Choosing how long your term life insurance lasts isn’t just about planning for your financial future. It also depends on finding the right balance between risks, how long you’ll live, and the changes happening in today’s world. Did you know that the average life expectancy has increased globally, leading to a growing debate on the ideal age to secure term insurance?
In this article, we will unravel the layers of this decision-making process to get term insurance, exploring factors that influence whether it’s 65, 85, or 99 for safeguarding your financial future and guide you in making the pivotal choice about the age until which your coverage should take. Let’s explore and figure out the best age to make sure your family is protected.
What is Policy Term in Term Life Insurance?
The policy term refers to the duration for which the life insurance coverage is provided. Term insurance is a type of life insurance that provides coverage for a specified term, without any cash value accumulation. If the insured person dies during the term of the policy, the death benefit is paid out to the designated beneficiaries.
The policy term is a key aspect of term insurance, typically chosen by the policyholder when purchasing it. Policy terms can vary and are often available for periods such as 10, 20, and 30 years, or even longer. The choice of the policy term depends on various factors, including the policyholder’s financial goals, and overall life insurance needs. Once the policy term expires, the coverage ends, and there is no payout if the insured person is still alive.
What Should Be the Duration of a Term Insurance Plan?
The duration of a term insurance plan depends on various factors and individual circumstances. Here are some considerations to help you determine the appropriate duration for your term insurance plan:
- Financial Responsibilities
- Dependents Needs
- Income Replacement
- Long-Term Goals
- Retirement Planning
- Affordability
- Health and Age, and more
Common term lengths for term insurance policies are 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years. Ultimately, the right duration will depend on your specific financial situation, goals, and the needs of your dependents.
How to Decide Term Insurance Tenure
Deciding on the term insurance tenure is an important aspect of purchasing a term insurance plan. The right tenure ensures that your family is adequately protected during the crucial years when your income is essential to their financial well-being. Here are steps to help you decide the term insurance tenure:
- Identify your financial responsibilities, such as outstanding loans, mortgages, and other debts. Consider the number of years it will take to pay off these financial obligations.
- Determine the number of years your dependents will rely on your income. This includes children’s education and other major life events. Consider the age of your children and estimate how long it will take for them to become financially independent.
- Evaluate the number of years your income will be essential for your family’s financial stability. This period may extend until your planned retirement or until your dependents can financially support themselves.
- If you already have other life insurance coverage or investments, consider how they contribute to your family’s financial security. Adjust the term insurance tenure based on the existing coverage.
- Assess your budget and determine the premiums you can comfortably afford. Choose a term that aligns with your financial capacity.
- Understand that securing a longer-term policy while you are younger and healthier may be more cost-effective. Consider any expected changes in health or lifestyle that could affect your insurability.
- Consider whether you need coverage until your planned retirement age. Regularly review your insurance needs, especially when major life events occur, such as marriage, the birth of a child, or changes in financial circumstances.
Different Ages for Term Insurance
Many life insurance providers extend coverage until the age of 75-85, with some offering plans that span up to age 99. The duration of coverage varies based on insurers. Assessing the appropriate term length for a term life insurance plan is of utmost importance. It involves careful financial planning to ensure financial security in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Let’s explore the implications of purchasing a term plan at different stages of life.
| Life Stage |
Term Duration |
Considerations |
| Early Adulthood (20s to 30s): |
30 years or more |
Individuals in their 20s or 30s may opt for a longer-term plan to lock in lower premiums while ensuring coverage until later stages in life. This provides financial protection during the years when dependents, such as children or a spouse, rely on your income. |
| Mid-Life (40s to 50s): |
20 to 30 years |
As financial responsibilities may start to decrease, individuals in their 40s or 50s might choose a term plan that aligns with the remaining years of significant financial obligations, such as mortgage payments or supporting children. |
| Approaching Retirement (Late 50s to early 60s): |
10 to 20 years |
With retirement on the horizon, individuals may consider a shorter-term plan to cover any remaining financial commitments and provide a shield for their spouses or dependents. |
| Post-Retirement (60s and beyond): |
10 years or less |
By this stage, many financial responsibilities may have been reduced. A shorter-term plan can serve as a safety net for any remaining financial obligations. |
65, 85 or 99? Till What Age Should You Buy Term Life Insurance?
Deciding the age until which you should buy term insurance depends on your financial situation, goals, and responsibilities. Here are some considerations for term life insurance at ages 65, 85, and 99:
Term Life Insurance till 65 Years
- Pros: This option may be suitable if you have dependents who will likely become financially independent by the time you reach 65. It can provide coverage during your working years when your family may be most financially dependent on you.
- Cons: If you outlive the policy term and still have dependents or financial obligations, you may be left without coverage. Also, if you develop health issues later in life, obtaining a new policy may be more challenging and expensive.
Term Life Insurance till 85 Years
- Pros: Extending the term to 85 provides coverage for a longer duration, which can be beneficial if you expect to have dependents or financial responsibilities well into your retirement years. It also offers a safety net in case you live longer than expected.
- Cons: Premiums for longer terms are generally higher. You might end up paying more over the life of the policy compared to a shorter-term policy. Assess whether the extra coverage aligns with your needs.
Term Life Insurance till 99 Years
- Pros: Opting for coverage until 99 provides maximum protection and ensures coverage for a significant portion of your life. This can be suitable if you want to leave a financial legacy for your dependents or have concerns about potential health issues later in life.
- Cons: Premiums for such long-term coverage can be considerably higher. It’s crucial to evaluate whether the additional cost is justified based on your specific circumstances and financial goals.
Term Insurance Price List
How to Buy the Best Term Insurance Plan Online at Different Life Stages
The process of buying a term insurance policy online has become simple with PolicyBachat. Follow the below steps to buy term insurance online:
- Step 1: Visit the PolicyBachat website. Click on the ‘Term’ tab. Enter the details such as Gender, Annual income from all the sources, Alcohol consumption and tobacco consumption, Salaries or Self-employed, and Date of Birth.
- Step 2: Now the premium from different insurance companies will be displayed on the screen. Then you can edit the details such as Coverage Amount, Policy Term, Premium Payment Method, etc., and submit the details to get the desired premium quotes. The premium can be changed by changing factors such as Coverage required, Mode of payment, etc.
- Step 3: Compare different plan premium rates, and then select the plan and pay the premium online. After the premium payment is successful, you will receive an email of the premium payment receipt.
Conclusion
The decision on the age until which term insurance should be taken, whether at 65, 85, or 99, depends on financial needs, long-term goals, and individual circumstances.
Opting for term insurance until age 65 may suit those aiming to cover financial responsibilities until retirement, while a term plan till 85 could be beneficial for individuals with extended financial commitments. Choosing term insurance till age 99 is less common but may be suitable for those who are seeking a comprehensive wealth transfer strategy.
However, it’s crucial to align the term duration with specific life stages, considering factors such as dependents, outstanding debts, and health considerations. Compare quotes online at PolicyBachat to tailor the term length to individual needs, ensuring that the coverage provides the necessary financial protection throughout different stages of life.