"Sizi zırh gibi koruyan" yaşlanma karşıtı 5 yiyecek

 

"Sizi zırh gibi koruyan" yaşlanma karşıtı 5 yiyecek

Pek çok insan mümkün olduğu kadar sağlıklı beslenmeye çabalıyor, besin değeri yüksek öğünleri ve atıştırmalıkları seçiyor çünkü yediklerimizin sağlığımız üzerinde büyük etkisi var.

Bol miktarda sebze yerseniz, işlenmiş etleri ve rafine şekeri minimumda tutarsanız zaten doğru yoldasınız demektir.

Bazı yiyeceklerin vücudun daha iyi yaşlanmasına yardımcı olan ve vücudu “zırh gibi” koruyan ek sağlık yararları olabilir.

Dr. Uzun ömürlülük araştırmacısı ve rejeneratif tıp doktoru Neil Bulfin, iltihabı önlemek, beyin sağlığını güçlendirmek ve hatta DNA'nın onarılmasına yardımcı olmak için günlük olarak tüketilmesi gereken, besin açısından yoğun gıdaların bir listesini sunuyor:

1. Yaban mersini

İlk yemek Dr. Bulfin uzun ömürlülük için yaban mersini öneriyor. CNBC'deki bir makalesinde bu küçük mor meyvenin vücudu enfeksiyondan koruyan vitaminler ve antioksidanlarla dolu olduğunu, lezzetli ve kalorisinin düşük olduğunu yazdı.

Uzun ömür araştırmacılarına göre yaban mersini güçlü yaşlanma karşıtı özelliklerle doludur çünkü antosiyaninler adı verilen antioksidanlar bakımından zengindir.

Bu elementler hücre sağlığının korunmasına ve hasarın önlenmesine yardımcı olur ve aynı zamanda DNA onarım sürecinde de yer alır.

Dr. Bulfin, yaban mersininin C vitamini içermesi nedeniyle kas hasarını ve ağrıyı azaltırken kollajen üretimini ve göz sağlığını geliştirebileceğini açıklıyor.

Doktor, meyvelerin ve çileğin zihinsel yaşlanmayı iki buçuk yıla kadar yavaşlatabildiğini gösteren araştırmalara atıfta bulunarak, küçük meyvelerin faydalarının beyne de uzandığını söyledi.

Yaban mersininin ayrıca yüksek oranda çözünebilir lif içermesi nedeniyle kötü kolesterol seviyelerini düşürebildiğine ve kalp hastalığı riskini azaltabildiğine dikkat çekiyor.

2. Domates

Beslenme uzmanı Amanda Ursel, konu cilt olduğunda beklenmedik yiyeceklerin yaşlanma belirtilerini yavaşlatmaya yardımcı olabileceğini söylüyor.

Osel, domates yemenin cildimizi içten dışa doğru yaşlanmaya karşı korumaya ve kırışıklıklarla savaşmaya yardımcı olabileceğini ekliyor.

Bunun nedeni domatesin yanı sıra ıspanak, kırmızı biber, havuç ve lahana gibi sebzelerin likopen, lutein ve beta-karoten adı verilen antioksidan pigmentler açısından zengin olmasıdır.

3. Tam tahıllardan yapılan gıdalar

Osel, enerjiyi yavaşça serbest bırakan tam tahılların da yaşlanma karşıtı bir gereklilik olduğunu söylüyor.

Bu yiyecekler arasında kahverengi makarna, pirinç, tatlı patates, meyve ve sebzeler bulunur.

Auther'e göre, yaşlandıkça hormonları değişmeye başlayan bir kadının enerjisini dengelemek için özellikle faydalıdır.

Şöyle devam ediyor: Enerjilerini yavaş saldıkları için, beyaz ve rafine karbonhidratların aksine cildimizdeki kolajenlere zarar vermiyorlar.

Harvard'daki araştırmacılar ayrıca diyetinize tam tahılları dahil etmenin daha uzun yaşamanıza yardımcı olabileceğini, çünkü nişastalı olmayan meyve ve sebzelerle birleştirildiğinde kalp hastalığı, bağırsak kanseri ve diyabet gibi yaşamı tehdit eden hastalıkların riskini azaltmaya yardımcı olabileceğini öne sürüyor. Ve felç riskleri. Fındık ve yağlar gibi. Doymamış.

4. Fındık

Bir avuç fındık, insanların genellikle 100 yaşına kadar yaşadığı dünyanın beş bölgesi olan Mavi Bölgelerde yaşayan insanlar arasında en sevilen atıştırmalıktır.

Londra merkezli bir beslenme uzmanı olan Sophie Trotman, yaşlanma karşıtı faydalarından dolayı fındıkları övüyor.

Badem ve ceviz gibi kuruyemişlerin E vitamini, protein ve omega-3 yağ asitleri açısından zengin olduğunu ve cildin gençleşmesine yardımcı olabilecek çinko gibi mineraller içerdiğini söylüyor.

Şöyle ekliyor: "Keten tohumları özellikle yüksek oranda bir omega-3 yağ asidi olan alfa-linolenik asit içerir ve bu da zamanla cildinizin görünümünü iyileştirmeye büyük ölçüde yardımcı olur."

5. Sağlıklı yağlar

Orcel, ister somon ister sardalya olsun, bu yağlı balıkların, kan basıncı kontrolüne ve genel kalp sağlığına yardımcı olan omega-3 esansiyel yağ asitleri açısından zengin olduğunu söylüyor. Sophie, aynı zamanda yağ bariyerini koruyarak cildin en iyi şekilde görünmesini de sağlayabileceğini ekledi. Doğaldır, cildi nemli tutar ve ince çizgilerin görünümünü azaltır. Haftada 2-3 porsiyon balık yeterli olacaktır. Sağlıklı yağların bir diğer kaynağı da sağlıklı bir kalbin korunmasına yardımcı olabilecek zeytin ve kanola yağıdır.

