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How to Buy Term Life Insurance Online

By the Bestow Team·July 14, 2022·4 Minute Read

Is Term Life Insurance Safe to Buy Online?

If you’re asking yourself if buying term life insurance online is a good idea — congratulations, you are a smart consumer. Like any internet purchase you make, you want to ensure the company you are working with is legit and trustworthy.

Trustpilot is a great resource for all things e-commerce. Before you buy term life insurance online, check out the insurance company’s reviews and read through the experiences of verified consumers.

When you apply for term life insurance online, you will likely be required to enter your Social Security number and answer questions about your personal history and medical records. Be sure to work with a company that practices data transparency and is well-reviewed.

Which Online Life Insurance is Best?

Now that you know how to safely buy life insurance online, let’s explore your options. Two popular types of life insurance are permanent and term. As far as which one is “the best,” that’s sort of like asking which car is “the best.” It depends on the needs of you and your loved ones.

To make that decision, you should know the difference between permanent and term life insurance.

What Is Permanent Life Insurance?

Much like that jar of honey in your pantry, permanent life insurance never expires. Like most types of life insurance, permanent life insurance provides a death benefit to your beneficiary when you die in exchange for the premium payments you make while you are alive.

Permanent life insurance is costlier and more complex than term life insurance, but permanent policies also offer unique features that term policies do not:

Many permanent life insurance policies feature a tax-deferred savings component called cash value.
Permanent life insurance offers coverage for life, as long as premium payments are made.

Should You Buy Permanent Life Insurance?

For some people, the cost of permanent life insurance is considered too high, and the return rate is not particularly noteworthy. However, if you are a high-income earner with a maxed out 401(k), or have a lifelong dependent, you may want to consider this type of life insurance.

What Is Term Life Insurance?

Term life insurance covers your life for a length of time called a term. When you buy term life insurance online, you select a term that makes the most sense for you. Though it varies from company to company, most term life insurance policies can be purchased in term lengths of anywhere from one to 30 years, which could be a good fit if you’re looking for coverage while paying a mortgage or raising young children.

Some reasons you might want to apply for term life insurance online include:

It is less expensive than permanent life insurance policies.
Flexibility — you can customize your policy with coverage amounts and terms that make sense for your individual situation.
You might be able to skip the medical exam. Several companies offer no-medical exam term life insurance policies online.
Instant decisions. With today’s technology, you can apply for term life insurance in minutes and have a decision within seconds of hitting the submit button.

What Term Is Best for Life Insurance?

Ah, the age-old question: The answer is certainly not one-size-fits-all, but you’ll want to pinpoint your ideal term before you start shopping around for term life insurance online.

Here are some guiding questions to help you choose a term period:

What do your financial obligations look like?
How much debt do you have, and how long will it take you to pay it off?
Are you in good health?
What will your rates look like now versus in 10, 20, or 30 years?

When it comes down to it, the term length of your policy should reflect your financial situation. If you have a 30-year mortgage and young college-bound children, a 30-year term life insurance policy might be the best fit. If you’re nearly debt free and have no children, perhaps a 10-year policy would be the best option.

Another thing to consider when you apply for term life insurance online is your age. While 40 may be the new 20 in some circles, life insurance rates go up quite a bit as you get older with premiums increasing 8 to 10 percent for every year of age.

Luckily, when you buy level term life insurance online, you lock in your premium rate for the entirety of your term period. If 25-year-old you were to decide to buy a 30-year level term life insurance policy, 50-year-old you would be grateful because your rate remains the same during the life of your policy—regardless of your age, changing health status, or the state of the economy.

Is Term Life Insurance a Smart Purchase?

The answer to this question is largely subjective, but if you’re the type of person who values peace of mind, likes having a future plan, and wants to offer your loved ones some financial protection should you pass away, then you might want to think about applying for term life insurance.

