A life insurance policy is a contract between you and an insurance company. You agree to pay a regular premium. In return, the insurance company agrees to pay out a sum of money to your designated beneficiaries if you die before the policy’s term is up.

Depending on the type of life insurance you want, your policy may work differently. The main types include:

Term Life: Your policy is for a specific term only, say 10 to 30 years, and your beneficiaries don’t receive any benefit if you outlive the set term. Your premiums can be level, increasing or decreasing throughout the life of the policy.

Accidental Death: Similar to Term Life, your policy is for a specific term, but only pays a benefit in the event of accidental death, such as a traffic accident. In many cases, death from illness is not covered, so accidental death policies tend to be the least expensive option.

Whole Life: Your term is for life, and there’s a cash value component from which you may borrow or withdraw in the future. You pay level premiums throughout the life of the policy.

Universal Life: Similar to Whole Life, this type of life insurance is for life and includes a cash value account. However, some universal life policies offer more flexibility. For example, you can use your cash value account to help pay your premiums.

Read more about each type of life insurance.

There are certain financial milestones that we all reach in our lives. One of them, of course, is when we buy our first life insurance policy. But how do you know when is the right time to sign on the dotted line for coverage? The answer may vary depending on your financial and family situation, but there are a few good rules of thumb.

For instance, if you are married or own a home, you probably want to consider coverage. If you have kids or other loved ones who rely on you for financial support, a policy provides much-needed peace of mind for their care. You can even use life insurance to leave behind a legacy based on your biggest passions.

If illness or injury strikes and you or your family are in desperate need of immediate cash, life insurance can provide the funds. Although it’s an unpleasant thought, should death occur during your working years, life insurance helps cover mortgage or rent payments, utilities, credit card bills, and other debts owed.

Life insurance can also be used to pay funeral costs, unpaid medical bills, college tuition, taxes, and/or everyday living expenses. Another way of saying it: your family can pretty much choose to use the funds anyway they see fit.

Most traditional life insurance plans require a medical exam, blood work, or both. Getting a “no exam” life insurance plan is just as the name implies – no needles or doctor visits required. Answer a few basic health-related questions over the phone or online and you’re good to go. No exam plans may not be available to every individual or for every policy.

Need help deciding? Give our team a call at (844) 755-5327 or email support@leaplife.com.

The decision to buy your first life insurance policy can be tricky. Is it really time to buy coverage and, if so, for whom should it provide financial benefits?

There are many times in your life where life insurance should be a consideration. Whether you have a spouse or family, bought a home, or want to leave a lasting legacy for others, a life insurance policy can help you get there. In the end, life insurance is for the living. Who do you want to take care of after you’re gone?

Want to learn more about your life insurance options or get a free quote? Contact us today – our licensed life insurance coaches can walk you through the policies available and even help you calculate the coverage that best suits your needs.