Life insurance, explained
Coverage for the people who count on you
Term vs. whole life, how much you need, naming beneficiaries, and the mistakes worth avoiding.
Explore Life Insurance
Insurance basics
Plain-language explanation of how the coverage works and what it pays for.
Read more → GuidesHow-to guides
Step-by-step walkthroughs for the decisions you actually face.
Read more → FAQFAQs
Quick answers to the questions people ask most often.
Read more → ChecklistsChecklists
Printable checklists to keep you organized and protected.
Read more →Latest articles
View all →Types of life insurance explained
Life insurance comes in two broad families: term, which covers you for a set period, and permanent, which lasts your who...
Read more →Universal life insurance explained
Universal life insurance is a form of permanent coverage that combines a death benefit with a cash-value component and f...
Read more →Indexed universal life (IUL) explained
Indexed universal life (IUL) is a form of universal life insurance whose cash-value growth is linked to a market index r...
Read more →What is an annuity?
An annuity is a contract with an insurer in which you pay a lump sum or series of payments in exchange for income later,...
Read more →Burial and final expense insurance explained
Burial or final expense insurance is a small whole-life policy designed to cover funeral, burial, and other end-of-life...
Read more →Life insurance for seniors
Life insurance is still available later in life, though the options and pricing differ from those for younger buyers. Se...
Read more →Popular how-to guides
Common questions
＋ Do I need life insurance if I am single with no kids?
Often less, but it can still help cover debts that others co-signed, final expenses, or lock in a low rate while you are young and healthy. The need grows once others depend on you.
＋ How does the medical exam affect my rate?
Many policies use a brief exam and health questions to set your rate. Healthier applicants generally pay less. Some no-exam policies exist but can cost more for the same benefit.
＋ Is my employer life insurance enough?
Employer coverage is often only one to two times salary and usually ends when you leave the job. Most families with dependents need an individual policy in addition to it.
＋ Who should I name as my beneficiary?
Typically the people who depend on your income. You can name multiple beneficiaries with percentages and a contingent beneficiary as a backup. Keep designations current.
＋ When might a life insurance claim be denied?
Claims can be denied for material misrepresentation on the application or, commonly, during a contestability period in the first two years. Answer all application questions honestly.
Understand life insurance before you buy
Free, plain-language education from Why Insurance Me — no pressure, no jargon.