5 foods that fight aging and act as a shield for your body.

 

5 foods that fight aging and act as a shield for your body.

Many people strive to eat as healthy as possible, choosing nutrient-dense meals and snacks because what we eat has a huge impact on our health.

If you eat plenty of vegetables and keep processed meats and refined sugar to a minimum, you're already on the right track.

Some foods may have additional health benefits that help the body age better and protect the body “like armor.”

Dr. Neil Bulfin, a longevity researcher and regenerative medicine physician, offers a list of nutrient-dense foods to eat daily to prevent inflammation, boost brain health, and even help repair DNA:

1. Blueberries

The first food Dr. Bulfin recommends for longevity is blueberries. He wrote in an article on CNBC that this small purple fruit is full of vitamins and antioxidants that protect the body from infection, and is delicious and low in calories.

According to longevity researchers, blueberries are packed with powerful anti-aging properties because they are rich in antioxidants called anthocyanins.

These elements help maintain cell health and prevent damage, and are also involved in the DNA repair process.

Dr. Bulfin explains that because blueberries contain vitamin C, they can reduce muscle damage and pain while promoting collagen production and eye health.

The doctor goes on to say that the benefits of small fruits extend to the brain as well, citing research showing that berries and strawberries can slow mental aging by up to two and a half years.

He points out that blueberries can also lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease because they contain a high percentage of soluble fiber.

2. Tomatoes

When it comes to the skin, unexpected food can help slow the signs of aging, says nutritionist Amanda Ursel.

Osel adds that eating tomatoes can help protect our skin from aging from the inside out and fight wrinkles.

This is because tomatoes, as well as vegetables such as spinach, red peppers, carrots and kale, are rich in antioxidant pigments called lycopene, lutein and beta-carotene.

3. Foods made from whole grains

Whole grains, which release energy slowly, are another anti-aging necessity, Osel says.

These foods include brown pasta, rice, sweet potatoes, fruits and vegetables.

According to Auther, it is especially useful for stabilizing a woman's energy as her hormones begin to change as she gets older.

She continues: Because they release their energy slowly, and unlike white and refined carbohydrates, they do not harm the collagen in our skin.

Researchers at Harvard also suggest that including whole grains in your diet could help you live longer, because when combined with non-starchy fruits and vegetables, they can help reduce the risk of life-threatening diseases such as heart disease, bowel cancer and diabetes. And stroke risks. Such as nuts and oils. Unsaturated.

4. Nuts

A handful of nuts is a favorite snack among people who live in the Blue Zones, the five regions of the world where people typically live to be 100 years old.

Sophie Trotman, a London-based nutritionist, praises nuts for their anti-aging benefits.

She says nuts like almonds and walnuts are rich in vitamin E, protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and contain minerals like zinc, which can help rejuvenate the skin.

She mentions: "Flax seeds have a high amount of alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid, that can significantly enhance the look of your skin as time goes on."

5. Healthy oils

Whether it's salmon or sardines, these fatty fish are rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids, which help with blood pressure control and overall heart health, says Orcel. It can also keep skin looking its best by maintaining its oil barrier, Sophie added. Natural, keeping skin hydrated and reducing the appearance of fine lines. Two to three servings of fish per week should be sufficient. Another source of healthy fats is olive and canola oil, which can help maintain a healthy heart.

What To Eat During Menopause

 

What To Eat During Menopause

Nourishment plays a imperative part in your by and large wellbeing. All through perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause, what you eat can moreover influence how you're feeling. Consolidating carbohydrates, proteins, and nourishments tall in calcium, vitamin K and vitamin D may offer assistance ease side effects amid this move.

 

Carbohydrates

“I know that low-carb diets are all the seethe these days, but carbs are critical for vitality and brain function,” says Rachel Doyle, M.S., a enrolled dietitian nutritionist based in Chicago. Weariness and memory issues are common side effects amid menopause, so it’s basic for ladies to devour carbs that energize the body and brain.

 

Carbohydrates are one of the three essential supplements in nourishment and one of your body’s fundamental vitality sources. There are three sorts of carbohydrates:

 

Sugars are the foremost essential shape of carb. Sugars actually create in numerous natural products, vegetables and drain. It is best to dodge nourishments with included sugars.

Starches are complex carbs that the body breaks down into sugar to utilize for vitality. Starch is found in bread, pasta, potatoes, peas and corn.

Fiber is another complex carb. High-fiber diets may offer assistance anticipate stomach and intestinal issues. Nourishments tall in fiber incorporate nuts, seeds, entire grains and beans.

Proteins

Made of amino acids, protein could be a supplement utilized to develop and repair cells. Prevalent protein sources incorporate meat, eggs, dairy items, seeds and nuts.

 

"Protein is necessary, but not exclusive," says Dr. Hoover. “There’s no got to be having a protein shake three times a day, but attempt to form beyond any doubt that you’re getting protein frequently at most suppers and snacks. It'll offer assistance keep blood sugar steady and is related with superior bone thickness and diminished break risk.” Dr. Huber proposes a great run the show of thumb for ladies in menopause is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram (~2.2 lbs) of body weight.

 

Foods Tall in Calcium

Val Schonberg, enlisted dietitian, sports nutritionist and certified menopause professional, says individuals going through menopause ought to consolidate calcium into their count calories since it is fundamental for heart and bone wellbeing. Amid menopause, ladies ought to point to urge 1,200 milligrams of calcium, which is slightly more than the 1,000 milligrams of calcium prescribed for somebody not going through menopause. Individuals going through menopause ought to talk with their specialist around whether they’re getting adequate calcium due to hazard of osteoporosis.