Bestow makes term life insurance ridiculously easy. Bestow.com offers free quotes in seconds, and if you decide to apply for term life insurance online, the entire application process takes just a few minutes. Everyone gets an instant decision and, if approved, you could have up to $1.5 million in coverage by the end of the day.

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Author: Bestow Team, reading time: 5 minutes
Top Questions About Bestow Answered
Life insurance is confusing. We get it. With so many options out there, it’s hard to figure out where to even start. Chances are that if you’re reading this, you have questions, too.
Fortunately, you don’t have to do this alone. Every day we answer phone calls, chat messages, and emails from customers who want to buy life insurance coverage but don’t know the best way to go about it. There’s no shame in that. There’s a reason why insurance agents and brokers need to have a license to sell policies to customers — it’s a complicated topic!
Oftentimes, we hear this: “I don’t know what questions to ask.”
If that’s you, then you’re in the right place! Here, you’ll find the top questions people just like you are asking.
What Kind of Life Insurance Does Bestow Offer?
Bestow offers term life insurance. A term life policy is as easy as 1-2-3.
1. Choose a term (between 10 and 30 years, in 5-year increments),
2. Select a coverage amount ($50,000-$1.5 Million), and
3. If approved, pay a set monthly premium throughout the duration of that term.
Policies offered by Bestow have level premiums, which means your monthly premium will never change, as long as your policy is in force — no matter your term length. Lock in your rate today!
How Do I Know I’m a Good Fit for a Policy Offered by Bestow?
If you’re in generally good health and between the ages of 18 and 60, a policy offered by Bestow might be a great fit for you. Our application provides an underwriting decision instantly, so you don’t have to wait weeks to find out whether you’re approved for coverage.
What Is the Application Process Like with Bestow?
Bestow’s 100% online application process has four simple parts:
1. Your basic identifying information: email, address, and Social Security Number.
2. Your life. This includes citizenship, medical history, lifestyle, and hobbies.
3. Beneficiaries. This is whoever would receive the death benefit in the event of the insured’s death.
4. Policy and payment details. If approved, choose the coverage amount and term length, then enter credit card info to purchase and bind the policy.
It’s as easy as that! In as little as 5 minutes, you could be the proud owner of a new life insurance policy.
Is a Medical Exam Required to Get a Policy Offered by Bestow?
Not with Bestow. A medical exam helps an insurance company double check how healthy you are. Instead, Bestow’s underwriting engine checks your health with big data and technology, which saves you time and money. We’ve partnered with third-party agencies to gather information in order to assess your risk and eligibility for a life insurance policy — instead of paperwork, medical exams, and lab tests. Here’s a detailed explanation of how Bestow works.
How Is Bestow Different Than Other Insurance Companies?
Bestow’s application process is entirely online. Seriously, 100%. Many companies offer an indicative quote online, but then refer applicants to an agent in order to finish the application process. Other online life insurance options may still require a medical exam for certain coverage amounts or applicants.
We’ve completely re-engineered the application experience for term life insurance to be super simple and more affordable. Apply and get an instant decision in as little as 5 minutes. Unlike some other online life insurance providers, we underwrite the policies we offer in-house with our own technology — accelerated underwriting. Our data and technology allows us to help our customers with just about any request.
What is Accelerated Underwriting?
Think of this accelerated, algorithmic underwriting as our secret sauce. We use that big data and our proprietary technology mentioned above to determine your risk and eligibility instantly.
