Life insurance

Protect the people who count on you.

Life insurance pays money to the people you choose if you die while the policy is active. It's a way to make sure the people who depend on you can stay on their feet: pay the mortgage, keep the kids in school, and handle the bills.

The two main types

Most life insurance falls into two families: term, which covers a set number of years, and permanent, which is designed to last your lifetime.

Neither is automatically better. The right fit depends on what you're protecting, for how long, and what you can comfortably pay.

Term life

Covers a fixed period, such as 10, 20 or 30 years. Usually the lowest cost per dollar of coverage, which makes it common for protecting a family while kids are young or a mortgage is being paid.

Permanent life

Whole and universal life are designed to cover you for life as long as premiums are paid, and many build cash value. It costs more for the same death benefit and comes with rules worth understanding first.

Coverage through work

Many employers offer some life insurance. It's a good start, but it often ends when you leave the job and may not be enough on its own.

Cost

What affects the price

Your age when you apply
Your health and medical history
Tobacco or nicotine use
How much coverage you choose
Term length, or whether the policy is permanent

Insurance companies set prices and decide who they approve. The exact price is only known after you apply. We'll never promise a number before then.

Your first conversation

Questions we'll help you answer

Who depends on my income, and for how long?
Is my coverage through work enough, and what happens if I change jobs?
Term, permanent or a mix: which fits what I'm protecting?
How much can I comfortably pay every month, for years?

Go deeper

General information, not advice

This page explains how coverage generally works. It isn't a recommendation for your situation or an offer of coverage. Availability, pricing and eligibility are set by insurance companies and vary by state.

Ready to find out if you're really all set?

Start with a conversation. You'll leave understanding your options, whether or not you buy anything.

Talk with us Explore coverage

What affects the price

Your age when you apply

Your health and medical history

Tobacco or nicotine use

How much coverage you choose

Term length, or whether the policy is permanent

Insurance companies set prices and decide who they approve. The exact price is only known after you apply. We'll never promise a number before then.