Term Life Insurance FAQs
Here at Quotacy we want to make life insurance easy to understand and easy to buy. As you’re shopping for term life insurance, you may have questions. These term life insurance FAQs can help you get a solid grasp on the important aspects of term life insurance.
What is life insurance?
Life insurance is a contract between a person (policyowner) and an insurance company. If the insured person dies during the coverage period, the company will pay out a previously determined sum of money (death benefit) to whomever the person chooses (beneficiaries).
When buying life insurance, you have three main choices: term life insurance, whole life insurance, or universal life insurance.
» Learn more: What’s Life Insurance and Who Needs It?
What does life insurance cover?
Life insurance covers a set amount of the on-going income your family would lose if you were to die. The payout they would receive can be used to cover a number of financial obligations from day-to-day expenses like food and childcare to larger sources of debt like a mortgage. It can also be used to contribute to or take care of future costs like college tuition for a child or retirement for a spouse.
Why is life insurance important?
Life insurance is important to ensure your loved ones are financially protected and not held solely responsible for personal and long-term debts as well as on-going expenses. The death benefit from a life insurance policy can help make it easier for families to focus on recovering emotionally from the death of a loved one and not have to worry about how they’re going to pay the bills.
Life insurance can also be important for a business owner. Small business owners work hard for the success of their companies. Life insurance on themselves and other key people can ensure the continuation of the business even if a death occurs.
Who needs life insurance?
If you have anyone that depends on your income now, life insurance is incredibly important for protecting their financial future and way of life. There are a number of situations and types of people that need life insurance to protect those who would be negatively impacted from the loss of income.
Types of individuals and reasons for coverage:
- Single people: Private student loans or co-signed debt like a car loan.
- Spouses: Expenses or bills that need two incomes like a mortgage or credit cards.
- Parents: Everyday needs like food and clothes as well as future costs like college tuition.
- Retirees: Any outstanding debts like medical bills as well as final expenses.
- Small business owners: Business loans backed by family assets or to buyout shares.
Learn more: Does Everyone Need Life Insurance?
Can you take out a life insurance policy on someone else?
The short answer, not without them knowing. There are two main things you need before you can buy life insurance on someone else: insurable interest and consent.
Having insurable interest means that the other person’s life has a direct impact on your finances. For example, spouses share expenses and debt, so they have insurable interest on one another.
The person you want to buy life insurance on also needs to know you plan to do so and give their permission. Life insurance companies gain proof of consent through signatures, phone calls, and if needed, a medical exam.
Learn more: Can I Buy Life Insurance on Someone Else?
What kinds of life insurance are there?
Life insurance can be broadly categorized into two different types: term life insurance and permanent life insurance. Within these categories there are different variations with features that are beneficial to specific needs and situations.
Term life insurance is temporary and provides coverage on the life of the policyholder during the set term length. If the insured were to die during this specific time period, the insurance company pays the death benefit to the beneficiaries. Because of its temporary nature, term life insurance is very affordable.
Types of Term Life Insurance
- Level Term Life Insurance
- Decreasing Term Life Insurance
- Annual Renewable Term Life Insurance
- Return of Premium Term Life Insurance
Permanent life insurance provides coverage for the entire life of the policyholder. The insurance company pays the death benefit to the beneficiaries when the insured dies. Because permanent life insurance is forever and has other features like a savings component that builds cash value, it’s 10-15 times more expensive than term life insurance.
Types of Permanent Life Insurance
- Whole Life Insurance
- Universal Life Insurance
- Guaranteed Universal Life Insurance
- Indexed Universal Life Insurance
- Guaranteed Whole Life Insurance
Learn more: What Are the Different Types of Life Insurance Policies?
How much does life insurance cost?
There isn’t an easy answer as to how much life insurance costs. It depends on a number of factors like gender, age, health, medical history, job, hobbies and more. There’s also the amount and length of coverage as well as the type.
There are several different types of life insurance available including term life, whole life, and universal life insurance. A permanent life insurance policy will cost 10-15 times more than a term life insurance policy.
In general, however, life insurance is much more affordable than people think. Americans overestimate life insurance premiums by 3-5 times the actual cost. You can easily get free life insurance quotes to get an idea of how much your life insurance would cost.
» Learn more: How Much Does Life Insurance Cost?
What is term life insurance?
Term life insurance is a type of life insurance that lasts for a specific period of time called a term.
If the insured individual dies within that specific period of time, the life insurance carrier pays a death benefit to the beneficiaries. Term life insurance is the most affordable way to provide financial security for your loved ones and is the best fit for most families.
Learn more: What Is Term Life Insurance and How Does it Work?
How to buy term life insurance:
Step 1: Compare quotes and choose a policy
See prices and compare policies from top-rated life insurance companies all at once and choose the one that fits best.
Step 2: Complete an online application
Applying takes 5 minutes. You’ll need to provide the basics to verify who you are as well as employment, lifestyle, and health information.
Step 3: Phone verification and medical exam*
You’ll need to have a phone interview with the insurance company to verify your information and if needed, complete a free medical exam.
