13 Smart Questions to Ask Before Buying Life Insurance (2025 Guide)

1. Do I really need life insurance?

If someone would be financially stranded without you (spouse, kids, business partner, your dog’s gourmet kibble supplier), then yes, you probably do. Life insurance isn’t just for the rich or the old—it’s for anyone who wants to make life a little easier for those they care about. Learn more about who needs life insurance »


2. How much coverage should I get?

Use the DIME method: Debts, Income, Mortgage, Education. Or just think, “Would my family be ok if I disappeared tomorrow?” Most people buy 7–10x their income, but your needs may vary.


3. What type of policy makes sense for me?

  • Term Life: Like renting an apartment. Cheap, temporary, but no long-term equity.
  • Whole Life / Final Expense: Think of it like buying a house. More commitment, builds value.
  • Guaranteed Universal Life (GUL): Lifetime coverage, but trimmed down on the bells and whistles.
  • Indexed Universal Life (IUL): Ties your cash value growth to a stock index (like the S&P 500) with upside potential—but it’s not for the faint of heart.


4. What’s the total cost over time?

Don’t just look at today’s price. Some policies are like cheap shoes—they fall apart or cost more in the long run. We’ll help you find one that doesn’t.

Tip: Use our quote tool to compare real rates from top carriers. Get started now »


5. Do I have to take a medical exam?

Not necessarily! If needles and labs aren’t your thing, no-exam options are available—especially helpful if you’ve got health concerns.


6. Will my health conditions affect approval?

Yep, but don’t panic. We work with carriers who are friendly to people with diabetes, heart conditions, and more. No judgment here—we’ve seen it all.


7. Does the policy build cash value?

Only some do. Think of it like a savings account inside your policy. Term life is a straight shooter—cheap but no savings. Permanent policies build cash over time.


8. What happens if I outlive the policy?

If it’s term life, the coverage ends. (Congrats on beating the odds!) But if you want something that sticks around forever, we can look at permanent or convertible options.


9. Who gets the money when I die?

You get to choose. Just don’t forget to tell your beneficiary. Also name a backup (called a contingent) just in case. We’ll walk you through it. Talk to an agent »


10. How do I pay premiums?

Monthly, quarterly, annually—you name it. Annual is usually cheaper overall, but monthly is more budget-friendly. Just don’t let it lapse—we’ll help set up auto-pay if needed.


11. Are there exclusions I should know about?

Yes. Most policies have a 2-year contestability period and a suicide clause. Some may not cover risky hobbies (looking at you, alligator wrestlers). Ask us—we read the fine print so you don’t have to.


12. What’s a free-look period?

It’s your “oops, never mind” window—usually 20–30 days to cancel and get a full refund. Try it on for size.


13. Should I buy directly or work with a broker?

Great question. Captive agents only sell their company’s stuff. Independent brokers (like us) shop 40+ companies for you. We are working for you and don’t push products—we solve problems. Buying direct won’t change the cost except in very rare cases. Going “direct” ensures you will be sold the carriers insurance product which may not produce a good outcome for you either in coverage or cost.


Still have questions?

We specialize in helping seniors and folks with health conditions find affordable life insurance that actually makes sense.

📞 Call us at 269-230-3464 or get your free quote here »


P.S. We promise not to bug you with spam or robocalls. Just honest answers, real quotes, and no pressure.


💡 A Quick Word on Policy Types:

If you’re not sure what kind of policy you need, here’s a fast cheat sheet:

  • Term Life: Best for people who want the most coverage for the least money. Think mortgage protection or income replacement while raising a family.  Keep in mind, this policy is temporary or  “terminating” policy.
  • Whole Life: Great for long-term planners who want stable premiums, cash value, potential dividends and a guaranteed payout
  • GUL: If you want lifetime coverage without cash value fluff, this is your no-nonsense choice.
  • IUL: For folks who want permanent coverage with the potential for market-linked growth, but are okay with some complexity and risk.

Still scratching your head? That’s okay. That’s why we’re here.



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