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Insurance Comparison
Term Insurance
Permanent Insurance
Policy Benefits Comparison
Term Insurance
- Lower initial premiums
- Simple death benefit protection
- Fixed premiums for term period
- Ideal for temporary needs
- No cash value accumulation
- Renewable or convertible options
Permanent Insurance
- Lifetime coverage guarantee
- Cash value accumulation
- Tax-deferred growth potential
- Policy loans and withdrawals
- Level premiums for life
- Estate planning benefits
Which is Right for You?
Term insurance is best for temporary needs like mortgages or income replacement during working years. Permanent insurance provides lifelong coverage with investment components, ideal for estate planning, wealth transfer, or supplementing retirement income.
Consider term if you need maximum coverage at minimum cost. Choose permanent if you want lifelong protection with a savings component.
Frequently Asked Questions
Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period (10, 20, or 30 years) at a fixed premium. If you outlive the term, coverage ends. Permanent life insurance (whole or universal life) provides lifelong coverage and includes a cash value component that grows over time.
The key differences are:
- Coverage duration: Term is temporary, permanent is lifelong
- Premiums: Term has lower initial costs, permanent has higher but fixed premiums
- Cash value: Permanent policies accumulate cash value, term policies do not
- Cost structure: Term premiums increase at renewal, permanent premiums remain level
Permanent insurance is more expensive because it guarantees coverage for your entire life and includes a savings component (cash value) that grows tax-deferred. Premiums are higher to fund both the death benefit and the investment portion of the policy.
The additional costs cover:
- Lifelong coverage guarantee
- Cash value accumulation
- Policy administration costs
- Mortality charges that don't increase with age
- Potential dividends (in participating policies)
Many term policies include a conversion rider that allows you to convert to permanent insurance without a medical exam. This option typically has age limits (often before age 65-70) and must be exercised during the term period.
Conversion benefits:
- No medical underwriting required
- Lock in insurability if health declines
- Flexibility to adjust coverage as needs change
- Convert all or part of your coverage
Note: Conversion options vary by policy, so check your specific contract terms.
A portion of your premium goes into a cash value account that grows tax-deferred. You can borrow against this value or make withdrawals. The growth rate depends on policy type (fixed for whole life, variable for universal). Cash value reduces the insurer's risk as you age, helping keep premiums level.
Key features:
- Tax-deferred growth
- Policy loans at competitive interest rates
- Withdrawals up to basis are tax-free
- Can be used to pay premiums later in life
- Adds to death benefit if left in policy
This calculator provides estimates based on industry averages. Actual premiums will vary by insurer, your specific health profile, and policy details. Use this tool for comparison purposes and obtain personalized quotes from licensed agents for final decisions.
Factors affecting actual premiums:
- Exact age and health classification
- Family medical history
- Lifestyle factors (occupation, hobbies)
- Specific policy features and riders
- Insurer's pricing models and discounts
For the most accurate quote, complete a formal application with medical underwriting.