10 Year Term Life Insurance

A 10-year term policy remains in effect for 10 years after the date of purchase, and both the death benefit and price go unchanged.

Most types of life insurance policies are term policies. These are a type of policy with a set length where benefits can be awarded without increasing rates.

The most common types of term policies are for 10-, 20- and 30- year terms, though you can get annually renewable term policies, too.

Below we’ll be discussing a 10-year term, which is one of the most popular policies for people of practically any age.

Why Should You Consider a 10-Year Term Life Insurance Policy?

A 10-year term life insurance policy is one of those tools which can help your family hedge against disasters.

These can be one-time expenses, such as the cost of a funeral, orthese hardships can also be on-going.

If the primary provider for the family dies, the survivors can be faced with mounting bills.

If you pass away, you want to leave behind financial security for your surviving family. Life insurance is often an excellent solution.

If you’re unfamiliar with all the ins and outs of life insurance policies, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with our complete guide to term life insurance.

We’ll start here by discussing some brief differences between term and whole life policies, as there are whole life policies which act very differently than traditional term life.

What’s the Difference Between Term Life and Whole Life Policies?

Term and whole life policies are the two major categories of life insurance, and they are used for different purposes.

Whole life insurance provides death benefits, helps establish long-term financial resources for your family, and generally has no time limit on use.

Term life policies have a window where benefits are paid out, but have a steep cost increase at some future point.

The amount of benefits, and the time when they’ll be paid out, are flexible based on individual needs, but can only be arranged at the time of purchase.

A 10-year term life insurance policy is popular because one decade is a reasonable amount of time to plan for.

Unlike the next 20 or 30 years, most people can accurately determine their family’s financial needs, at least somewhat, for the next 10 years.

This allows you to purchase enough life insurance to pay for funeral expenses as well as address any debts you might have.

The idea is to avoid saddling your loved ones with your expenses, such as funeral expenses, credit card debt, mortgages, and more.

In addition, it can replace your income for several years, allowing your family to continue their current lifestyle, or buy them time in making adjustments.

During a time of loss, your family will certainly appreciate any financial relief an insurance policy can provide.

How Are Benefits From a 10-Year Policy Paid Out?

Once the policy is approved and “in force,” the policyholder is then covered for the next 120 months, so long as they make their payments on time.

If the policyholder passes away, their beneficiaries receive death benefits.

Beneficiaries can be family, a spouse or basically anyone else named by the policyholder. The benefits they receive are tax free.

A term policy will have some exceptions to cause of death.

Generally, however, most deaths which are the result of an accident or a natural health issue will be covered.

Suicide, for example, if it occurrs within the first few policy years, is probably not a circumstance where a carrier will pay.

Make sure to read your policy carefully so you know exactly what is and is not covered.

What if the Term Expires?

Well, first, consider this good news.

If the policy expires, it means you, the policy holder, are still alive and hopefully in good health.

Many people consider insurance, especially life policies bought at a young age, a “waste of money.” That’s usually not the case.

A policy you have and don’t need is often much better than a policy you need and don’t have. 

This is true even if you’re significantly younger than 78, which is the average life expectancy of a US citizen.

Term policies simply expire at their respective deadline, or otherwise drastically increase in premium.

This will usually “bump” a person out due to affordability. But if you no longer want coverage, no action is required once the policy finishes.

However, if you want to continue coverage, you’ll have to pay the higher rates, convert it to a permanent policy, or apply for and purchase a new policy.

When purchasing a new policy, you’ll have to buy one at current market rates.

This is a reason why some people prefer a 20- or 30-year term policy. They’re able to lock in low rates and beat inflation over the long haul.

Of course, the longer the term, the more the policy costs. This is why a 10-year term is the most popular type of policy.

The cost is affordable and the time period provides enough coverage to help with an accidental death.

How Much Coverage Should You Buy?

There is no one right answer here.

The amount of coverage depends on your family’s needs, both now and in the coming years.

Death benefits are commonly used for the following situations:

• Pay off debts: such as credit cards, loans, or a mortgage. 
• Funeral arrangements: this can be a significant cost to loved ones if not covered.
• Purchase an annuity: provide income for surviving family and dependents.
• Pay for college: make sure your child’s college education is covered.

The benefits which work best for you will depend on your needs for your family.

If you have a spouse or other family member able to work, you might only need to provide for short-term financial relief until they can find a job (or return to work after taking time off).

If you have children, benefits have a different purpose. You’ll want to provide financial security while they grow into adulthood.

Providing for college is also an important benefit which gives peace of mind to many parents.

How Do I Obtain a 10 Year Term Life Insurance Policy?

Don’t be afraid to shop around. You’ll find different providers often have very different prices for what are, in essence, very similar policies.

Rates are determined by a variety of individual factors. The two most important are your age and your gender.

Beyond that, your medical history will also be evaluated, as well as things like tobacco or alcohol use and family history.

Your medical history usually consists of a health physical and medical history report from the MIB (Medical Information Bureau).

Questions will be about your family’s medical history, any past medical conditions you’ve had, and any current health issues you still deal with.

You’ll likely be asked specifically if you have cancer, diabetes, depression, or high blood pressure.

Be prepared to answer these questions thoroughly and honestly.