What Happens When Your Term Life Insurance Expires: Everything You Need to Know

Shawn Plummer

CEO, The Annuity Expert

Most people know that term life insurance is a policy that covers them for a specific period of time, usually 10, 20, or 30 years. But what happens when your term life insurance expires? In this guide, we will answer all of those questions and more! We’ll discuss what happens when you outlive your policy, what happens at the end of the term, and whether you get your money back. We’ll also talk about whether or not you can extend your policy and how to use your coverage while you’re still alive. So if you’re wondering what happens when your term life insurance expires, read on!

What Happens When Term Life Insurance Expires?

If you outlive your term life insurance policy, your coverage will expire. As a result, you will no longer have any life insurance coverage and will not be able to continue paying premiums to keep the policy in force. However, you will not owe anything to the insurance company and will not be required to pay back any of the premiums you have paid over the years.

With that said, your term life insurance might convert to a whole life policy. This means that you can convert your term life insurance policy into a permanent one, even if you have health issues that would make it difficult or impossible to qualify for a new one.

Some insurers also offer “return of premium” policies, which means you will get all your premiums back if you outlive your term. However, these policies typically have higher premiums than a traditional term life policy, so it’s essential to compare the costs before you decide on this type of policy.

Do You Get Your Money Back At The End OF A Term Life Insurance Policy?

No, you do not get your money back at the end of a term life insurance policy. The policy expires, and that is the end of your coverage. You have paid for the coverage for the length of time specified in the policy, and that is all you will receive.

With Return Of Premium Term Life Insurance, you will get your money back at the end of the policy if you live past the term. However, this type of policy typically has higher premiums than a traditional term life policy, so it’s essential to compare the costs before deciding on it.

Can You Extend Term Life Insurance?

Yes, you can extend term life insurance, but it is generally not a good idea. When you extend your policy, you pay for more coverage you may not need. Therefore, purchasing a new policy with a new term length that fits your current needs is usually better.

Can You Use Your Term Life Insurance While You’re Alive?

Yes, you can use your term life insurance while you’re alive. For example, if you have a policy with a death benefit of $100,000 or more that is convertible, you may be able to sell it for cash. This is called a life settlement or viatical settlement and can provide you with much-needed funds.

Next Steps

In conclusion, term life insurance is a policy that covers you for a specific period of time. If you outlive your policy, your coverage will expire. Therefore, you will not owe anything to the insurance company and will not be required to pay back any of the premiums you have paid over the years. However, if you decide that you no longer need coverage or want to switch policies, you may be able to sell your policy for cash. Contact us today for a free quote and more information about how this process works!

What Happens When Your Term Life Insurance Expires

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Shawn Plummer

CEO, The Annuity Expert

I’m a licensed financial professional focusing on annuities and insurance for more than a decade. My former role was training financial advisors, including for a Fortune Global 500 insurance company. I’ve been featured in Time Magazine, Yahoo! Finance, MSN, SmartAsset, Entrepreneur, Bloomberg, The Simple Dollar, U.S. News and World Report, and Women’s Health Magazine.

The Annuity Expert is an online insurance agency servicing consumers across the United States. My goal is to help you take the guesswork out of retirement planning or find the best insurance coverage at the cheapest rates for you. 

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