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Term vs. Whole Life Insurance

by Christy McFarland

If somebody asked you about the difference between term and whole life insurance, could you tell them? If not, we don’t blame you. Life insurance can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to! 

An easy way to think about term vs whole life insurance coverage is comparing them to the idea of renting or owning a home, where term life insurance would be "renting" and whole life insurance would be "owning." 

Term life insurance

  • Good for a specific period of time, such as 10, 20 or 30 years
  • Premiums are generally lower than those for whole life insurance 
  • What you pay for the policy won't go up for that specified term, although the longer the term, the higher the cost

Whole life insurance

  • Lifelong protection as long as you pay your premiums
  • You can accumulate a cash value 
  • Most often, the cost or premiums of the policy is guaranteed for life - so it won't change 
Term vs Whole life insurance graphic

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Ready to start?

Connect with your local rep or call us at 866-COUNTRY (866-268-6879). Find out more about term life insurance and whole life insurance.

COUNTRY Financial® is a family of affiliated companies (collectively, COUNTRY) located in Bloomington, IL. Learn more about who we are.

Life insurance policies issued by COUNTRY Life Insurance Company® and COUNTRY Investors Life Assurance Company®, Bloomington, IL. 

Life insurance policies have limitations and are not available in all states. For costs and complete details of the coverage, contact a COUNTRY Financial representative or contact the company.

Term Life Insurance Form Number: ICC17(RCT)
Whole Life Insurance Form Number: ICC18(WL)