 

Dairy, like drain and cheese, is one of the foremost common sources of calcium. You'll too get calcium from verdant greens like wavy kale and okra.

 

Nourishments Tall in Vitamin K and Vitamin D

Vitamin K and vitamin D work together to make strides bone wellbeing, fundamental for those going through menopause, as bone thickness diminishes amid this move, clarifies Doyle. Vitamin D and vitamin K are vital for calcium assimilation and to coordinate calciumfrom delicate tissues and supply routes to bones, separately. Ladies in menopause and post-menopause ought to point for 5 milligrams of vitamin K, which is generally four to five cups of verdant greens, and 800 to 900 IU of vitamin D every day, which would compare to a salmon filet.

 

You'll be able get vitamin D from sleek angle, like salmon and sardines, ruddy meat, liver and egg yolks. Incredible sources of vitamin K incorporate dim verdant greens, such as kale, spinach, collard greens and Brussels grows. Most people require vitamin D supplementation to preserve satisfactory levels. Talk to your specialist about what supplements would be best to undertake.

 

You Will Moreover Be Fascinated By Supplements For Ladies From Our Included Accomplice

 

Basic For Ladies Multivitamin 18+

 

Defined to assist fill supplement holes in the diets of ladies matured 18 to 49

Contains a combination of Omega-3 DHA and methylated B12 to advance brain wellbeing

Invigorated with bone-health supporting supplements which work in conjunction with calcium to assist keep up solid bones

Contains press and methylated folate to advance the arrangement of red blood cells

Fundamental For Ladies Multivitamin 50+

 

Multivitamin for ladies in post-menopause is particularly defined with supplements that back healthy aging

Contains Vegan-certified Vitamin D3 which has been appeared to assist bolster normal immune work

Incorporates Omega-3 DHA sourced from microalgae which has been shown to advance heart health

Incorporates a combination of Calcium-helper supplements and Boron to advance bone wellbeing and bolster typical muscle work

Fundamental For Teenagers Multivitamin For Her

 

Multivitamin designed for youngster young ladies matured 13-17, defined to assist fill supplement crevices in their diets

Incorporates Zinc, Vitamin D3 and Vitamin A to help in supporting normal immune work

Contains Iron and methylated Folate to assist invigorate the generation of ruddy blood cells

Contains a combination of Omega-3 DHA and methylated B12 to promote brain wellbeing

Fundamental Pair Ladies 18+

 

Defined to assist fill supplement holes within the diets of ladies matured 18-49

20g of protein per scoop can offer assistance to invigorate muscle protein blend, which in turn makes a difference to construct incline muscle mass

Each serving gives a total amino acid profile, with 8g of basic amino acids (EAAs), and 4g of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)

Planned to supply basic supplements that can bolster women’s wellbeing and well-being

Basic Team Ladies 50+

 

Multivitamin for ladies in post-menopause is particularly defined with supplements that bolster solid maturing

20g of protein per scoop can offer assistance to fortify muscle protein amalgamation, which in turn makes a difference to construct incline muscle mass

1.5g of Calcium HMB per scoop offer assistance to back the support of muscle mass for people over 50

Contains vitamin D3, vitamin K2, and boron, all of which are critical for keeping up solid bones

What Is Short-Term Life Insurance? (And How Does It Work?)

 

What Is Short-Term Life Insurance? (And How Does It Work?)

Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

If you’re looking for life insurance coverage, you may have come across short-term life insurance. This type of policy can be a good option if you need coverage for only a limited time, such as while you’re paying off a specific debt or starting a new business.

What Is Short-Term Life Insurance?

Short-term life insurance is a type of term life insurance policy. Short term life insurance provides a fixed rate for a specific period—such as one a year—although some companies offer short-term policies of up to five years.

Short-term life insurance is often used to fill a gap in coverage while you’re waiting for a long-term policy to take effect or to provide coverage during a life transition.

How Does Short-Term Life Insurance Work?

Short-term life insurance policies work similarly to other types of life insurance policies in that you pay premiums in exchange for coverage. As long as the policy is in force, your beneficiaries are paid a death benefit when you pass away. The main difference is in how long the policy lasts, but there are some other differences, too.

Duration. Short-term policies typically last for a year, although some policies go up to five years. Traditional term life policies are usually available in lengths of 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 years.

Premiums. Premiums are typically cheaper than permanent life insurance policies because they don’t come with a cash value component. Like traditional term life policies, premiums for short-term policies remain the same throughout the level term period. If the policy you have is renewable, expect premiums to increase significantly each time you renew.

Renewal. Whether or not the policy is renewable depends on the type of short-term life insurance you have.

Underwriting. Short-term policies often have simplified application and approval requirements, so you may not need to undergo a medical exam or provide extensive health information.

What Are the Different Types of Short-Term Life Insurance?

Any life insurance policy can be short-term if you decide you no longer want the coverage and stop paying for it. But it’s usually more cost-effective to buy a policy specifically designed to last for a shorter period of time if your coverage need is short-term.

Here are some common types of short-term life insurance.

Annual renewable term life. It gives you the flexibility to renew each year you still need coverage. It can be a good option if you think you’ll only need coverage for 12 months but want the option to extend the policy if necessary. Rates will increase with each renewal.

A term life policy that is one year in length. This policy is 12 months long and can’t be renewed. If you need coverage after one year, you must buy a new policy.  Progressive (via Fidelity Life), Brighthouse and Principal offer one-year term life insurance policies.

A five-year term life policy. While many life insurers start their term lengths at 10 years, some offer five-year term life policies. For example, Haven Life offers a five-year term life option with its Haven Simple policy.

