| Policy Type | Temporary | Permanent |
| | Term | Term 100 |
Whole Life (participating or “par” policies)
| Universal Life |
| Coverage Period | Temporary, often expires at age 70 or 85, depending on the term in the contract.
| Lifetime coverage. | Lifetime coverage. | Lifetime coverage. |
| Premiums | Premiums renew (increase) at each specified term (e.g. 10 years, 20 years, etc.) | Premiums remain the same for the entire contract.
| Premiums remain the same for the entire contract. | Flexible. Premiums can be increased or decreased within certain limits.
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| Death Benefit | Does not change and is guaranteed. | Does not change and is guaranteed. | Does not change and is guaranteed. Dividends may be used to increase the face amount.
| Flexible. May increase or decrease due to fluctuations in cash values. |
| Cash Values | Usually no cash values. | Usually no cash values, but guaranteed values are available in some contracts.
| Guaranteed in contract. | Some guarantees. May increase or decrease due to investment returns and deposit levels.
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| Advantages | Suitable for short term needs, or a specific debt like a mortgage.
More affordable. Initially less expensive than permanent insurance.
Can be converted to permanent insurance without medical evidence | Provides protection for your entire lifetime - if kept in effect.
Premiums usually stay the same, regardless of age or health.
The cash value can be used to continue coverage if premiums are missed or it can be withdrawn.
Participating policies receive dividends that can be taken
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| Disadvantages | At each renewal, premiums will increase and become more costly as you get older. Coverage usually expires at age 70 or 75. With no cash value, if premiums are not paid, the policy will terminate.
| Initial costs may be too high for a sufficient amount of protection for your current needs. May not be an efficient way of covering short-term needs. Cash values tend to be small in the early years. You may have to hold the policy for a long time (at least 10 years) before cash values will accumulate significantly.
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