
As you navigate different stages of life, your term life insurance needs will evolve. For example, if you're a young adult, you may not need a large policy, but a smaller one to cover funeral expenses and outstanding debts.
At age 30, your income is likely increasing, and you may want to consider a policy that covers 10 to 15 years of your salary. This will ensure your loved ones can maintain their standard of living if you pass away.
In your 40s, your family's needs have probably grown, and you'll want a policy that covers 20 to 25 years of your income. This will provide a financial safety net for your children's education and other expenses.
As you approach retirement, your term life insurance needs will decrease, but you may still want to consider a smaller policy to cover final expenses.
What You Need to Know
Term life insurance is a straightforward and affordable option that provides financial protection for your loved ones in case of your passing. It guarantees payment of a stated death benefit to your beneficiaries if you die during the specified term.
Term life premiums are based on your age, health, and life expectancy, which is why it's essential to shop around and compare quotes to find the best rates. The longer you live, the more you'll pay, but this also means you'll have more time to earn and save money.
You can purchase term life policies that last anywhere from 10 to 20 years or more, and you can usually renew them for an additional term. This flexibility makes term life insurance a great option for people with changing financial needs or uncertain futures.
What Is Term Life Insurance?
Term life insurance is a type of life insurance that provides coverage for a specific period of time, typically ranging from 10 to 30 years.
This means that if you die during the term, your policy will pay out a death benefit to your loved ones. The death benefit is usually tax-free and can be used to cover funeral expenses, pay off debts, or support your family financially.
The term length is chosen based on your needs and goals, such as paying off a mortgage or covering your children's education expenses. For example, if you have a 20-year mortgage, you may choose a 20-year term life insurance policy.
You'll need to pay premiums for the entire term, which can be monthly, quarterly, or annually. The cost of premiums varies depending on factors like your age, health, and lifestyle.
Some term life insurance policies offer renewal options, allowing you to extend your coverage beyond the initial term. However, premiums may increase with age, so it's essential to review and adjust your policy as needed.
Key Takeaways
Term life insurance is a straightforward policy that guarantees payment of a stated death benefit to your loved ones if you pass away during the specified term.
These policies are great for people who want to cover their financial obligations, such as mortgages or loans, without breaking the bank.

Term life premiums are based on your age, health, and life expectancy, so it's essential to shop around for the best rates.
You can purchase term life policies that last anywhere from 10 to 20 years or more, and you can usually renew them for an additional term.
Some term life insurance companies allow you to convert your policy to whole life insurance, which can provide a cash value component.
The best term life insurance companies have low prices, easy application processes, flexible policy features, and good customer service.
Here are some common term life policy lengths:
- 10-year term life insurance
- 15-year term life insurance
- 20-year term life insurance
- More (varies by insurance company)
How It Works
You can buy a term life insurance policy with a specific payout amount, which the insurance company determines based on factors like your age, gender, and health.
The insurance company will pay the policy's face value to your beneficiaries if you die during the policy term, and this cash benefit is not typically taxable.
You'll need to pay a premium for the policy, which can be affected by the company's business expenses, investment earnings, and mortality rates for each age.
A medical exam may be required, and the insurance company will also ask about your driving record, current medications, smoking status, occupation, hobbies, and family history.
The death benefit can be used by your beneficiaries to settle your healthcare and funeral costs, consumer debt, mortgage debt, and other expenses.
However, they're not required to use the insurance proceeds to settle your debts.
You may be able to renew a term policy at expiration, but the premiums will be recalculated based on your age at the time of renewal.
The death benefit is typically paid out in an income tax-free lump sum of cash to your beneficiaries.
A term life insurance policy has no cash value component, so there's no payout to your family once the policy term is over.
The death benefit can be used to cover a mortgage, funeral expenses, or other financial obligations, and it can be split among multiple beneficiaries.
Cost and Coverage
Term life insurance is often the most cost-effective option for those seeking substantial coverage at a low cost. A healthy, non-smoking man aged 30 can get a 30-year term life insurance policy with a $250,000 death benefit for an average of $18 per month.
The cost of term life insurance premiums can vary based on age and coverage amount, but overall, term life insurance tends to be the least expensive life insurance option. For example, a female aged 30 can get a $500,000 20-year term policy from Guardian for just $27 a month.