Annual Renewable Term Life Insurance

Annual renewable term life insurance policies provide coverage for one year at a time, with the option to renew the policy each year. Premiums will increase each year, but these policies can be a good option if you need coverage for a short period of time and want the flexibility to renew the policy each year.

Sellers of Annual Renewable Term Life Insurance

If you’re looking for companies that sell annual renewable term life insurance, this list is a good place to start:

American National – ANICO Signature Term ART policy

Equitable – ART policy

New York Life – Yearly Renewable Term policy

Ohio National – YRT Plus II policy

Securian Financial – Convertible Annual Renewable Term (CART) policy

USAA – Essential Term policy

Pros and Cons of Short-Term Life Insurance

Before you buy a policy, consider the advantages and disadvantages of short-term life insurance.

Pros

Affordability. Short-term life insurance policies are generally less expensive than permanent life insurance policies because they don’t build cash value and are in force for a shorter period of time. If you have a renewable short-term policy, however, premium increases can add up quickly if you choose to renew each year.

One premium. In most cases, you pay one annual premium upfront for a one-year policy. You don’t have to worry about the policy lapsing due to missed payments.

Quick approval. Short-term life insurance policies are often simplified issue life insurance policies, which means you may be able to get approved for coverage quickly.

Cons

Can get expensive. The premium you pay for the policy is based on your age at the time of renewal. So if you misjudge your insurance needs and end up renewing each year, it would have been far more cost effective to buy a longer term life policy, such as 10 years or longer.

Not always renewable. Some types of short-term life insurance policies aren’t renewable at all. Others may have a cap on the number of times you can renew. For example, Equitable offers two short-term policies: an annual renewable policy that has a cap of three years and a one-year policy that’s nonrenewable. Ohio National’s short-term policy has a cap of 10 years.

No cash value. Short-term policies don’t build cash value over time. This means you can’t borrow against the policy or use it for cash accumulation like you can a cash value life insurance policy.

How Much Does Short-Term Life Insurance Cost?

You can get a $50,000 one-year term life insurance policy from Progressive (via Fidelity Life) for as little as $7 per month for males ages 30 to 32 and females ages 39 to 41 who do not use tobacco. If you are younger than this, the policy may be even cheaper.

There are a few factors that play into how much you pay for short-term life insurance.

Age. The younger you are, the lower your premiums will be.

Coverage amount. The more coverage you need, the higher your premiums.

Health. If you’re in good health, you may be able to get lower rates. However, if you have a pre-existing medical condition, you may pay higher premiums or be denied coverage altogether.

When Does Short-Term Life Insurance Make Sense?

Short-term life insurance may be worth it in these situations.

You’re between jobs. If you’re between jobs and don’t have coverage, short-term life insurance can provide coverage until you find a new job with group coverage, or buy coverage independently.

You’re making positive lifestyle changes. If you’re in the middle of quitting smoking, or other lifestyle changes that will improve your health (and life insurance rates), a short-term policy can provide coverage until you’re ready to buy a policy with a longer duration.

You need coverage for a short-term debt. If you have a specific need for life insurance coverage for temporary debt protection, short-term life insurance can be a good fit.

How to Choose a Short-Term Life Insurance Policy

As you shop around for short-term life insurance, consider these factors.

Coverage amount. Make sure the policy provides the right amount of coverage you’re looking for. Even short-term life policies can have minimum coverage amounts of $100,000 or more.

Coverage length. Determine how long you need coverage—whether it’s one year or up to five years—and choose a policy that matches that timeframe.

Price. Look for the most affordable option that meets your coverage needs.

Renewability. Check if the policy can be renewed and if there are any limitations on how many times it can be renewed.

Which Companies Offer Short-Term Life Insurance?

You can find short-term life insurance policies from these companies.

Progressive and Fidelity Life – RAPIDecision Life One

Brighthouse – One Year Term

Principal – One-Year Term

Equitable – TermOne policy

Haven Life – Simple 5-Year Term policy

Compare Life Insurance Companies

Compare Policies With 8 Leading Insurers

Temporary Life Insurance

Temporary life insurance is different from short-term life insurance and is designed to cover gaps in coverage while you wait for approval of another policy.

When you apply for a life insurance policy, the insurance company will typically require you to undergo a medical exam and provide other information about your health and lifestyle. This process can take several weeks or even months to complete, during which time you may not have any coverage in place.

To address this gap in coverage, some insurance companies offer temporary life insurance that can provide protection for a limited period of time, such as 30 or 60 days, while you wait for approval.

Short-Term Life Insurance FAQs What is the difference between short-term and long-term life insurance?

Longer term policies—such as whole life insurance—usually have more features, like the option to build cash value and add riders. For the most part, short-term policies provide a guaranteed death benefit and not much else.

Can you cash out short-term life insurance?

No, short-term life insurance policies do not have a cash value and therefore cannot be cashed out. These policies are designed to provide a life insurance death benefit to your beneficiaries in the event of your death during the policy term. If you outlive the policy term and don’t renew, your coverage expires and you do not receive any payout.

Is short-term life insurance worth it?

Short-term life insurance can be worth it if you need coverage for a short period. For example, if you have a mortgage or other debt that will be paid off soon, a short-term policy can provide coverage during that time. However, if you need coverage for a longer period, a traditional life insurance policy is likely a better option.

What is the shortest-term life insurance policy?

The shortest-term life insurance policy is one year. These policies may be renewable for up to 10 years for higher rates at each renewal, or you may have the option to convert them into a different type of life insurance.

Why is short-term life insurance so cheap?

