Term Life Insurance

Filed Under »
Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Term Life Insurance'

A policy with a set duration limit on the coverage period. Once the policy is expired, it is up to the policy owner to decide whether to renew the term life insurance policy or to let the coverage end. This type of insurance policy contrasts with permanent life insurance, in which duration extends until the policy owner reaches 100 years of age (i.e. death).

Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Term Life Insurance'

These types of policies provide a stated benefit upon the death of the policy owner, provided that the death occurs within a specific time period. However, the policy does not provide any returns beyond the stated benefit, unlike permanent life insurance policies, which have a savings component that can be used for wealth accumulation. 

Video Definition


Related Definitions

  • Death Benefit

    The amount on a life insurance policy or pension that is payable to the beneficiary when the annuitant passes away. Also known as "survivor benefit".
    Read More »
  • Whole Life Insurance Policy

    A life insurance contract with level premiums that has both an insurance and an investment component. The insurance component pays a stated amount upon death of the insured. The ...
    Read More »
  • Permanent Life Insurance

    An umbrella term for life insurance plans that do not expire (unlike term life insurance) and combine a death benefit with a savings portion. This savings portion can build a cash value ...
    Read More »
    • Universal Life Insurance

      A type of flexible permanent life insurance offering the low-cost protection of term life insurance as well as a savings element (like whole life insurance) which is invested to provide ...
      Read More »
    • Life Insurance

      A protection against the loss of income that would result if the insured passed away. The named beneficiary receives the proceeds and is thereby safeguarded from the financial impact of ...
      Read More »
    • Variable Life Insurance Policy

      A form of permanent life insurance, Variable life insurance provides permanent protection to the beneficiary upon the death of the policy holder. This type of insurance is generally the ...
      Read More »
    • Calendar Year Accounting Incurred Losses

      Calendar year accounting incurred losses is a term used in the insurance industry to describe the losses incurred by an insurance company by the payment of claims, the re-evaluation of ...
      Read More »
    • Renewable Term

      A clause in a term insurance contract that allows the beneficiary to extend the coverage term for a set period of time without having to requalify for coverage. A renewable term is ...
      Read More »
    • Annual Renewable Term (ART) Insurance

      A form of term life insurance that offers a guarantee of future insurability for a set period of years, although premiums are paid every year on the basis of a one-year contract. As ...
      Read More »
    • Decreasing Term Insurance

      A type of annual renewable term life insurance that provides a death benefit that decreases at a predetermined rate over the life of the policy. Premiums are usually constant throughout ...
      Read More »

Articles Of Interest

Partner Links