A 10-year term life policy can provide the protection you need at a price you can afford. Here are the estimated monthly costs for a $1,000,000 term coverage policy for a 30-year-old man and woman who do not use tobacco and earn $50k a year:
Purchasing life insurance when you are young and healthy can help you get a lower premium which you can keep in place no matter how your health changes later in life. A 30-year term length policy can be affordable, with premiums ranging from $18.32 to $53.32 per month for a $250,000 policy, depending on age and coverage amount.
Choosing a Policy
A 20-year term policy is a popular choice, especially for those with children, as it allows you to see them through college.
The longer the term, the more insurance policies cost. A 30-year term policy is more expensive than a 20-year term policy.
It's usually better to err on the side of getting a longer term policy than a shorter one, as you'll pay less overall for a longer term policy than two consecutive shorter ones.
More than half of Americans overestimate the cost of life insurance by as much as three times.
Policy Options
Term life insurance policies come in different forms to suit various needs and budgets. The most budget-friendly option is term life, which can be tailored to fit your financial situation.
You can choose a shorter term to pay less in monthly premiums, but this also means you'll risk not being covered as long as you need. More than half of Americans overestimate the cost of life insurance by as much as three times, according to a recent LIMRA study.
Term riders offer a cost-effective way to increase coverage. You can stack one or more term riders on top of a base term policy for 10, 15, or 20 years. This allows you to adjust your coverage as your financial responsibilities change.
Types of Term Life Insurance
Term life insurance comes in several forms, each with its own unique characteristics. Most companies offer terms ranging from 10 to 30 years, although a few offer 35- and 40-year terms.
Level-premium insurance is the most common type of term life insurance, with a fixed monthly payment for the life of the policy. This type of policy usually provides coverage for a period ranging from 10 to 30 years, with a fixed death benefit.
Decreasing term policies have a death benefit that declines each year according to a predetermined schedule. This type of policy is often used in conjunction with a mortgage, matching the insurance payout to the declining principal of the home loan.
A level premium is comparatively higher than yearly renewable term life insurance because actuaries must account for the increasing costs of insurance over the life of the policy.
Riders
Riders can be a game-changer for your life insurance policy.
Term riders allow you to stack additional coverage on top of your base term policy for a set period, such as 10, 15, or 20 years.
You can stack one or more term riders to buy more coverage than you need now, but may not need later.
This can be a cost-effective way to buy term life insurance, especially if your financial responsibilities decrease over time.
For example, you could purchase a 40-year term policy worth $250,000 as a base policy and add a 20-year term rider at $750,000 value to get to the $1 million total coverage.
Once your rider expires, your original policy will stay in place, without the extra protection or additional cost.
This flexibility can help you tailor your coverage to your changing needs over time.
Benefits and Features
Term life insurance is a great option for young families, offering substantial coverage at a low cost. This allows parents to replace lost income if the insured dies, providing financial security for their loved ones.
Term life policies are well-suited for people with growing families, as they can maintain the coverage needed until their children reach adulthood. This is especially important for families with young children, who may not have a steady income.
One of the benefits of term life insurance is that it can be used for income replacement or mortgage protection. This means that if the insured dies, the policy can provide a payout to help cover living expenses or mortgage payments.
The coverage period for term life insurance can vary, but it's usually available for a set period of time. Here are some common term lengths: 10 years15 years20 years25 years30 years35 years40 years
The payout from a term life insurance policy is tax-free, which means that your loved ones won't have to worry about paying taxes on the benefit. This can be a huge relief during a difficult time.
Term life insurance is also available for people aged 20-75 years old, making it a viable option for seniors. However, premiums may be higher for older applicants, so it's essential to apply early.
Overall, term life insurance offers a range of benefits and features that make it an attractive option for many people.
Cost and Affordability
Term life insurance is often the most budget-friendly option available, with a 30-year term policy costing as little as $18 per month for a $250,000 coverage.
A recent survey found that 43% of millennials believe life insurance is at least six times more expensive than it actually is. The estimated monthly costs for a $1,000,000 term coverage policy for a 30-year-old man and woman who do not use tobacco and earn $50k a year are:
A 20-year term policy can cost as little as $12.48 per month for a $250,000 coverage, making it a cost-effective option for those who want substantial coverage at a low cost.
Cost Less Than You Think
Term life insurance is often a more affordable option than you might expect. A recent survey found that 43% of millennials believe that life insurance is at least six times more expensive than the actual cost.
The estimated monthly costs for a $1,000,000 term coverage policy for a 30-year-old man and woman who don't use tobacco and earn $50k a year can be as low as $42 for a 10-year term.
