These days, many insurance companies offer customers options to the traditional ways of applying for life insurance, which included getting a medical exam and answering detailed health questions. Today, both term life and whole life insurance are sometimes available without a requirement for an exam and, in some cases, with only a few health questions or none at all. But there are key differences between the different options. Understanding them will help you choose the policy that’s right for you.

Life insurance can help protect your family’s financial future. But many people ask, “How much life insurance do I need?” This calculator will help you figure it out.

First time buying insurance? You might feel like you’re in a bit over your head figuring out where to start. Your parents or grandparents might have had one trusted insurance agent that they used for many years—or even decades—for all of their insurance needs. These days, you have a lot more options for buying insurance. But what’s the best way? The good news is, it’s up to you.