Definition of "Term Life Insurance"

A low-cost form of life insurance that stays in effect for a specific period of time. If the insured dies during the coverage period, the beneficiary will receives the death benefit. If the insured survives the specified time period, the policy expires and the obligations terminate. Term insurance works best when the coverage is needed for only a specific period of time or near-term cost is an overriding factor. In early years, term insurance costs are less then a Whole Life or other cash value policies. Term insurance becomes increasingly expensive as the insured grows older.