What Determines How Much I’ll Pay For Life Insurance?
Your level of risk is what determines your premium and monthly rate. Risk is the likelihood that an insured event (in this case, death) should occur during the policy term. The higher your risk, the more you will likely pay.
Life insurance risk factors include basic information about you (like your age, height, and weight) in addition to things like your medical history and lifestyle. But each insurance company has their own underwriting process — that’s the process by which an insurance company determines whether it can accept the risk of an applicant for life insurance, and if so, on what basis so that the proper premium is charged. Here’s more information on life insurance risk and underwriting.
What Is the 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee?
It’s a 30-day free look period to examine your life insurance policy to see if it meets your needs. If you cancel your policy within the first 30 days, you’ll receive a refund.
How Can I Trust You? You’re a Startup.
Our policies are issued and backed by A+ rated (superior) industry giant North American Company for Life and Health Insurance®. They’ve been around for over 100 years. If anything were to happen to Bestow, your policy is well taken care of. But don’t worry, we aren’t going anywhere.
How Can I Trust My Beneficiary Will Get Paid?
North American Company for Life and Health Insurance® is the insurance carrier and pays the claim for policies purchased through Bestow. We are here to walk whoever is making the claim through the process and answer any questions.
What Happens If I Die During My Term?
Should you pass away, your beneficiary will contact Bestow to get started on the claims process. A Customer Care Advisor will walk them through the process and answer any questions while North American Company for Life and Health Insurance® processes and reviews the claim.
In most cases, life insurance policies will have a two-year contestable period where the insurance company may investigate the cause of death and review the information provided on the application (only if there’s a reason). If information is found to be false or inaccurate, the insurance company can deny the payment of the life insurance benefit.
Additionally, Bestow has partnered with Empathy to help you support your loved ones in all the ways that matter. We teamed up to give your beneficiaries (up to 10 loved ones) access to digital support tools to help them in the toughest times. From logistical tools like helping navigate probate and settling an estate to emotional tools like grief resources and meditation exercises, Empathy provides 24/7 digital access for your beneficiaries to navigate life after loss.
Empathy is a platform made free for the beneficiaries of the policyholders with Bestow. Empathy is available to policies issued in the following states: AL, AR, CA, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, ME, MS, NE, NV, NH, NM, ND, OH, OR, VT & WV. Empathy offerings are not guaranteed to continue. We reserve the right to elect, designate, replace, or terminate Empathy services at any time. Empathy is a non-affiliated 3rd Party platform.
What Happens If I Don’t Die?
Cheers to good health!
Term life insurance policies do not build cash value like a whole life policy does, so if you outlive your policy term, you won’t get anything back. Term life policies do not renew. At the end of your term, you can re-apply for a new policy.
What If I Still Have Questions?
No worries. We’ve got your back. You can contact our Customer Care Team in three different ways:
1. Give us a call at 1.833.300.0603
2. Ask us a question via chat — that little box floating about the page.
3. Send us an email at [email protected], and a Customer Care Advisor will get back to you. Please do not include personal information, like your Social Security Number.
Or if you prefer a DIY approach, you can check out our Bestow FAQ.
There’s no such thing as a silly question, so don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to help.
Ready to get a quote? Apply for up to $1.5 million in term life coverage with Bestow.

