Some insurers offer a product called no medical exam term insurance where quotes are based on your age group (typically five years, such as 50-54). With these products, the term length is essentially just one year, and premiums increase each time you enter a new age group, meaning they become costly over 15 or 20 years.
Term life insurance provides a simple and affordable way for people to protect their financial health in case of an unfortunate event.
You may have less life insurance options as a senior due to your age and current health. There aren't any restrictions if you're younger than 70 and in good overall health. As some insurers have restrictions on the age that can purchase a specific product, it may be necessary for you to look at a larger range of companies.
A level policy is the most common type. It is the death benefit that is paid for term policies. It is also possible for the benefit to decrease over time. This usually happens in one-year increments.
A 30-year term policy on life insurance can be a great option for a couple who is financially secure and is able to pay the premium difference between 20-year and 30-year terms.
The term and whole life insurance policies do not require medical exams. But, the death benefits for wholelife coverage are generally limited to $50,000 or lower -- this is tenfold less than what's typical for term life benefits. If an insurer does not offer coverage for medical exams with a higher mortality benefit, this usually means that the medical exam is dependent on your answers to health question.
Convenience. Simplified insurance is an option if you don't wish to have to go through a medical exam. A recent survey found that 47% Americans prefer life insurance with a simplified process.
No medical exam is required to apply for guaranteed life insurance. Guaranteed-issue policies do not require you to answer any questions about your medical history.
The most common type for a term insurance policy is a level policy. This is because the death benefit's value remains the same throughout the policy's life. However, the benefit can decrease. It shrinks over time in small increments, usually one-year apart.
The death benefit is an option that can replace your financial support over decades. It ensures your family doesn't have to worry about the cost of your mortgage, funeral, and care as well as college expenses for your kids. It allows your spouse to continue saving or having money to support an elderly parent.
While most people arrange term insurance that will last until their children become adults, others may need a greater safety net. A special needs dependent is an example. A term life insurance policy with a 30 year duration can be extended to provide financial support for your child throughout their entire lives. It can also provide financial help if you die before the investments you have made for their long-term support reach maturity. For older dependents like an elderly parent that depends on you for support and care, a longer-term, such a 30 year, can also offer protections.
How much term life insurance coverage do you need? It depends on your financial situation, income, debts, family needs, and future financial obligations. A good rule of thumb is to have coverage that's 5-10 times your annual income.
Most term life insurance policies have level premiums, meaning the payments remain the same throughout the policy term. However, some policies may have increasing premiums as you age.