Is permanent life insurance worth the higher cost compared to term?

If your goal is guaranteed lifelong coverage — for example, to leave an inheritance, cover final expenses regardless of when you pass away, or build tax-deferred cash value you can access later — permanent insurance directly addresses those needs in a way term insurance cannot, since term eventually expires.

Many people use a combination: term insurance for large, temporary needs during working years, and a smaller permanent policy for lifelong needs like final expenses — an agent can help figure out the right mix for your situation.