Short-term life insurance is cheaper than longer-term insurance because it has fewer features. Short-term policies are not cash value life insurance policies, so they do not build cash value. They may not have rider options and may have lower coverage amounts than regular life insurance policies. The cost of a short-term policy is also lower because it covers a shorter period of time.

How much does a $250,000 life insurance policy cost?

 

How much does a $250,000 life insurance policy cost?

Key points

A $250,000 life insurance policy with a 10-year term costs an average of $105 per year for a healthy 30-year-old.

Buying life insurance at a younger age can reduce how much you pay for a $250,000 policy.

Shopping around is key to finding the best life insurance companies.

A $250,000 life insurance policy could provide your loved ones with money to cover final expenses, debts or day-to-day expenses. Whether that’s enough coverage will depend on the details of your financial situation.

The most obvious benefit of purchasing a $250,000 policy is that it will cost less than a larger amount of coverage, such as a $1 million life insurance policy, said Sahang-Hee Hahn, head of strategy and planning at Haven Life. That could make it a budget-friendly option if you’re looking for affordable coverage.

Comparing the monthly cost of life insurance of $250,000 in life insurance with a term life insurance, whole life insurance or universal life policy can help you narrow down which one might best fit your needs.

Explore life insurance: $1 million life insurance policy costs

USA TODAY Blueprint may earn a commission from this advertiser. How much does a $250,000 life insurance policy cost?

A $250,000 term life insurance policy with a 10-year term costs an average of $9 a month, or $108 a year, according to our analysis of term life insurance rates for a 30-year-old nonsmoker in good health.

For a 20-year term, a $250,000 policy costs an average of $11 a month, or $132 a year.

Term life insurance locks in your rates for a level term period, such as 10, 20 or 30 years. You may be able to renew your policy before the term ends, but will likely see increased rates each year you renew.

Average cost for a $250,000 term life insurance policy, by age and gender

The average cost of a $250,000 life insurance policy depends on several factors, including your age, gender and health history. Insurers also look at your profession, risky hobbies and your smoking history to determine the cost of your premium.

If you’re buying term life insurance, the term length of your policy will also affect how much you pay for term life insurance.

Monthly cost for $250,000 10-year term life insurance policy Monthly cost for $250,000 20-year term life insurance policy Monthly cost for $250,000 30-year term life insurance policy How much does a $250,000 whole life insurance policy cost?

The cost of a $250,000 whole life insurance policy is around $203 a month, or $2,436 a year, based on our analysis of whole life insurance quotes for a 30-year-old nonsmoker in good health.

Whole life insurance is permanent life insurance that provides lifelong coverage, as long as you make your payments on time. Your rates and death benefit are set at a fixed amount for the duration of your policy. When you die, your beneficiaries receive a guaranteed death benefit.

In most instances, whole life insurance policies include a cash value component that accrues over time at a fixed rate and is usually tax-deferred, which you can withdraw or borrow from while alive.

Like term life insurance, when calculating your whole life rates insurers will factor in your health history, age, gender, nicotine usage and more.

Average monthly cost for a $250,000 whole life insurance policy How much does a $250,000 universal life insurance policy cost?

A $250,000 universal life insurance policy costs about $100 a month, or $1,200 a year, based on our analysis of universal life insurance quotes for a 30-year-old nonsmoker in good health.

Like whole life, universal life is a type of permanent life insurance. There are several types of universal life insurance, some of which allow you to adjust your premium payments and death benefit amount, which can make it a more flexible life insurance option. However, the cash value component of universal life insurance is usually tied to a money market rate of interest, which can make it a riskier choice.

Average monthly cost for a $250,000 universal life insurance policy

Explore your life insurance options: Universal life insurance

When should you buy a $250,000 life insurance policy? 

You may consider buying a $250,000 term life insurance policy if you need coverage for a set period, such as the number of years you have left on your mortgage.

For example, say you purchased a house with your spouse and you have $250,000 left on the mortgage, with 10 years left in the mortgage term. You might buy a $250,000 10-year term life insurance policy so your spouse would have the cash to pay the remaining balance off should you pass away suddenly.

Likewise, $250,000 in life insurance may be sufficient for your needs if you have savings, investments or other assets that can help meet your loved ones’ needs if something happens to you. That might include savings accounts, CD accounts, a 401(k) plan at work or an individual retirement account.

Age and marital status can also influence your decision about how much life insurance coverage to buy.

Kara Sherman, a certified financial planner and Ameriprise Financial vice president of retirement and protection strategies, said that smaller policies are more common for people who are young and newer to the workforce or single with no dependents.

“Starting a policy earlier in life can help lock in your insurability while you accumulate more assets,” said Sherman. Single people, meanwhile, may use life insurance to leave money behind so their family can cover any lingering debts or final expenses.

Whether that coverage is enough for the long term can depend on what kind of life changes you experience.

“As life evolves, your life insurance needs may change too,” Sherman said, citing marriage, divorce and the birth of children as good reasons to reevaluate your coverage to make sure it’s sufficient.

Here are a few rules of thumb to keep in mind if you’re considering getting a $250,000 life insurance policy:

It’s better to buy when you’re young. The younger and healthier you are when buying life insurance, the cheaper your life insurance premiums are likely to be.

Term life is the most budget-friendly. Compared to whole or universal life insurance, term life insurance policies tend to have lower premiums. While they don’t accrue cash value, term life can put less strain on your budget.

Premiums may be higher for no exam life insurance policies. It may be possible to get $250,000 in term life insurance without a medical exam. However, you might pay a slightly higher premium to skip the health screening.

Longer terms mean higher premiums. The longer you need a term life insurance policy to remain in place, the more you’ll pay in premiums. Insurance companies charge higher premiums to offset the greater likelihood of them eventually having to pay out a claim.