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Author: Bestow Team, reading time: 4 minutes
No Medical Exam Life Insurance: What to Know
Between work, home repairs, and a to-do list that never seems to shrink, it can feel like there is no time for extras. It’s safe to assume that most people would prefer not to take hours out of their day to get a life insurance medical exam. If this is the case, then why do most insurance companies require it?
The life insurance industry is not just old, it’s centuries old. In fact, the first life insurance policies in the U.S. were written in the 18th century. Obviously, we didn’t have the technology then (or even just a few years ago) that we do now, so medical exams have been a necessary step in the underwriting process. But times have changed, technology included. Is it still necessary to undergo a medical exam to buy life insurance? For some, the answer is yes, and for others, no. As a consumer, you have options.
What is No-Medical-Exam Life Insurance?
No-medical exam life insurance is exactly what it sounds like: a life insurance policy that does not require a medical exam to apply.
The traditional way of applying for a life insurance policy can involve medical exams, lab tests, and in-person interviews. With this traditional underwriting process, you might find yourself waiting up to a month to get a decision.
Accelerated underwriting uses technology to make the process of applying for life insurance more efficient. As in, an application decision and knowing if you are eligible in minutes – not weeks. Pretty cool right?
As with all types of life insurance coverage, whether or not a policy is a right fit for your needs depends on, well, your needs. Some may have higher premiums, some may have differences in the application process. There are a lot of options. Here, we’ve gathered some helpful info on some of the most common life insurance coverage options which may not require a medical exam.
What Are the Different Types of No Medical Exam Life Insurance Policies?
Term life insurance can be a solid choice for many families because of its simplicity and affordability, but there are a few other types of no medical exam life insurance options, as well.
No-Medical Exam Term Life Insurance With a Fast Decision
With this option, instead of bloodwork and a medical exam, applicants will answer health and lifestyle questions and provide information about their medical history to see if they qualify for a policy.
Simplified Issue Term Life Insurance
In some ways, simplified issue is similar to the above. There’s no medical exam, and you’ll instead provide information about your lifestyle and general health, including disclosing any medical conditions you may have. It’s an option worth considering if you’re generally in good health and looking for fast coverage.
One key difference, though, is just how much life insurance coverage you can get. Simplified issue insurance typically caps off around $100,000 (although some life insurance providers do offer more coverage). Plus, a simplified issue policy may have graded death benefits, which means that your beneficiaries only get the full value of the policy if you pass away at least two years after you purchase.
Because there are minimal questions and quick coverage, the cost for simplified issue policies will typically be more expensive than both no-medical exam or traditionally underwritten life insurance.
Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance
Guaranteed issue life insurance is a kind of whole life insurance policy (a type of permanent life insurance) that doesn’t require any health qualifications. There are no medical exams or health questionnaires. The coverage amount is quite limited though – usually between $2,000 and $25,000 – typically enough to serve as final expense insurance.
Guaranteed issue coverage is typically purchased by people who can’t qualify for any other type of life insurance. If you are approved for guaranteed life insurance, your policy will likely have a waiting period before your benefits go into effect, typically two or three years. You would pay your premiums during this time but if you were to pass away during the waiting period, your beneficiaries would not receive the death benefit.
Group Life Insurance
Your employer may offer group life insurance with a coverage amount equal to your salary. This coverage is generally inexpensive or free and there’s usually no medical exam. It’s a nice perk if you can get it, though it’s important to remember that you usually can’t take your coverage with you when you leave the company.
Moreover, some people find that a simple one-time salary replacement is not an adequate amount of coverage. You may be able to purchase extra coverage through your employer, but consider getting a quote for a term policy before you do. You may be surprised at how much coverage you can get for the same price.
Who Can Buy Life Insurance Without a Medical Exam?
Generally speaking, healthy adults between the ages of twenty-one and forty-five may be eligible to buy a term life insurance policy online. (Bestow can underwrite policies for individuals ages eighteen to sixty, for terms of ten to thirty years, if approved.)
No one will vet your yoga class attendance record or that marathon sticker on your Subaru’s rear window. But if you are in overall good health, a no-medical-exam life insurance policy might be the right fit for you.
However, there are certain criteria that may prevent you from purchasing a policy without a medical exam. If you have a serious medical condition (such as heart disease, cancer, kidney disease, or blood pressure issues) or risky hobbies (like hang gliding, for example), you might need to speak to a licensed insurance agent to help you find a life insurance policy that fits your needs.
How To Get a Fast, Free Quote Right Now
Bestow offers term life insurance for today’s busy families. We believe that everyone should have access to the financial protection that life insurance can help provide, and that it should be convenient, affordable, and fast.
