Which type of life insurance is right for You?

Choosing the right life insurance policy isn’t just about price, it’s about peace of mind. The right policy can replace lost income, cover final expenses or debts, and help ease financial burdens on loved ones.
As you consider how to select a life insurance policy, make sure you can protect the people you care about without paying for features you don’t need.
Term life insurancehttps://www.ethos.com/life/whole-life-policies/ covers you for a specific time period (usually 10-30 years) and is generally the most affordable option. It’s designed to protect your family during key financial years.
Whole life insurance lasts your entire life and includes a built-in savings component called cash value. You’ll pay more for the added benefits, but your coverage won’t expire – and you can borrow from any accumulated cash value.
Both types have their advantages. The right choice in how to pick life insurance comes down to what you want your policy to accomplish and how long you want coverage to last.
- It’s affordable. Term policies typically cost less than permanent coverage, especially for younger, healthier applicants.
- It’s straightforward. You choose the term length and coverage amount. If you pass away during that time, your beneficiaries receive the payout.
- It’s built for real-life needs. Many people only need life insurance for a set window of time. Once the mortgage is paid off or kids are financially independent, your coverage needs may be less.
Term isn’t the right fit for everyone, but for families or young professionals, term life is often the place to start.
- Your financial goals: Consider what you need to cover: day-to-day expenses, future college tuition, final expenses, etc.
- Your budget: Choose a coverage amount that gives you peace of mind without straining your finances.
- How long you need coverage: Decide if you need protection for a set time or if you need livelong coverage.
- Health and age: The younger and healthier you are, the lower your premiums.
The right coverage amount depends on your income, expenses, debt, and long-term goals. A common guideline is to aim for 10x your annual income*, but that simple formula doesn’t work for everyone.
It’s a good idea to make sure you understand what goes into life insurance costs. This guide to buying life insurance can help explain the different types of coverage and how they’re priced.
You can also use comprehensive tools like this Life Insurance Needs Calculator to estimate how much coverage you might need.
- Customer reviews: What do other policyholders say about their experience? Positive feedback on responsiveness, claims processing, and ease of use is a good sign.
- Application speed: Some insurers offer same-day coverage with a simple online application. Others may take weeks and require medical exams and phone interviews.
- No-medical-exam options: If you prefer a faster, more convenient process – or want to avoid in-person tests – look for companies that offer simplified or guaranteed issue policies.
- Clear, upfront pricing: Avoid providers who make it hard to understand what you’re paying for.
Choose what feels right for your needs and comfort level.
- Underestimating your coverage needs: A small policy may not go very far. Make sure your coverage aligns with your needs.
- Focusing only on price: Low premiums are appealing, but you need to make sure your needs are met. Balance cost with the right level of protection.
- Waiting too long to apply: Life insurance is generally cheaper when you are younger.
- Ignoring policy flexibility: Some term policies allow you to convert to permanent coverage later. If that’s important to you, make sure it’s included.
- Skipping the fine print: Not all policies are the same. Review the terms carefully, especially any exclusions or limitations.
- Fast and online application process.
- No medical exam required- Just a few health questions.
- Trusted by thousands, with real support if you need it.
Selecting a life insurance policy doesn’t have to be complicated. With Ethos, you can get coverage that fits your needs—quickly, confidently, and with no pressure.
FAQs on Choosing the Right Life Insurance
You’ll want to make sure you are informed as you research how to purchase life insurance. The right policy for you depends on your budget, financial goals, and how long you want coverage to last.
Think about how long you need coverage and whether you want a savings component. Term life covers you for a set number of years and tends to be more affordable. Whole life offers permanent protection and includes a built-in cash value, but it usually costs more.
Everyone’s needs are different, and your coverage needs will likely also change over your lifetime. Generally, you should account for debts, mortgage payments, future expenses like college tuition, and your family’s ongoing cost of living. Use a needs calculator to help decide.
The younger and healthier you are, the more affordable your premiums will likely be. But it’s never too late to get started!
Yes. Some providers (including Ethos) offer no-exam policies based on your answers to health questions. These policies are often fast and easy to apply for, and many people get covered the same day.
To make a fair comparison, look at more than just the price. Consider the coverage amount, term length, policy features, and whether a medical exam is required. Make sure the insurer has a solid reputation for customer service and financial stability.