If you’re specifically interested in term life coverage, consider how long you’ll need that policy to stay in place.

“There are many factors to consider when determining your term length, “ Hahn said, “but one important question to ask is ‘what is my longest obligation?'” Life insurance coverage should be sufficient to ensure financial support of that obligation.

It’s also helpful to think about what type of riders you might add on to enhance your policy’s value.

For example, an accelerated death benefit rider could allow you to draw down the death benefit to cover expenses if you’re dealing with a terminal illness. You may also be able to add on riders to cover your children or replace lost income if you become disabled.

Keep in mind that including optional riders may increase your policy premiums. And accessing benefits while you’re still living can reduce the death benefit that’s paid out to your beneficiaries once you pass away.

Is a $250,000 life insurance policy the best for you? 

When deciding how much life insurance you need, it helps to start with your annual income and what your loved ones might need.

“Typically we see customers purchase five to seven times their annual salary in coverage,” said Hahn. “For example, someone making $50,000 per year may find that a $250,000 policy is the right option for them.”

That’s not a hard and fast rule, however. Whether a $250,000 life insurance policy is suitable for you can depend on more than just income.

“Household contributions aren’t limited to take-home pay,” said Sherman.

In a situation where one parent works and the other stays home, for instance, life insurance can be essential for both parties.

If the parent who’s the primary caregiver and housekeeper passes away, the surviving parent may need to pay for childcare services, laundry services or a cleaning person so that they’re able to continue working. All of those costs can easily add up, potentially prompting the need for a larger policy.

Here are a few helpful questions to ask when weighing how much life insurance is necessary:

How many years’ worth of salary would your life insurance beneficiary need to be able to replace?

What expenses would life insurance need to cover at a minimum?

Are there any expenses outside of basic costs of living that life insurance would need to pay for, such as college for kids or retirement for a surviving spouse or partner?

What other assets do you have to supplement a life insurance policy?

Are there any outstanding debts that would need to be repaid, such as a mortgage?

Looking at the bigger picture can help you determine whether $250,000 is enough coverage. Once you know how much life insurance you need, you can take the next step and compare quotes to find affordable policies.

“There is no one-size-fits-all answer to life insurance,” said Hahn.

Methodology

We analyzed term life insurance rates provided by AccuQuote, a national online life insurance agency that works only with top carriers and whole and universal life insurance rates from LifeQuotes, a national life insurance comparison site that works with 50 leading life insurance companies.

Term, whole and universal life insurance rates are for nonsmokers of average height and weight who are in excellent health. Your rates will vary based on your age, gender, health and other factors.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the average monthly cost of a $250,000 life insurance policy?

According to our analysis of rates, here are average premiums for a $250,000 life insurance policy for a 30-year-old nonsmoker in good health.

10-year term life policy: $9 per month

Whole life policy: $203 per month.

Universal life policy: $100 per month.

The type of life insurance policy term length (if applicable), as well as your age and gender, will affect the cost of your life insurance premiums.

Does gender affect your life insurance rates?

Life insurance companies often consider gender as a factor when determining life insurance rates. Women tend to pay less for life insurance than men, which is largely due to their overall health outlook and life expectancy. Compared to your medical history and lifestyle, however, gender may have less of an impact on what you pay for coverage.

What is the cash value of a $250,000 life insurance policy?

Whether a $250,000 policy builds cash value will depend on what type of life insurance policy you have.

Permanent life insurance policies commonly include a cash value account, where your cash value will grow tax-free, and you can borrow against or withdraw from it while you’re alive. The amount of cash value you’re able to accumulate, and how quickly, will depend on the type of cash value insurance you choose.

Term life insurance policies do not have a cash value component.

Best Term Life Insurance

 

Best Term Life Insurance

If you have children or dependents that rely on your income, you need life insurance. While there are plenty of different varieties, term life insurance is often the best—and cheapest—choice.

Term life insurance is simple, basic coverage that pays your beneficiaries a death benefit if you die during the policy’s term. And it’s the most affordable form of coverage; by analyzing rates from 12 leading companies, we found that you can get $250,000 of coverage for as little as $9 per month. 

There are hundreds of life insurance companies underwriting policies in the U.S., so shopping for coverage can be a chore. To help you find the best policy for your needs, we evaluated 22 leading insurance companies and selected the top insurers based on their policies, pricing and customer service. 

Best overall 

Why We Picked It: Pacific Life stands out from other insurers because it offers a wide range of coverage amounts and higher-than-usual coverage maximums. It also has a stellar reputation for customer support and added benefits, such as the inclusion of terminal illness riders—which allow policyholders to access a portion of their death benefit while living if they become seriously ill—at no additional cost. 

Pacific Life offers two term life policies: 

PL Promise Term: The PL Promise Term is a basic term life policy with terms ranging from 10 to 30 years. The death benefit ranges from $50,000 to $1 million. 

Pacific Elite Term: Pacific Elite Term is for those that want to purchase a policy with a higher death benefit than they’d get with PL Promise Term. With Pacific Elite Term, customers can get $750,000 to $3 million of coverage or more. Plus, the policy can be converted into permanent coverage later. 

In other words, if you’re looking for a basic life insurance policy to cover burial expenses and other end-of-life costs, you can get a policy with a death benefit as low as $50,000. But for those looking to leave their beneficiaries a larger financial cushion, you can purchase a policy with a death benefit that gives your family millions.

Some applicants can qualify for accelerated underwriting on PL Promise Term, meaning they don’t need to undergo a medical exam for up to $3 million of coverage. Other applicants may have to go through modified or traditional underwriting. 

Besides the included terminal illness rider, Pacific Life offers other optional riders, including waiver of premium in cases of disability or $10,000 of term life insurance for children. 

