Convertible Term Life Insurance

Convertible life insurance allows you to transition your term life policy into a permanent life policy.

Term life insurance lasts a specific period — such as 10, 20 or 30 years — and your beneficiary gets a payout from the insurer if you die within that timeframe. Alternatively, permanent life insurance never expires so long as premiums are paid.

Convertible term life insurance gives you the flexibility to choose if you want your coverage to continue.

You can enjoy affordable term life insurance now and still switch to permanent life insurance in the future without undergoing a new medical exam.

Not all term life policies are convertible, but many are.

If you convert to a permanent policy, know that your life insurance costs will increase significantly in exchange for lifelong converge.

Most policies require you to convert within a certain timeframe, such as within the first 10 years, or by a certain age, such as before age 65.

The deadline for converting and the type of permanent policies available can vary by insurance company.

When you purchase a term life insurance policy, the insurer may offer a convertible option in your contract.

This can give you the perks of a permanent life insurance policy down the road, if you need it. However, you are not required to convert, and the conversion does not happen automatically.

If you want to convert, you must typically do so by a certain time. Make sure you know your policy’s conversion deadline. Otherwise, your term life insurance policy will expire, and your coverage will end.

There are several different types of permanent life insurance, but if you convert from a term policy, your options may be limited.

For example, the insurer may only allow you to convert to a whole life permanent policy and not a variable or universal life permanent policy.

Everyone may not benefit from convertible life insurance. However, it is an attractive option for some people.

It’s important to understand convertible term life insurance pros and cons before purchasing a policy.

Some term life policies include a conversion option for free. Others may charge for this feature.

If you choose to convert your coverage in the future, your rates will increase.

Your new premiums will be based on current permanent life insurance market rates, which can cost six to 15 times more than term life insurance premiums.

However, conversion may still be cheaper than applying for a new permanent policy after your term ends, especially if your health is poor.

Some life insurance companies offer term conversion credits, which may temporarily lower your new premium costs.

A partial conversion is another way to reduce cost. This option lets you split the death benefit between your existing policy and the newly converted permanent policy.

For example, imagine you choose to convert half of your $500,000 term life policy. In this case, $250,000 would be converted to permanent life insurance and the other $250,000 would remain on your current term life policy until it expires.

This can make your rates more affordable compared to paying premiums on a $500,000 permanent life policy.