A life insurance policy that pays a benefit to the beneficiaries you select if you pass away within the specific time period of the policy (often 10, 20, 30 years). Typically, you should choose the term based on your age and how long you expect to be supporting members of your family. You pay premiums on the policy during the term. If you survive the term of the policy, the policy will expire without making any payments. However, if you pass away during the term, the insurance policy will pay the full death benefit to your beneficiaries. A term life insurance policy is often a less expensive option when considering life insurance.