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Partners for Life — Insurance Agency & Financial Services
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Which Costs Less: Term or Whole Life Insurance?

Term life insurance is less expensive than whole life insurance because it is not a permanent policy and has no cash value component.
Whole life policies are designed to cover you throughout your life, including the most expensive years—old age.
Because whole life premiums must cover insurance costs and build the cash value component, this coverage costs more than term insurance.

Why Is Term Life Insurance Inexpensive?

Term life insurance costs less than permanent life insurance because it is not permanent and is not designed to remain in force during the policyholder's most expensive years: old age. It also has no cash value component.
Because the premiums you pay do not need to fund cash value or cover insurance costs in your later years, it is much less expensive.

Is Life Insurance Worth It?


Life insurance can be a valuable tool for protecting others from the financial consequences of your death. However, whether it is worthwhile for you depends on factors such as whom you support, your outstanding debts, and your savings. Either term or permanent coverage may make sense depending on your situation and needs.

However, if you have family members who depend on you for care or financial support, having at least a term life insurance policy generally makes sense. And if you need permanent coverage—for example, if you have a child with special needs—it is often best to buy life insurance as soon as possible, in case your own health declines and makes a policy unaffordable or difficult to obtain.