About half of the Gen Z age range has reached adulthood. As a result, many are starting to save money and build wealth, and some are starting families. At the same time, Gen Z is still quite young. This makes life insurance an excellent potential tool at this age. It can help Gen Z protect their money and their loved ones, and since they’re young, they can lock in lower premiums.

However, there are many policy types. Each charges different premiums and offers varying levels of coverage and other benefits. So, this article will dive into three of the best types of life insurance policies for Gen Z and explain each one’s features and benefits.

Term life insurance

Term life insurance is a temporary policy that can last for a fixed term of 10 to 30 years, depending on the policyholder’s choice. That means coverage can expire, and the policyholder will have to get a new policy or renew their existing one to continue coverage. However, these policies often offer the most affordable premiums for the coverage the policyholder can get.

For example, LIMRA’s 2022 Life Insurance Barometer study found that the average annual cost for a 20-year, $250,000 term life insurance policy for a healthy 30-year-old is $170 per year. The Gen Z population is not yet 30, so premiums may be even cheaper for Gen Z policyholders.

Whole life insurance

Whole life insurance can cost more than term life insurance, but coverage lasts for life. This life insurance policy never expires as long as the policyholder keeps up on premiums. It also comes with a cash value component that can help Gen Z build wealth early in life. This cash value receives part of each premium payment and grows tax-deferred at a fixed interest rate.

Once a policyholder builds enough cash value, they can withdraw from or borrow against it at favorable rates and terms. If they surrender the policy, they receive the full value minus surrender charges.

Gen Z applicants may consider this policy type if they know they will start a family soon and want the peace of mind offered by lifelong coverage and the cash value’s wealth-building potential.

Universal life insurance

Universal life insurance is similar to whole life insurance in offering lifelong coverage and a cash value component. However, the policyholder can adjust their premiums and death benefit within limits. Policyholders can reduce their premiums by lowering their death benefit or requesting a death benefit increase for higher premiums and potentially a new medical exam.

Additionally, universal life insurance lets policyholders pay some or all of their premiums with the cash value once it’s large enough. However, policyholders must be careful not to let cash value shrink too much. If it runs out, or there’s not enough left to cover a premium payment, coverage may lapse. Universal life insurance can be more affordable than whole life insurance, but the additional complexity may be suited for Gen Z individuals that are willing to take the hands-on approach this policy requires in order to manage their coverage.

The bottom line

No life insurance policy is completely better than the others for Gen Z individuals, and the right type depends on the policyholder’s situation and needs. Gen Z policyholders with simpler financial pictures or looking to minimize expenses may consider term life insurance. On the other hand, permanent life insurance’s lifelong coverage and cash value growth component can be helpful for Gen Z’ers that are starting families and building wealth. Whole life policies can be good for policyholders willing to pay more for predictability and simplicity, whereas universal life insurance may be best for those who want more flexibility. Once a prospective policyholder chooses a policy type, they should shop around for multiple quotes to compare rates and get the best price on the coverage they need.