Term life insurance insures the policyholder for a specific period of time, or term, usually 10-30 years or until a certain age, like 80. If the policyholder passes away during that time, their beneficiaries receive the death benefit.

Because term life insurance offers simplicity and lower monthly premiums than other types of life insurance, many people choose to get term insurance during life’s significant milestones. Here are some situations where term life insurance may be a good choice:

Getting married

Joining households together is a big step, and it’s natural to want to ensure one’s spouse is provided for, no matter what happens—this is why new spouses often want the security that comes with life insurance coverage.

Starting a family

Having children means having someone who will depend on support—including financial support—for many years to come. The death benefit of term life insurance can give families peace of mind that they will have financial support if a loved one dies. Money can be tight for couples having children, which makes term life policies’ low premiums even more attractive.

Buying a house

A home is the biggest purchase most people make in their lifetime—and one many people pay for over many years. That’s why it’s common for folks to get life insurance when buying a home. A term life insurance policy can ensure that a surviving partner is able to stay in the home even if an income earner was to pass away.

Becoming self-employed

The newly self-employed may no longer have their old employer-provided insurance plans, but they may still have a family to provide for. Money can be particularly tight for those who have recently begun their self-employed careers; this makes term life policies, with their affordable premiums, an easy choice, especially for entrepreneurs with a family.

Affordability & Flexibility

These scenarios have something in common: term life insurance can be a great choice for those who have financial obligations. Someone looking to ensure their surviving dependents can afford certain necessary expenses may benefit from the affordability and simplicity offered by term life.

Source: Northwestern Mutual