Even though the terminal rider is included, Pacific Life is still one of the least expensive insurers we evaluated. In Buy Side’s online price checks, Pacific Life’s premiums were as low as $130 per year for $250,000 of term life coverage with a 20-year term. By contrast the industry average for a policy of that size and term is $170, according to insurance industry trade group Limra.

Caveats: Although Pacific Life has strong customer satisfaction ratings, it doesn’t have the features that some other insurers provide. For example, Pacific Life doesn’t have an online quote tool, and you cannot purchase a policy directly through its website. Instead, you have to contact a Pacific Life financial professional to start the process. 

Best for customer satisfaction

Why We Picked It: State Farm is our choice for customer satisfaction based on its user-friendly website and award-winning mobile app. Although the company does have term life options that can be bought entirely online, it also has a large network of agents for customers that prefer personalized, in-person assistance. Plus, it was the top choice in the J.D. Power U.S. Individual Life Insurance Study; the study evaluated companies’ performance on several fronts, including communication, product offerings and price. 

State Farm has several policy options, including instant-issue policies with no medical exams or interviews required. If you use State Farm for car insurance, you can also qualify for a multi-policy discount when you purchase life insurance. 

State Farm has won multiple awards for its mobile app, including one of the popular Webby Awards in 2021. The app is robust, allowing customers to manage all of their State Farm insurance policies in one place, view policy documents, pay their premiums and contact an agent with questions. 

State Farm does require applicants to work with an agent for most term life options, but the insurer has over 19,000 agents, so you can likely find one near you that can help. 

Caveats: Although State Farm operates in most states, its term life policies aren’t available in Massachusetts. And its typical premiums for standard term life insurance tend to be higher than the national average of $170 per year, as reported by Limra. When we requested quotes for State Farm’s term life coverage, the annual premium for men was $215, and the premium for women was $183. 

Best no-exam

Haven Life by Mass Mutual

Why We Picked It: For those that don’t want to go through the hassle of a medical exam and lab work, Haven Life is an excellent choice. 

Haven Life has two term life options; Haven Term, a standard term life policy with traditional underwriting, and Haven Simple, a no-exam option with a higher-than-typical coverage maximum. 

The Haven Simple policy allows customers to apply for life insurance completely online, with no need for medical exams—helpful if you have a fear of needles, for example—or agents. Coverage amounts for Haven Simple range from $25,000 to $1 million, and the policy includes accelerated death benefits for policyholders that are diagnosed with terminal illnesses. This rider allows you to use some of the policy’s death benefit while you’re living to cover your expenses. 

There are other digital-only term life companies, but many of them are new and have only been in operation for a few years. By contrast, Haven Life is a subsidiary of MassMutual, a major insurer that has been in operation since 1851. Because Haven Life is backed by an established company, you can be confident that the insurer will be around for the long term and able to pay out policy claims. 

While it is rare for life insurance companies to go out of business, it has happened in the past. If your insurer declares bankruptcy, your state guaranty association will step in to provide some coverage to policyholders. However, the maximum amount the state guaranty association provides may be less than your policy’s value. According to the National Organization of Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Associations, the maximum in many states is just $300,000. 

Caveats: Although Haven Life provides a simple digital buying experience, its coverage options aren’t available everywhere. The Haven Simple term life policy isn’t available in Delaware, South Dakota, North Dakota or New York. And because its policies are simplified issue, meaning applicants don’t have to go through physical exams, those with existing health issues are unlikely to qualify. 

If you’re looking for a quick term life policy you can buy online and you live in a state where Haven Simple isn’t issued, you may want to consider other digital insurers, such as Ethos or Bestow. 

Best for added benefits

Why We Picked It: Insurance riders—optional provisions or amendments you can add to your policy—allow you to customize and purchase additional coverage for you and your loved ones. New York Life has a longer-than-usual list of riders for term coverage, including the following:

Disability waiver of premium: If you add this rider to your policy and later become totally disabled, New York Life will waive your remaining premiums and your policy stays in force. 

Living benefits rider: If you are diagnosed with a terminal illness and have a life expectancy of 12 months or less, the living benefits rider allows you to use a share of your policy’s death benefit while you’re living to cover your medical bills, care expenses and other costs.

Spouse’s paid-up insurance purchase option: If the covered person has this rider and dies, their spouse can use the policy’s proceeds to purchase life insurance for themselves without having to undergo a medical exam. 

New York Life also provides policy options that many other insurers don’t offer, such as term convertibility option and yearly renewable term coverage. 

With the term convertibility option, you can convert your term life coverage to whole life insurance later. This perk is useful if your needs change and you decide you need permanent coverage and can afford the higher premiums. For example, if a dependent develops serious medical issues and will need ongoing care, switching to permanent coverage may be a good idea. 

With yearly renewable term coverage, you can renew your policy every year with no fixed end date. Your premiums start out quite low, but increase every year. This type of coverage is useful for those that want the cheapest insurance possible now, but may want to convert to whole life coverage at a later date. 

Caveats: New York Life has several term life options, but it has very limited information available online about its policies, coverage limits and age restrictions. Nor does the company allow you to get a quote through its website; the only way to find out details about policies and their cost is to contact a New York Life financial professional. 

Best for those with existing health issues

Why We Picked It: If you have a history of significant health issues, such as HIV or heart disease, qualifying for a life insurance policy can be challenging since many companies prohibit applicants with those conditions. 

That’s why Guardian Life is our choice of term life coverage for those with existing health problems; it accepts people with pre-existing conditions, including those with HIV, high blood pressure, heart disease or anxiety. 

