There are several types of life insurance, including:

1. Term Life Insurance: Provides coverage for a specified period of time, usually 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years. It is typically the most affordable type of life insurance and offers a straightforward payout structure: if the policyholder dies during the term of the policy, the beneficiaries receive a tax-free death benefit. Term life insurance does not accumulate cash value over time. It is an excellent option for those looking for a simple and affordable way to protect their loved ones financially in case of unexpected death.

2. Whole Life Insurance: Also referred to as permanent life insurance. Provides coverage for the entire lifetime of the insured, as long as premiums are paid. Whole life policies have a death benefit that is paid out to the beneficiaries upon the death of the insured, as well as a cash value component that grows over time. The cash value component earns a guaranteed rate of interest and may also receive dividends, which can be reinvested or used to pay premiums. Whole life insurance premiums are typically much higher than those for term life insurance, but they remain level for the life of the policy.

3. Indexed Universal Life Insurance: A type of permanent life insurance that offers a cash value component that is linked to the performance of a stock market index, such as the S&P 500. The cash value grows based on the performance of the index, with a minimum guaranteed interest rate. Unlike variable life insurance, indexed universal life insurance policies offer downside protection, which means that if the index performs poorly, the policy’s cash value won’t decrease. The policyholder may choose to allocate the cash value component among various indexed accounts and may also adjust their premiums and death benefit over time. Indexed universal life insurance can provide flexibility and potential for higher returns than traditional whole life insurance.

4. Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance: A type of whole life insurance that is designed for individuals who may have difficulty obtaining coverage due to health issues or other factors. Unlike other types of life insurance, guaranteed issue policies typically do not require a medical exam or health questionnaire to qualify. These policies have lower death benefits and higher premiums than other types of life insurance, and often have a waiting period before the full death benefit is available. However, after the waiting period the full death benefit is guaranteed as long as premiums are paid, and the policy can provide financial protection for loved ones.

5. Accidental Death Insurance: Provides a death benefit if the insured dies as a result of an accident, such as a car accident or a fall. This type of insurance typically does not cover death from natural causes or illness. These policies are often purchased as a supplement to other types of life insurance, such as term or whole life insurance. The premiums for accidental death insurance are usually significatntly lower than for other types of life insurance, as the coverage is limited to accidental death only.