What is difference between term life insurance and whole life insurance

Key Takeaways. Term life is pure insurance, whereas whole life adds a cash value component that you can tap during your lifetime. Term coverage only protects you for a limited number of years, while whole life provides lifelong protection—if you can keep up with the premium payments.

Is whole life insurance the same as term life insurance?

Term life insurance tends to be much cheaper than whole life coverage because term policies do not have a cash value component and may expire without paying any benefits. Whole life insurance is a form of permanent life insurance that covers the person for their entire life, rather than for a fixed period of time.

Which is cheaper whole life or term?

Term life insurance is cheaper because it only lasts for a limited time. Your beneficiaries will not get any money if you live beyond the end of your term. Whole life insurance is more expensive because it lasts for your whole life and has a cash value that earns a guaranteed return on cash value.

What is the disadvantage of whole life insurance?

What is the downside of whole life insurance? Compared to a term life policy, a whole life policy is more expensive and complex, in part because it's designed to provide a death benefit that lasts a lifetime.

Do you get your money back at the end of a term life insurance?

Do you get your money back at the end of a term life insurance policy? No – unless you have a return of premium policy. However, such policies can be 2-4 times more expensive than a regular level term life insurance policy.