Everything you need to make an informed decision — in 5 minutes.
The rule of thumb is 10–15× your annual income. The real number depends on your debts, dependents, and goals. Use the DIME formula: Debt + Income replacement + Mortgage + Education costs − existing coverage.
Your Number = Total Debts + (Annual Income × Years Needed) + Mortgage Balance + Education Fund − Existing Coverage & Savings
👉 Use our free calculator to find your number in 60 seconds →
Lock in low rates while young and healthy. Term life with no medical exam starts under $20/month. Covers co-signed loans and funeral costs even without dependents.
Cover your shared mortgage, joint debts, and income replacement. Separate policies with living benefits riders protect against serious illness.
The critical stage. Factor in 18+ years of dependents, childcare, college tuition, and mortgage. A 30-year term with living benefits is the backbone. Add whole life as estate grows.
Biggest coverage gap stage. Layer a large term (income replacement) with permanent coverage (estate planning + cash value). Living benefits and IUL become especially valuable.
Shift to estate planning. Convert expiring term to permanent. Living benefits protect against long-term care costs without separate LTC insurance.
Final expenses, legacy, surviving spouse income. Guaranteed issue policies require no medical exam or health questions. $30–$80/month.
Term Life — Most affordable. 10-30 year coverage. No cash value. Best for families and mortgage protection. See pricing →
Whole Life — Lifetime coverage with guaranteed cash value growth. Fixed premiums. Best for estate planning and legacy.
Universal Life / IUL — Flexible premiums with market-linked growth. Best for retirement planning and wealth accumulation.
Final Expense — Small whole life ($5K–$50K) for end-of-life costs. Simplified and guaranteed issue available.
Living benefits let you access your death benefit while alive if you're diagnosed with a critical, chronic, or terminal illness. The money is tax-free and can be used for anything. Traditional policies only pay when you die — living benefits protect you while you're alive too.
👉 Read our complete Living Benefits vs. Long-Term Care comparison →
For most families: term life + living benefits rider = maximum coverage at the lowest cost. Add permanent coverage as your estate grows. We shop 30+ A-rated carriers for your best rate.
🧮 Coverage Calculator — Find your number in 60 seconds
🩺 Living Benefits vs. LTC — Why living benefits beat traditional long-term care for most families
📋 Advance Planning Guide — Estate planning, wills, and trusts
🏠 Mortgage Protection Guide — Why term life beats traditional MPI for homeowners