01 / For a defined period
Term life
A death benefit for beneficiaries if you die while coverage is in force during the term. It generally offers a lower starting premium than permanent insurance for a comparable benefit.
Review together: The term length, how long premiums are guaranteed, and any renewal or conversion deadlines.
02 / Long-term guarantees
Whole life
Combines permanent protection with contractual cash values. Guarantees depend on meeting the policy’s requirements. Dividends, when offered, are not guaranteed.
Review together: The payment schedule, guaranteed values, surrender costs, and how loans affect the death benefit.
03 / Flexible, with more moving parts
Indexed universal life
IUL credits interest using an index-based formula; your cash value is not directly invested in the stock market. Caps, participation rates, and other contract terms can limit credited interest.
A floor is not a no-loss guarantee. Policy charges can reduce cash value even when the indexed interest credit is zero. Lower credits or insufficient premiums can require more funding to prevent lapse.
Review together: Guaranteed and non-guaranteed illustrations, fees, funding needs, loan terms, and ongoing policy reviews.
04 / Smaller end-of-life needs
Final expense
Often a smaller whole life policy intended to help with burial costs or final bills. Beneficiaries generally choose how to use the death benefit.
Review together: The coverage amount, health questions, and whether full benefits begin immediately. Some policies have a graded period with reduced benefits for non-accidental death.