Term vs. Permanent Life Insurance
Term Life
Term life insurance is a type of life insurance that provides coverage for a specific period of time, or “term.” If the policyholder dies during the term, the death benefit will be paid to the beneficiary. If the policyholder does not die during the term, the policy will expire and no death benefit will be paid. Term life insurance is generally less expensive than permanent life insurance, but it does not provide coverage for the policyholder’s entire life.
Permanent Life
Permanent life insurance, on the other hand, provides coverage for the policyholder’s entire life. There are several types of permanent life insurance, including whole life, universal life, and variable universal life. These policies also build up a cash value over time, which the policyholder can borrow against or use to pay premiums. Permanent life insurance is generally more expensive than term life insurance, but it offers more long-term financial protection and can be a good investment option.
What’s Right for You?
There are a few potential benefits to having a combination of term and permanent life insurance:
- Financial flexibility: Having both types of insurance can give you more flexibility to meet your short-term and long-term financial goals. For example, you might use term life insurance to cover specific financial obligations (like a mortgage) for a set period of time, and permanent life insurance to provide lifelong protection for your loved ones.
- Customization: Combining term and permanent life insurance can allow you to customize your coverage to fit your unique needs. You might choose a longer term for certain obligations (like a mortgage) and a shorter term for others (like providing income for your children).
- Cost-effectiveness: In some cases, a combination of term and permanent life insurance can be more cost-effective than a single type of insurance. For example, if you only need coverage for a specific period of time, you might be able to save money by choosing term life insurance instead of permanent life insurance.
It’s important to note that every person’s situation is unique, and the best type of insurance for you will depend on your specific needs and goals. It’s a good idea to work with a financial professional to determine the right mix of insurance for you.
