payable to beneficiaries.
Q20. Is life insurance coverage available for individuals with risky occupations or hobbies?
Yes, life insurance coverage is available for individuals with risky occupations or hobbies. While individuals in high-risk professions or engaging in hazardous activities may face higher premiums, insurance companies often have policies specifically designed to cater to these individuals' unique needs.
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