Step 4: Accept or reject your approved offer
After the insurance company has finished their review and approved coverage, they’ll send a formal offer, which you can accept or reject.
*There are accelerated underwriting and no medical exam policy options that may streamline these steps.
Learn more: Why You Should Buy Life Insurance
How long should your life insurance term be?
The length of your term life insurance policy depends on the unique needs of your personal situation. Term life insurance can last anywhere from 5 to 40 years, depending on your age.
Term life insurance is meant to financially protect your beneficiaries from your untimely death. The death benefit replaces a set amount of the income you provided so your family can take care of your end-of-life expenses and keep paying the bills.
For the typical family, the length of the term life insurance policy will ideally last until your largest source of debt is paid off or until your loved ones are financially independent.
You also have the option to buy more than one life insurance policy to cover different financial obligations that may have different commitment timelines. This strategy is called laddering life insurance.
Learn more: How Long Should My Life Insurance Last?
Is life insurance affordable?
Life insurance is more affordable than most people think. In general, Americans overestimate the cost of life insurance by 3-5 times the actual price.
The cost of life insurance depends on a number of factors like age, gender, type, and amount of coverage, as well as your individual risk. Basically, the younger and healthier you are, the more affordable it is. As for types of life insurance, permanent life insurance is 10-15 times more expensive than term life insurance.
You can get life insurance quotes, compare policies, and even apply to see your final approved price without committing to anything. All life insurance policies also have a free-look period. This is typically a 30-day period after the policy is activated. It allows you to review everything and cancel it for a refund if you decide you no longer want the policy.
Is life insurance taxable?
In 99% of cases, life insurance beneficiaries will receive the full payout tax-free as a lump sum. Only in very few situations will a death benefit payout be taxed.
To understand the ins and outs as well as common tax mistakes here’s a more in-depth look into How Life Insurance Is Taxed.
How much life insurance do I need?
Deciding how much life insurance you need will depend on your current finances, financial goals, and family situation. The right amount is different for everyone. The main purpose of life insurance is to replace your income, so your loved ones don’t suffer financially.
For the amount of coverage, experts recommend 10-15 times your annual income. If that doesn’t fit in your budget, buy what you can afford. A little life insurance is better than nothing at all.
For the length of coverage, 20 years is most common. Ideally, pick a term that will last until your largest source of debt is paid off or until your loved ones are financially independent.
Calculate your life insurance needs here: Life Insurance Calculator
Inside look: Debunking life insurance myths
Ready for the truth? We’re here to finally set the story straight on these life insurance myths.
Is group or employer-provided life insurance coverage enough?
If you have a spouse, domestic partner, or children dependent on your income, then your group life insurance coverage alone is likely not enough. Especially if you have any major financial obligations like a mortgage.
With a group plan, the amount of coverage you have is typically one or two times your annual salary up to a certain maximum (typically $50,000). Most families need more life insurance protection than this. Group life insurance also doesn’t follow you if you leave your job. Having your own individual life insurance policy in addition to the group life insurance is best if you have dependents.
Learn more: Do I Need Individual Life Insurance if I Have Group Life Insurance?
What is the difference between term and whole life insurance?
The biggest differences between term and whole life insurance are how long it lasts, how much it costs, and the benefits. Term life insurance is temporary while whole life insurance is permanent. Whole life insurance is also 10-15 times more expensive but comes with a savings component that accrues cash value.
Learn more: Term vs. Whole Life Insurance
Why buy life insurance at Quotacy?
We’re an independent life insurance broker that goes beyond helping you find the best policy. We make the process easier by pairing you with a personal Quotacy agent. After you apply, your agent will double check the market to make sure you’re getting the right coverage at the best possible price. Plus, we will NEVER sell your information and will always work with your best interest in mind.
Learn more: Why Use Quotacy to Buy Life Insurance Online
How does the life insurance application process work?
Once you’ve found the life insurance policy you wish to move forward with, completing your online application is simple and should only take 5 minutes. Plus, your progress is saved, so you can easily pick up where you left off.
Information needed to apply:
- The basics to verify who you are
- Current employment
- Lifestyle and hobbies
- Health history
Learn more: Term Life Insurance Application Process
What is life insurance underwriting?
Underwriting is the process a life insurance company uses to determine if you can be approved for the coverage you’re applying for and how much you will pay. Underwriters from the life insurance company evaluate your health and medical history, lifestyle, career, and financial status to see what may affect your life expectancy.
Learn more: What is Life Insurance Underwriting?
What is the life insurance phone interview like?
The 15-30 minute phone interview confirms your personal and health information submitted on your application and gives you an opportunity to explain your answers in your own words.
You may need to provide your:
- Driver’s license and Social Security number
- Healthcare providers (names, addresses, and phone numbers)
- Medical history (treatment dates and prescription medicines)
- Existing life insurance policy info (company name, coverage amount, and policy number)
- Financial info (income, assets, liabilities, and net worth)
Some companies will schedule your medical exam during your phone interview, if your policy requires an exam.