Through Guardian Life, you can $100,000 to $5 million in term life coverage, and terms range from 10 to 30 years. When you purchase coverage, you have the option of adding riders to your policy, including terminal illness and waiver of premium riders. You can get a quote for term life insurance online, or you can purchase coverage through a financial professional. 

Caveats: Guardian Life has very limited details about its policies online; the only way to get more information is to speak with the company’s insurance specialists. Because Guardian Life caters to those with existing health issues, it usually charges higher premiums. When we requested online quotes for healthy 30-year-olds, we found that Guardian Life’s premiums were about 20% higher than the industry average.  

Best for older adults

Why We Picked It: Older adults may find that they’re ineligible for term life policies sold by some insurers since their age limits can be as low as 55. With Mutual of Omaha, individuals can apply for term life coverage as long as they are between the ages of 18 and 80. 

Mutual of Omaha includes several living benefits, including chronic, critical and terminal illness riders, at no extra cost. For those who may be worried about dealing with costs associated with Parkinson’s disease, strokes or heart conditions, those riders can give you some peace of mind because you can use a portion of the death benefit while you’re living. However, it’s important to keep in mind that taking advantage of living benefit riders will decrease how much money is left to your beneficiaries. 

Caveats: Although Mutual of Omaha does have no-exam options, older adults that want $300,000 or more in death benefits will likely have to go through the full underwriting process, including a medical exam and blood work. 

Mutual of Omaha doesn’t have an online quote option, which can make comparison shopping more difficult and time-consuming. You must work with an insurance agent to get a quote and purchase coverage. 

More options to considerGlobe Life

Globe Life is highly rated for customer satisfaction—it was ranked second in J.D. Power’s U.S. Individual Life Insurance Study—but it provides limited protection. The maximum amount of term life coverage you can get is $100,000. And though its coverage amounts are low, its premiums are expensive, and they increase as you age. 

Nationwide

Nationwide has two term life options, including Nationwide Life Essentials, a no-exam term life policy. However, that policy isn’t available to residents of New York, and it has strict age requirements; those that are 56 or older are ineligible for the no-exam option. It also has a coverage minimum of $250,000—significantly higher than the minimums of other companies. 

Prudential

Prudential is a leading insurance company—it’s the largest life insurance company based on its total assets—but it was ranked below the industry average for customer satisfaction in the 

J.D. Power U.S. Individual Life Insurance Study, and its premiums were much more expensive than the industry average. 

Term life insurance FAQs

Learn the basics about how term life insurance works so you can buy a policy with confidence: 

What is term life insurance? 

Term life insurance is the simplest form of life insurance. It provides a death benefit—a lump sum paid to the designated beneficiary—if the policyholder passes away during the policy’s term. Terms typically range from 10 to 30 years.

Term life is quite different from permanent life insurance, which lasts for as long as you pay your premiums. And term life policies do not accumulate cash value; your premiums solely pay for the policy’s death benefit. 

What happens to my coverage when my term policy ends? 

Once the term ends, the policy expires. If the policyholder passes away after the term’s end date, the beneficiaries aren’t eligible for a death benefit payout. 

Some companies will alert you that the policy is coming to an end and allow you to renew your coverage or convert it to a whole life policy. However, the cost will be significantly higher than the premiums you have on the existing term life policy. 

What are insurance riders? 

Insurance riders, also known as endorsements or amendments, adjust the insurance policy. You can use riders to add coverage for specific needs or to buy insurance for a spouse or child. Some companies include certain riders, such as terminal illness riders, at no added cost. But for most insurance riders, you’ll have to pay a higher premium. 

How much does term life insurance cost?

According to Limra, a trade association focused on the insurance industry, the average cost of a 20-year, $250,000 term life insurance policy for a healthy 30-year-old is approximately $170 per year, or about $14 per month. 

That was slightly more expensive than we found during our research. Not all companies offer online quotes or provide pricing information. Of the 22 companies we evaluated, we were able to get online quotes directly from insurers or through insurance marketplaces like PolicyGenius for 12 of them. Based on those quotes, we found that the average annual premium for men was $166, and the average annual premium for women was $143. 

How do I buy term life coverage? 

If you have dependents, you likely need life insurance. If you’ve been putting off purchasing coverage because you were overwhelmed by the process, you should know that term life insurance is easy to buy. 

Some insurers allow you to get quotes and purchase coverage completely online, while others require you to contact an agent to discuss your insurance needs. 

Either the online questionnaire or the agent will ask you a series of questions about your health and medical history. You may need to provide a list of medications you take and, if you have existing health issues, may need to provide the contact information for your doctor. 

For companies that use full underwriting, you will have to get a medical exam and lab work. The insurance company will arrange the exam for you at its expense, and the exam can take place at your home or even your workplace. 

After that, the insurance company will review your application and decide whether to issue you a policy. If you’re approved, you’ll receive a contract to review and sign. The policy typically goes into effect after you pay your first premium. 

How we picked

We selected Buy Side from WSJ’s Best Term Life Insurance Companies based on available policy options, coverage limits, age restrictions, insurance riders, customer satisfaction and pricing. We also considered whether the companies allowed customers to buy policies directly from the insurer, rather than having to work with a commissioned agent. 

We requested online quotes from insurers and, when a direct quote wasn’t available, used PolicyGenius to compare rates. Our quotes are for healthy men and women who are 30 years old, in good health and never smoked. The quotes are based on term life policies with a $250,000 death benefit, a 20-year term and no optional riders. 

We evaluated the 22 major life insurance companies, using the companies ranked in the 2022 J.D. Power U.S. Individual Life Insurance Study. Policies, riders and quotes were current as of July 26, 2023. 

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The advice, recommendations or rankings expressed in this article are those of the Buy Side from WSJ editorial team, and have not been reviewed or endorsed by our commercial partners.