A $500,000 20-year term policy from Guardian can cost as little as $27 a month for a female, age 30, who doesn't use tobacco. The same coverage amount in a 10-year term policy is even more cost-efficient: only $20 per month.
Term life insurance premiums increase with age, but a 20-year term policy can cost less than many everyday expenses, such as a gym membership or oil change.
Here's a comparison of term life insurance premiums for a 20-year policy at different ages:
If cost is an issue, it's better to have a safety net with a shorter duration than no net at all.
15-Year Mortgage Cost
A 15-year mortgage can be a significant financial burden, but having a life insurance policy can help alleviate some of that stress.
If you have a 15-year mortgage, consider a 15-year term policy to ensure your loved ones won't be left with a huge debt in the event of your passing.
Having a 15-year term policy can be a cost-effective way to get the coverage you need. According to Haven Life, a 15-year term policy can cost as little as $9.44 per month for a female in excellent health, with a $250,000 coverage.
Here are some estimated monthly premiums for a 15-year term policy, based on Haven Life's data:
This can be a significant difference from the cost of a longer-term policy, making it a more affordable option for those with a 15-year mortgage.
Customizing Your Policy
Customizing Your Policy can be a game-changer for your life insurance needs.
You can customize your coverage with life insurance riders, which are add-ons that offer additional coverage on top of your base policy.
These riders can help you give yourself more coverage upfront for a shorter period of time while still maintaining an affordable base term policy.
This is a great way to tailor your policy to your specific needs, and it's a key reason why LGA's term insurance is one of the most sought-after solutions on the market.
Purchasing life insurance when you're young and healthy can help you get a lower premium, which you can keep in place no matter how your health changes later in life.
At LGA, you can get term life insurance policies for as little as $8 a month, making it an affordable option for many people.
Who Needs Term Life Insurance?
If you have a family or dependents who rely on your income, you need term life insurance. This is especially true if you're the primary breadwinner, as your loved ones would struggle to make ends meet without your financial support.
Term life insurance can provide a financial safety net for your family in the event of your passing. For example, if you have a mortgage, a term life insurance policy can help pay off the outstanding balance, ensuring your family doesn't have to worry about losing their home.
You're likely a good candidate for term life insurance if you have a significant amount of debt, such as a mortgage, car loans, or credit cards.
Newlyweds
As a newlywed, you're likely taking on new financial responsibilities with your partner. Couples who have recently married can benefit from a 30-year term length.
This allows you to have a term that is long enough to last until debts are paid off, such as a mortgage. For many people, a 30-year term life insurance policy checks that box.
A 30-year term life insurance policy can provide a layer of financial protection for your loved ones. It can also last many young married couples until they are close to retirement age.
Parents of Young or Special Needs Children
As a parent, you want to ensure your family's financial stability, especially if you have young or special needs children. If you have children and something happened to you, consider how your death would impact your family's financial situation. Could your partner independently afford childcare and fulfill your plans to pay for college?
For many young parents, the answer may be no. If so, consider a life insurance term length that lasts at least until your children are adults or are through college. A 30-year term policy can be a good choice, no matter the age of your child, especially if you have a special needs child who may need lifelong care.
A 30-year term allows you more time to set up a financial plan for your child's future. This can give you peace of mind knowing that your child's needs will be taken care of, even if something were to happen to you.
Homeowners with a Mortgage
If you have a 15-year mortgage or have whittled your longer-term mortgage down to 15 years or less, consider a 15-year term policy. This length of term policy will help pay off the remainder of your mortgage in the event of your death.
A 15-year term length policy costs less than a 30-year term length policy, which is a great bonus. This can be especially helpful for homeowners who want to save a little money on their life insurance premiums.
Homeowners with a mortgage can benefit from a 15-year term policy because it's designed to last until the mortgage is paid off. This provides peace of mind and financial protection for your loved ones.
Approaching Retirement
As you approach retirement, your life insurance needs may change. If you're 15 years or less away from retiring, a 15-year term policy could be right for you. This is because life insurance is meant to replace your income that others count on for their financial well-being, and once in retirement, that need diminishes.
The goal of life insurance is to provide financial support for your loved ones in case the unexpected happens and you pass away. If you're close to retirement, a shorter term policy can help bridge the gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Dave Ramsey say about term life insurance?
Dave Ramsey recommends term life insurance with a policy amount of 10-12 times your annual income, typically for 15-20 years or up to 30 years for younger families. This allows you to use the savings to attack debt and grow your assets.
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