Learn more: What to Expect from Your Phone Interview
What is a paramedical exam?
A paramedical exam is a condensed physical exam and medical interview that life insurance companies often require in order to evaluate a life insurance applicant’s overall health.
The paramedical exam lasts about 20-30 minutes and consists of a medical questionnaire, height and weight measurements, and urine and blood samples. The medical examiner will come to your home or office.
Can I get life insurance without a medical exam?
For term life insurance, Quotacy currently works with one life insurance company that offers 100% guaranteed no medical exam: SBLI. This option is available to you if you are 60 years old or younger and looking to buy $500,000 or less in coverage.
Many other insurance companies we work with offer accelerated underwriting for qualified applicants. This process also allows applicants to skip the medical exam. Being eligible for accelerated underwriting isn’t guaranteed and your Quotacy agent won’t know if you’re accepted until after your application is submitted to the insurance company.
Learn more: What Is No Medical Exam Life Insurance? Accelerated Underwriting?
Can you use your own doctor for your life insurance medical exam?
No. The life insurance companies use third-party paramedical examiners to perform the medical exams. A paramedical examiner is specifically trained with the knowledge needed to work on behalf of an insurance company.
You can choose when and where to have this exam done. Your home, office, or the exam company’s local facility. Wherever you would feel the most comfortable.
Learn more: Can My Doctor Perform My Life Insurance Medical Exam?
What is the best age to get life insurance?
The best age to buy life insurance is when you first have a need for it. For most it’s after buying a house, getting married, or having children.
Your price for life insurance will go up with age. If you have any health issues that increase your risk of dying, this will also cause your price to be higher. Waiting too long to buy life insurance may cause it to be unaffordable or you may even become uninsurable for traditional life insurance.
There are many factors that determine your cost for life insurance, including health and financial status, age, gender, occupation, and lifestyle. Most people can buy life insurance, but it’s best not to wait until it’s either too late or too expensive. Even a little life insurance is better than nothing at all.
Learn more: The Perfect Age to Buy Life Insurance
What is the best life insurance?
The best life insurance will vary depending on your personal needs and financial situation. For most people, term life insurance is the best choice. It’s the most affordable type of life insurance and can be customized to meet your current budget.
Who should be your life insurance beneficiary?
Your life insurance beneficiary should be the person(s) who currently relies on your income and would benefit from the life insurance payout upon your death. It also needs to be someone over age 18. If you want to leave your policy’s death benefit to a minor, create a trust instead and name the trust the beneficiary.
Learn more: 10 Things Not to Do When Choosing Your Life Insurance Policy Beneficiaries
What is a life insurance rider?
A life insurance rider is an add-on you can purchase (some are free) to supplement your life insurance policy with extra benefits. Common riders include child rider, premium waiver for disability rider, accidental death benefit rider, accelerated death benefit rider, and a conversion rider.
Learn more: Types of Life Insurance Riders
What is a death benefit?
The death benefit is what the insurance company pays to the beneficiaries when an insured individual dies. The death benefit amount is chosen by the applicant and referred to as the coverage amount or face amount.
How do death benefit payouts work?
When an insured person dies, the beneficiaries need to file a life insurance claim with the life insurance company. A death certificate will also need to be sent in.
The insurance company will verify the information and then send out a check to the beneficiary(ies). This process typically takes about one week.
If the insured dies within the contestability period (the first two years of the policy) the claim may be delayed if the insurance company decides to investigate it.
Learn more: How Do Life Insurance Policy Payouts Work?
How often should I review my life insurance policy?
After purchasing a life insurance policy, it should be reviewed every few years and especially after any major life changing events. As your life changes, your life insurance needs may also change.
Learn more: When Should You Review Your Life Insurance Policy?
How do I change my life insurance policy?
After you apply for life insurance through Quotacy.com, you’ll be paired with a personal Quotacy agent that can help you with whatever changes you wish to make before and after the policy is activated.
If you’re in the life insurance approval process, you are able to request changes to the amount and length of coverage. It will still need to be approved by the insurance company, but an additional application won’t be needed and there are no fees.
If you already own a policy, you may be able to make changes to your coverage. It will depend on how long the policy has been active, the changes you want made and the terms and conditions set by the life insurance company.
Can I increase my life insurance policy coverage?
If you’re still in the buying process, let your personal Quotacy agent know if you want to increase the coverage amount. As long as you financially qualify, this typically is an easy adjustment if the policy has not yet been approved.
If your life insurance policy has been approved, but not yet put inforce (activated), the policy will be taken out of approved status and sent back to the insurance company with the new coverage request. This can sometimes require additional information to review depending on the coverage amount.
If your policy has already been activated (put inforce), you will likely have to reapply for a new policy, or you can choose to buy a second policy.
These term life insurance FAQs were created based on the questions we hear most from our clients. If you have any questions about life insurance that we haven’t addressed in these term life insurance FAQs, you can contact us here at Quotacy. Our life insurance advisors are available via email, text, or phone.
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