Wednesday, April 18, 2018

The Term Life Insurance vs Whole Life Insurance Debate

Are you confused about the differences between term life insurance vs. whole life insurance? The words term vs. whole life insurance get thrown around when you are searching for life insurance policies. Has anyone figured out that the person looking to buy or that is actually buying the policy may not have the first clue as to the difference between the two? Term insurance vs. whole life insurance is actually not that difficult to understand. Once you know the difference, you will be able to quickly weigh your options and pick out the best insurance plan for your needs.


First, break out the terms and the meanings of term life vs. whole life insurance. Term life insurance is life insurance coverage that is paid for a specified period. With term life, you will get a guaranteed amount that will be paid out in the event of death. Just pay your premium and you are covered.  Just to be clear, this policy does not build any cash value. Next, we have whole life insurance. This is also life insurance paid over a specified period. The difference is that with whole life insurance, a percentage of the premium payments are invested by the insurer. Based upon the amount that is invested, in the event that the policyholder does not die before that specific period expires, a payout is available from the whole life policy. Yes, whole life is an investment.

Now, you are wondering if you need term or whole life insurance. Which should you choose? Evaluate what your long term needs are for the policy. If you are looking for some life insurance coverage for the next 10 to 20 years, the term life insurance policy will take care of those needs. On the other hand, if you were looking for a savings plan and an investment means, the whole life policy would be a better option for you in the term life insurance vs. whole life insurance battle.

Of course, there is a difference in cost between the two types of policies; term life insurance vs. whole life insurance. While you are searching for a policy, determine how much money you are willing to spend or can afford to spend on your premiums. Generally, term insurance is much lower in cost than whole life.  Term insurance does not build any value so that is why it is usually cheaper.

There has been a debate as to which is better in terms of finances between term life vs. whole life insurance. Many financial advisers recommend purchasing the whole life policy because of the value that it builds and cash pay out benefit. Others think that the variance in cost that is saved by purchasing the term life insurance vs. whole life insurance could be invested. They believe that by doing that, a much better return could be earned than the financial gains from the whole life insurance policy. The debate goes on.

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