Why would a person choose decreasing term life insurance over level term?
Matthew Underwood
Published Jan 19, 2026
Benefits of decreasing-term insurance Because the payout amount falls over time, decreasing-term policies usually cost less than similar level-term coverage. Another benefit: You don’t need to pass a medical exam to buy the policy.
What is a decreasing term assurance plan?
A decreasing term assurance policy sees the amount to be paid out (sum assured) decreasing over the term of the policy. As the amount you need to pay on your mortgage also decreases this is the policy that is usually used to provide this kind of cover. The policy pays out only if you expire before it does.
Which is best level term or decreasing?
As a general rule, level term premiums, which provide a greater level of protection, are approximately 20% dearer than decreasing term. With decreasing term cover the financial risk to the insurer reduces over time, which helps keep monthly premiums lower, compared with level term.
What does it mean to decrease term life insurance?
Decreasing Term Life Insurance. Definition – What does Decreasing Term Life Insurance mean? Decreasing term life insurance is a type of term life insurance whose death benefit decreases at a set rate as the policy matures. Premiums normally remain the same throughout the life of the policy, which can range from one to 30 years.
Which is cheaper decreasing life insurance or whole life insurance?
Decreasing term life insurance is less expensive than term or whole life policies. A decreasing term life policy is very similar and may mirror the amortization schedule of a mortgage. Decreasing term insurance is a more affordable option than whole life or universal life insurance.
Are there any companies that offer decreasing term insurance?
The availability of decreasing term life insurance has declined in recent years but is still available from a few reputable insurance companies. Farmers, Banner Life, Prudential, Protective Life and John Hancock all offer decreasing term insurance policies.
What’s the interest rate on decreasing term insurance?
An interest rate of 8% has been assumed for the decreasing term life insurance policy. The diagram below is based on a mortgage value of £250,000 on a repayment basis over 25 years with an average interest rate of 3%. The life insurance cover remains level throughout and pays out the same value if death occurs at any point during the mortgage term.