Types of Term Life Insurance

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 97 views

Understanding the Concept of Term Life Insurance: A Case Study of DeShawn's Decision

As people plan for their future, they often consider various financial instruments to secure their loved ones' well-being in the event of their untimely demise. One such instrument is term life insurance, which provides a death benefit to the policyholder's beneficiaries in the event of their death. In this article, we will explore the concept of term life insurance through the lens of DeShawn's decision to purchase a 20-year term policy.

DeShawn's Background

DeShawn is a 38-year-old married man with three children, ages 2, 4, and 6. He earns a yearly income of $45,000 and is planning to retire when he turns 60. As a responsible parent, DeShawn wants to ensure that his family is financially secure in the event of his passing. To achieve this, he decides to buy a 20-year term policy for $900,000.

What is Term Life Insurance?

Term life insurance is a type of life insurance that provides coverage for a specified period, known as the term. During this period, the policyholder pays premiums to the insurance company, which pays a death benefit to the beneficiaries in the event of the policyholder's death. If the policyholder survives the term, the coverage ends, and the policyholder is not entitled to any benefits.

Types of Term Life Insurance

There are several types of term life insurance, including:

Level Term Life Insurance: This type of policy provides a fixed death benefit and fixed premiums for the entire term.
Decreasing Term Life Insurance: This type of policy provides a decreasing death benefit and fixed premiums for the entire term.
Increasing Term Life Insurance: This type of policy provides an increasing death benefit and fixed premiums for the entire term.
Convertible Term Life Insurance: This type of policy allows the policyholder to convert the policy to a permanent life insurance policy, such as whole life or universal life, without undergoing a medical examination.

Benefits of Term Life Insurance

Term life insurance offers several benefits, including:

Affordability: Term life insurance is generally less expensive than permanent life insurance.
Flexibility: Term life insurance policies can be customized to meet the policyholder's needs.
Tax-free benefits: The death benefit paid to the beneficiaries is tax-free.
Cash value accumulation: Some term life insurance policies accumulate a cash value over time, which can be borrowed against or used to pay premiums.

Risks and Limitations of Term Life Insurance

While term life insurance offers several benefits, it also has some risks and limitations, including:

Expiry of coverage: The policyholder's coverage ends at the end of the term, and they may not be able to renew the policy.
No cash value accumulation: Most term life insurance policies do not accumulate a cash value over time.
No dividends: Term life insurance policies do not pay dividends to policyholders.
Medical underwriting: Term life insurance policies may require medical underwriting, which can be time-consuming and expensive.

DeShawn's Decision

DeShawn's decision to purchase a 20-year term policy for $900,000 is a personal choice that depends on his individual circumstances. As a responsible parent, he wants to ensure that his family is financially secure in the event of his passing. By purchasing a term life insurance policy, DeShawn can provide a death benefit to his beneficiaries, which can help them pay off debts, cover funeral expenses, and maintain their standard of living.

In conclusion, term life insurance is a type of life insurance that provides coverage for a specified period. While it offers several benefits, including affordability, flexibility, and tax-free benefits, it also has some risks and limitations, including the expiry of coverage, no cash value accumulation, and medical underwriting. DeShawn's decision to purchase a 20-year term policy for $900,000 is a personal choice that depends on his individual circumstances. By understanding the concept of term life insurance, individuals can make informed decisions about their financial security and the well-being of their loved ones.

Based on DeShawn's decision, we recommend the following:

Assess individual circumstances: Before purchasing a term life insurance policy, individuals should assess their individual circumstances, including their income, expenses, debts, and financial goals.
Choose the right policy: Individuals should choose a term life insurance policy that meets their needs, including the term length, death benefit, and premium payments.
Review and update the policy: Individuals should review and update their term life insurance policy regularly to ensure that it remains relevant and effective.

Future research directions in the area of term life insurance include:

Investigating the impact of term life insurance on financial security: Researchers should investigate the impact of term life insurance on financial security, including the effect on debt, income, and expenses.
Developing new term life insurance products: Researchers should develop new term life insurance products that meet the changing needs of policyholders, including the need for flexibility and customization.
Improving the underwriting process: Researchers should improve the underwriting process for term life insurance policies, including the use of advanced technologies and data analytics.
Term Life Insurance Q&A: Answers to Your Most Pressing Questions

Term life insurance is a type of life insurance that provides coverage for a specified period, known as the term. While it offers several benefits, including affordability, flexibility, and tax-free benefits, it also has some risks and limitations, including the expiry of coverage, no cash value accumulation, and medical underwriting. In this article, we will answer some of the most pressing questions about term life insurance, including its benefits, risks, and limitations.

Q: What is term life insurance?

A: Term life insurance is a type of life insurance that provides coverage for a specified period, known as the term. During this period, the policyholder pays premiums to the insurance company, which pays a death benefit to the beneficiaries in the event of the policyholder's death.

Q: What are the benefits of term life insurance?

A: The benefits of term life insurance include:

Affordability: Term life insurance is generally less expensive than permanent life insurance.
Flexibility: Term life insurance policies can be customized to meet the policyholder's needs.
Tax-free benefits: The death benefit paid to the beneficiaries is tax-free.
Cash value accumulation: Some term life insurance policies accumulate a cash value over time, which can be borrowed against or used to pay premiums.

Q: What are the risks and limitations of term life insurance?

A: The risks and limitations of term life insurance include:

Expiry of coverage: The policyholder's coverage ends at the end of the term, and they may not be able to renew the policy.
No cash value accumulation: Most term life insurance policies do not accumulate a cash value over time.
No dividends: Term life insurance policies do not pay dividends to policyholders.
Medical underwriting: Term life insurance policies may require medical underwriting, which can be time-consuming and expensive.

Q: How do I choose the right term life insurance policy?

A: To choose the right term life insurance policy, you should consider the following factors:

Term length: Choose a term length that meets your needs, such as 10, 20, or 30 years.
Death benefit: Choose a death benefit that meets your needs, such as $100,000 or $500,000.
Premium payments: Choose a premium payment schedule that meets your needs, such as monthly or annually.
Riders: Consider adding riders to your policy, such as a waiver of premium rider or a long-term care rider.

Q: Can I convert my term life insurance policy to a permanent life insurance policy?

A: Yes, you can convert your term life insurance policy to a permanent life insurance policy, such as whole life or universal life, without undergoing a medical examination. However, you should check with your insurance company to see if this option is available and to understand the terms and conditions of the conversion.

Q: How do I apply for term life insurance?

A: To apply for term life insurance, you should:

Gather required documents: Gather required documents, such as proof of income, proof of identity, and medical records.
Complete the application: Complete the application, which will ask for personal and financial information.
Submit the application: Submit the application to the insurance company.
Undergo medical underwriting: Undergo medical underwriting, which may include a medical examination and review of your medical records.

Q: How long does it take to get approved for term life insurance?

A: The time it takes to get approved for term life insurance can vary depending on the insurance company and the complexity of the application. However, it typically takes 1-4 weeks to get approved for term life insurance.

Q: Can I cancel my term life insurance policy?

A: Yes, you can cancel your term life insurance policy, but you may be subject to a penalty or a surrender charge. You should check with your insurance company to understand the terms and conditions of canceling your policy.

In conclusion, term life insurance is a type of life insurance that provides coverage for a specified period, known as the term. While it offers several benefits, including affordability, flexibility, and tax-free benefits, it also has some risks and limitations, including the expiry of coverage, no cash value accumulation, and medical underwriting. By understanding the benefits, risks, and limitations of term life insurance, you can make an informed decision about whether it is right for you.