Compare your options, side by side
Plain comparisons with a table for each one. We show when each option wins, not just the one an agent earns more on.
Mortgage protection insurance vs term lifeMortgage protection fits a person who only wants the home loan paid off and may have trouble getting other coverage. Level term life fits most homeowners, because the payout stays the same and your family decides how to spend it.Final expense vs term life insuranceFinal expense fits an older person who wants a small policy for funeral costs that lasts for life. Term life fits a person who needs a bigger payout for a set number of years, like while kids are young or a loan is open.IUL vs 401(k) for retirementA 401(k) fits most workers saving for retirement, most of all when the job offers a match. An IUL fits a person who also needs lifelong life insurance and has already used their 401(k) and other tax accounts.IUL vs Roth IRAA Roth IRA fits most people who want tax free retirement savings and are under the income limit. An IUL fits a person who needs lifelong life insurance, or who earns too much for a Roth IRA and has filled other accounts first.IUL vs whole life insuranceWhole life fits a person who wants a set premium and steady, guaranteed cash value. IUL fits a person who wants flexible payments and a shot at more growth, and can watch the policy closely.Guaranteed issue vs simplified issueGuaranteed issue fits a person with serious health problems who cannot pass any health questions. Simplified issue fits a person who wants to skip the medical exam and can answer a few health questions.Whole life vs universal lifeWhole life fits a person who wants a fixed premium, fixed coverage and guarantees. Universal life fits a person who wants to change payments or coverage over time and will keep an eye on the policy.Joint life insurance vs two separate policiesA joint policy fits couples or business partners who want one bill, and survivorship fits estate planning where money is needed after both die. Two separate policies fit most couples, because each person stays covered no matter who dies first.Life insurance through work vs a private policyWork coverage fits almost everyone as a free or cheap base, and fits people with health issues since there are often no health questions. A private policy fits anyone who needs more than their job gives or wants coverage that stays if they leave.Term vs permanent life insuranceTerm fits most families who need a big payout for a set time, like while raising kids or paying a mortgage. Permanent fits a person who needs coverage for life, wants level premiums for life, or wants cash value.Term vs whole lifeTerm life covers you for a set number of years and costs the least. Whole life covers you for your whole life and builds cash value, but it costs much more.Mortgage protection vs PMINo. PMI protects your lender if you stop paying your loan. Mortgage protection insurance is life insurance that pays off your home loan if you die.Preneed vs final expenseFinal expense insurance pays cash to a person you pick, who can spend it on anything. A preneed plan is tied to one funeral home and pays for the services you chose ahead of time.VGLI vs private coverageIt depends on your health. VGLI is easy to get after you leave the service. If you are healthy, private term may cost less and keep the same price.Life insurance vs an annuityLife insurance pays your family when you die. An annuity pays you income while you are alive, often for retirement.Level vs decreasing termWith level term, the payout stays the same for the whole term. With decreasing term, the payout shrinks each year while the price stays the same.
Questions about comparing coverage
Is term or whole life better?
Term is better for most families who need a lot of coverage for less money. Whole life fits people who want coverage that never ends.
Is IUL better than a 401(k)?
For most people, no. A 401(k) often has an employer match and lower costs. IUL can make sense after you max out other accounts.
Should I buy term and invest the rest?
Many experts suggest it. It works if you really invest the difference every month.
See your price in 2 minutes
Two minutes, a few questions, and a licensed agent shows you what it really costs. No exam needed for many plans.
About 3 in 4 people guess life insurance costs more than it does. LIMRA 2026