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Author: Bestow Team, reading time: 4 minutes
Who Needs Life Insurance – How It Works, and When You Should Have It
In the event you’re not around to provide for your family members, the death benefit from a life insurance policy may leave your loved ones with some degree of financial security. And for a lot of people, especially parents, that peace of mind is priceless.
You’ll have plenty of options when selecting life insurance from different face values and term lengths to riders and even policies that hold cash value. At the end of the day, the choice is personal, but knowing about all of your options can give you more confidence to finally purchase that policy.
How Life Insurance Works
In short, you pay a life insurance company a set amount of money each month (that’s the premium) for an agreed upon amount of time (that’s the term). If you pass away during that term, the insurer pays your beneficiary (the person you choose to receive the benefit) the life insurance payout.
The payout is typically tax free, and many view it as income replacement. Others plan for it to cover daily living expenses, a mortgage, or even fund higher education. You can name nearly anyone as your life insurance beneficiary and they can spend the money however they need it.
It really can be that simple. You continue to pay your insurance premiums on time each month, and you can feel good about the financial protection you are providing your family should they ever need it.
Start with a quote
Who Needs Life Insurance?
Most people start to think about life insurance when they start a family or buy a home, but the truth is, it’s always a smart time to start buying life insurance. That’s because, typically, the most affordable time to buy is now. For most people, life insurance rates get more expensive as you age.
Anyone with someone who depends on their income is a good candidate for life insurance.
1. Parents
Having kids means having bills, from early childcare costs for young children to higher education for older kids. Their financial needs are unpredictable and often come by surprise.
2. Spouses or Partners
From living expenses to outstanding debts and even private student loans, the loss of a loved one could be compounded by crushing financial burden. That’s to say nothing of the funeral expenses and other final expenses that face those left behind.
3. Stay at Home Parents
Stay at home moms and dads contribute a significant amount of non-paid labor in a home. While not typically viewed as financial support, the value of this work can easily be in the six-figures. Life insurance can help to cover the costs associated with childcare, home maintenance and more.
4. Small Business Owners
The terms of a small business loan often require life insurance, but having coverage can also solidify a commitment to employees, business partners, and small business cosigners, whose livelihoods may depend on your contribution to the company.
5. Retirees
Even if you were offered life insurance through work, that typically vanishes when you leave a job. Many retirees live on a fixed income and when a spouse or partner passes, a life insurance policy can ensure the other lives out their days comfortably.
6. Anyone with Shared Debts
If you and your spouse’s names are both on the mortgage, if your parents cosigned your student loans, or if you share a credit card, you may be leaving loved ones responsible for debt they aren’t able to pay off.
Watch this video to learn more about who might need life insurance.
Who doesn’t need life insurance?
If no one in your life depends on you for any financial support, you may not need life insurance coverage right now. But there’s no harm in looking at life insurance quotes today.
If you work with a personal finance advisor, it’s likely they’ll bring up life insurance while you are young, if they think you may need life insurance in the future. That’s because, in most cases, life insurance will never be as affordable as it is today. Yup. Right now. Your premium rate is determined by a number of factors including your age and health, often with a medical exam. The rate you get at 25 will probably differ significantly from the rate you get at 35.
What Kind Of Life Insurance Is Best For You?
Once you’ve got an idea of the amount of life insurance you need, you’ll need to understand which type to buy. There are several types of life insurance coverage with differing amounts of coverage, policy lengths, and even add-ons. Let’s break it down.
Whole Life Insurance
Whole life insurance (or permanent life insurance) is a policy you purchase and pay premiums on for the rest of your life. When you pass, as we all do, your beneficiaries receive a payout.
A whole life insurance policy might be right for someone hoping to transfer wealth to their children. Or people who expect to have mortgages into old age. It is almost always more expensive than a term policy because it, at some point, will pay out.
Read more about the differences between term and whole life insurance here.
Term Life Insurance
Term life insurance policy is a great choice for people looking for more affordable rates and happy to have coverage for a set number of years (like 5, 10, or even up to 30).
You can usually find out a more flexible policy with competitive rates for the years when your death would most impact your family (duration of a mortgage, children graduating, etc.)
Watch the video below to learn more about how much insurance you need.
Buying Your Life Insurance Policy
Whether you’re looking to shore up your long-term financial plan or you’d just rest a little easier knowing you’ve done something that may help your family, life insurance is now a relatively easy place to start. With Bestow, you can get a fast, free quote in seconds. The full online application literally takes minutes, and you could have coverage today, if approved. Peace of mind could be just a few clicks today. So what are you waiting for? Get started today.

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