Can You Still Convert a Term Life Policy After It Lapses?

The bottom line Can a lapsed term policy still convert? Possibly, but there is no universal yes-or-no answer. Check whether your contract includes a conversion provision, whether the policy is still eligible under its terms, and what the insurer says about its current status before assuming the right remains. Term life insurance offers coverage for … Read more

How Does Annual Renewable Term Life Insurance Change Over Time?

The bottom line What is annual renewable term life insurance? It is term coverage renewed one year at a time, with a death benefit during each active term and premiums that may be higher at renewal. The policy contract controls the renewal age, premium schedule, and any conversion option. Annual renewable term is a short-term … Read more

How Does Term Life Insurance Pay, and When Does Coverage End?

The bottom line How does term life insurance work? Term life insurance offers coverage for a set period of time, and level term insurance generally provides a fixed death benefit and premium throughout that term. The death benefit is payable only if the insured dies during the term, so the contract’s time window is the … Read more

Do All Term Life Insurance Policies Require Bloodwork?

The bottom line Does every term policy require bloodwork? No. Term life insurance describes coverage for a set period, while bloodwork and other application requirements depend on the specific policy and applicant. Ask about testing before you apply, and treat any estimate as an estimate, not a promise of approval or a carrier quote. No … Read more

What Does Group Term Life Insurance Through Work Cover?

The bottom line What is group term life insurance? It is term coverage carried directly or indirectly by an employer for a set period. If the insured dies during that term, the policy pays a death benefit. Level term coverage generally keeps its benefit and premium fixed throughout the term. Group term life insurance is … Read more

Should You Buy Term Life Insurance During the Adoption Process?

The bottom line Term life options during the adoption process should be matched to the years of financial responsibility you want to protect, the benefit your household would need, and a premium you can review comfortably. Term insurance lasts for a set period, so compare the policy term, benefit, premium, and renewal language before applying. … Read more

How Does Decreasing Term Life Insurance Reduce Your Coverage?

The bottom line What is decreasing term life insurance? It is term life coverage whose death benefit declines on a schedule during a defined policy term, making it a possible match for a debt that is expected to shrink. The policy contract controls the schedule, term, and other terms. Key facts Term life insurance offers … Read more

How Can You Build a Term Life Insurance Ladder Around Your Needs?

The bottom line How to build a term life insurance ladder starts with listing the financial needs your family would face and when each need ends. You then match separate term policies to those time periods, so the total coverage can step down as obligations end. The plan is useful when your coverage needs are … Read more