Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period of time, such as 10, 20, or 30 years. If the policyholder dies during the term of the policy, the policy pays out a death benefit to the policy's beneficiaries. Term life insurance is typically less expensive than other types of life insurance, but the death benefit is only paid out if the policyholder dies during the term of the policy.

Whole life insurance provides coverage for the policyholder's entire life, as long as the premiums are paid. In addition to the death benefit, whole life insurance also has a cash value component that accumulates over time and can be accessed by the policyholder while they are alive. Whole life insurance is typically more expensive than term life insurance, but the death benefit is guaranteed, and the policy has a cash value component.

Universal life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance that provides flexible coverage options and the ability to adjust the policy's premiums and death benefit. It also has a cash value component that accumulates over time, and the policyholder can access the cash value while they are alive. Universal life insurance is typically more expensive than whole life insurance, but it offers more flexibility and the ability to adjust the policy to meet the policyholder's changing needs.

Variable life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance that offers the potential for higher returns on the policy's cash value. The policyholder can choose to invest the cash value in a variety of investment options, such as stocks or mutual funds, and the returns on the investments can increase the policy's cash value and death benefit. However, the investments are subject to market fluctuations, and the policyholder's cash value and death benefit can decrease if the investments perform poorly. Variable life insurance is typically more expensive than universal life insurance, and it is only suitable for policyholders who are willing to take on the risks associated with investing the policy's cash value.