Step 4: Check Health Status
If you have conditions that might worsen (pre-diabetes, hypertension), lock in longest term possible now while you’re insurable. You can always drop coverage later; you can’t retroactively buy more if health declines.
Step 5: Compare Alternatives
Get quotes for both term and permanent. Calculate the “buy term and invest difference” projection. If the permanent policy’s cash value after 30 years is less than 60% of the invested difference, skip permanent.
Red Flags: When Agents Push Too Hard
Be wary of these sales tactics: