Every life policy we compare, in one place
Term life
A 10, 20, or 30-year window sized to the years someone depends on your income. Premiums lock for the whole term.
How long it lastsA window you pick: 10, 20, or 30 years
What it’s best atMaximum benefit per premium dollar
Cash valueNone — that’s why it’s cheap
UnderwritingHealth questions; sometimes an exam
Typical face amounts$250K – $2M+
PremiumsLocked level for the whole term
Indexed universal life
Permanent coverage with cash value linked to a market index: floored at 0% in down years, capped in up years.
How long it lastsYour whole life, while it stays funded
What it’s best atLifetime cover plus tax-deferred cash value
Cash valueYes: index-linked, floored at 0%
UnderwritingFull underwriting for the best classes
Typical face amounts$100K – $1M+
PremiumsFlexible: you set them, within limits
Final expense
A permanent policy sized to the funeral and final bills, issued at ages 50–85 with health questions, no exam.
How long it lastsYour whole life
What it’s best atSettling the funeral and final bills
Cash valueModest, builds slowly
UnderwritingHealth questions only, no exam
Typical face amounts$5K – $50K
PremiumsLocked level for life
Availability, riders, and face amounts vary by carrier and state. A licensed agent confirms what’s real for your ZIP code, and says plainly when the cheaper tool is the better one.
Frequently asked questions
Answers by our licensed team Reviewed for accuracy Updated August 3, 2026