Life Insurance FAQ

Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period (10, 20, or 30 years) at a fixed premium. If you die during the term, your beneficiaries receive the death benefit. If the term expires, coverage ends (though most policies can be renewed at a higher rate). Term is the most affordable option for most families. Whole life insurance provides permanent, lifelong coverage with a cash value component that grows over time. Premiums never increase and the policy never expires. Final expense/burial insurance is a type of whole life insurance with smaller face amounts ($5,000–$50,000). Compare term life options →

A common guideline is 10–15 times your annual income, but the right amount depends on your specific situation: mortgage balance, outstanding debts, number of dependents, children's college costs, spouse's income, and final expenses. For example, a 35-year-old earning $60,000/year with a mortgage and two kids might need $600,000–$900,000 in coverage. A 70-year-old looking only to cover funeral costs might need $10,000–$25,000. We'll help you calculate the right amount — free of charge.

Term life insurance is surprisingly affordable. A healthy 30-year-old can get a $500,000, 20-year term policy for as little as $20–$30/month. A 45-year-old might pay $40–$80/month for the same coverage. Rates depend on your age, health, smoking status, and coverage amount. As an independent agent, we shop multiple carriers (Mutual of Omaha, Aetna, and others) to find the lowest rate for your profile. Get a free quote →

Final expense insurance (also called burial insurance) is a whole life insurance policy designed to cover end-of-life costs — funeral/burial expenses, medical bills, and other debts. Face amounts range from $5,000–$50,000. Key benefits: no medical exam required for most plans (simplified or guaranteed issue), premiums are fixed for life, coverage never expires, and the death benefit is paid directly to your beneficiary tax-free. It's popular with seniors aged 50–85 who want to ensure their family isn't burdened with funeral costs. Learn more about final expense →

Yes, in many cases. While certain conditions may affect your rate class or eligibility for fully underwritten policies, there are options for almost everyone. Simplified issue policies ask a few health questions but no medical exam. Guaranteed issue policies accept everyone regardless of health — no questions, no exam — though they typically have a 2-year graded benefit period and higher premiums. As an independent agent, we know which carriers are most lenient for specific conditions (diabetes, COPD, heart disease, etc.) and can match you with the best option.

It depends on the type of policy. Guaranteed issue and simplified issue final expense policies can be approved in as little as 24–48 hours — sometimes the same day. Fully underwritten term life policies typically take 2–6 weeks, as they may require a medical exam, lab work, and medical records review. Some carriers now offer accelerated underwriting that can approve healthy applicants in days without an exam.

No — our services are 100% free to you. Insurance companies pay the agent's commission, and your premium is the same whether you buy directly from the carrier or through us. The advantage of working with an independent agent like Triangle Life and Health is that we compare multiple carriers to find you the best rate, handle all the paperwork, and provide ongoing service after your policy is in force.