Income protection
Replacing the income you contribute to your household if you pass during your working years. Term length typically aligns with the years remaining until retirement or until dependents are financially independent.
Term life insurance
Term life insurance — temporary protection for the years that matter.
Term life pays a death benefit if the insured passes during a fixed coverage period. It is designed for income protection, mortgage and dependent-year obligations, and other time-bounded financial needs.
How it works
What term life insurance is.
Term life is pure death benefit coverage. The policy pays the face amount to the named beneficiary if the insured passes during the term. There is no cash value accumulation and no investment component — the policy is a contract for death benefit protection.
Coverage runs for a fixed number of years — most commonly 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 — and premiums are typically level for the entire term. When the term ends, coverage expires unless renewed (usually at a substantially higher premium based on then-current age) or converted to a permanent policy.
Term length should align with the duration of the financial obligation it covers. A 30-year mortgage usually pairs with a 30-year term; income replacement until retirement typically pairs with a term length matching working years remaining.
Common use cases
Who term life serves.
Term life is most often considered in situations where a financial obligation has a clear end-date. The use cases below are not exhaustive; a licensed advisor can help map your situation to the right product.
Mortgage payoff
Ensuring a surviving partner can continue paying — or pay off — the mortgage if your income is lost. Term length often matches the remaining mortgage years.
College funding
Setting aside a death benefit specifically tied to dependent children's college years. Term length matches the years until the youngest child completes school.
Business protection
Funding key-person coverage or buy-sell agreements between partners. Coverage amount and term align with the business obligation.
Estate planning supplement
In conjunction with permanent products, term life can cover specific obligations or short-term liquidity needs. Complex estate situations should be reviewed with both an advisor and an estate attorney.
Application process
How a term life application moves through underwriting.
Step 1
Application
You complete a written application with health, occupation, lifestyle, and financial questions. The carrier may request additional information from your physician.
Step 2
Possible medical exam
Many carriers schedule a brief paramedical exam — height, weight, blood pressure, blood and urine samples. Some products are available without an exam at certain face amounts; your advisor can flag which carriers offer this.
Step 3
Underwriting decision
The carrier reviews your application, exam results (if applicable), prescription history, and other databases. The decision determines your underwriting class and premium.
Step 4
Policy delivery
Approved policies are delivered for your review and signature. You have a free-look period (varies by state) during which you can return the policy for a full refund.
Underwriting classes — educational reference
Carriers assign each approved applicant to a rate class. The class affects the premium for a given face amount and term length. Class names and criteria vary slightly by carrier; the categories below are typical.
- Preferred Plus
- Most favorable rate class, typically reserved for applicants with excellent health, no tobacco use, and favorable family medical history.
- Preferred
- Strong health profile with minor variances from Preferred Plus criteria. Lower premium than Standard.
- Standard
- Average health profile by carrier criteria. Most common rate class assigned.
- Substandard / Table Rated
- Applicants with health conditions that increase mortality risk. Premium is higher; coverage is still available in many cases.
Approval timelines vary by carrier and by whether a paramedical exam is required. Application processing typically takes from several days to several weeks. Insurance products are subject to underwriting; rates and availability vary by health, age, state, and carrier.
Carrier framework
Independent multi-carrier brokerage.
We are independent — not a captive agent of any single carrier. That structure means we can compare term life products across carriers and recommend what fits your situation rather than what a single company has to sell.
We work with Banner Life, Corebridge, Mutual of Omaha, and other top-rated carriers on term life products. Carrier and product availability depend on your state, age, and health profile.
Empathy Insurance Advisors is the operating name of Empathy Healthcare Solutions Inc.. NPN 19291077; licensed in 22+ states. Learn more about our licensing and team.
Before you apply
Considerations before buying.
Will employer coverage end if you change jobs?
Group life insurance through an employer typically ends when employment ends. An individual policy follows you across job changes. If your need is long-term, individual coverage may make more sense than relying solely on employer-provided coverage.
Do you have an existing policy?
If you already own a life insurance policy, review the features, costs, contestability period, and any cash value carefully before considering replacement. Per NAIC Model 26, replacement transactions involve specific disclosure requirements your advisor will walk through. We do not recommend replacing existing coverage that is already serving you well — the right answer often is to keep what you have and add coverage rather than replace.
How does your need change over time?
Coverage needs typically peak when income is replacing the largest set of obligations — usually mortgage years and dependent years — and decline as obligations are paid off or children become independent. Some buyers layer policies of different term lengths to match this trajectory.
Term length should match the obligation
If the primary need is mortgage coverage, the term should match the remaining mortgage years. If the primary need is income replacement to retirement, the term should match working years remaining. Choosing a term that ends before the obligation ends leaves a gap; choosing a term that extends well beyond it pays for coverage you no longer need.
Frequently asked
Common questions about term life.
More questions? See our full FAQ or schedule a consultation.
Ready to compare term life options?
A licensed advisor can match your situation to carriers and products that fit. There is no obligation and no pressure to apply.
Or call (954) 807-4855.
This content is for educational purposes. Insurance products are subject to underwriting; rates and availability vary by health, age, state, and carrier. Licensed Insurance Advisor | NPN: 19291077 | Licensed in 22+ states.