1. Renewable Term Insurance.
   This policy allows you to renew coverage at the end of the term without having to submit medical information. The company renews your policy even if your health has deteriorated. However, the premium rate will usually rise with each renewal.
2. Convertible Term Insurance.
   You can convert your term coverage into a permanent policy without providing evidence of insurability (usually a medical exam). Premiums for convertible policies are usually higher than for nonconvertible policies. Once converted, the premiums for the permanent coverage will be higher than those you are currently paying for the term policy for the same death benefit. However, the premiums for the permanent policy will now remain the same while the term premiums will continue to rise on renewal.
3. Level Term Insurance.
   These policies provide a fixed premium for a certain number of years, usually 10 or 20 years, while the death benefit remains unchanged. The advantage is that you lock in a certain rate for the period of the policy. The disadvantage is that rates will jump considerably if you want to renew with another level policy.
4. Decreasing Term Insurance.
   The death benefit in this type of policy decreases over its term. For example, you might start with $100,000 of coverage and the amount of coverage would decrease by $10,000 each year for 10 years. The premium will vary over the term of the policy. This policy is no longer sold very often.

Source: Insurance Information Institute, Inc. www.iii.org


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