Life insurance options for Texas families

Life insurance can feel like an overwhelming topic because of the number of policy types and the personal nature of the decision. We help Texans understand the general categories of coverage and what questions matter most before choosing a policy.

Term vs. permanent life insurance

Life insurance in Texas generally falls into two broad categories: term and permanent. Term life insurance provides coverage for a set period, such as 10, 20, or 30 years, and generally does not build cash value, which typically keeps its cost lower for the coverage amount. Permanent life insurance, such as whole life, is generally designed to last for your lifetime as long as premiums are paid, and it typically includes a cash value component that can grow over time. Which category fits depends on your goals, such as covering a specific period like a mortgage or child-rearing years versus wanting lifelong coverage.

Common reasons Texans consider life insurance

People generally look into life insurance for a handful of common reasons, though the right amount and type depend on individual circumstances.

  • Replacing income for a spouse or family who depends on your earnings
  • Covering outstanding debts such as a mortgage or loans
  • Helping fund future expenses like a child's education
  • Supporting a business partnership or succession plan
  • Leaving a legacy or gift to loved ones or a charitable cause

How much coverage and what type

There's no single formula that fits every household when it comes to how much life insurance to carry; it generally depends on income, debts, dependents, and how long you need coverage to last. Term policies are often chosen for their lower cost when the primary goal is covering a defined period, while permanent policies are often chosen when lifelong coverage or a cash value feature matters more. Underwriting for life insurance generally involves an application and may include health questions or, for some policies, a medical exam, with approval and pricing determined by the insurer based on those factors.

What an independent agent does in this process

An independent agent can help you think through term versus permanent options, explain how underwriting generally works, and compare policy structures across companies rather than a single carrier's lineup. We do not collect sensitive health details like specific diagnoses during an initial conversation; those questions, if required, are handled through the insurer's own application and underwriting process. We also cannot guarantee approval or a specific premium, since that's determined by the insurance company based on its underwriting guidelines.

Who this may help

  • Parents wanting to protect their family's income
  • Homeowners looking to cover a mortgage balance
  • Individuals wanting to leave funds for final wishes or loved ones
  • Business owners considering coverage tied to a partnership
  • Anyone comparing term versus permanent policy structures for the first time

Potential benefits

  • May help clarify whether term or permanent coverage fits your goals
  • Can walk through how underwriting and applications generally work
  • May support comparing policy structures across multiple companies
  • Can help you think through appropriate coverage amounts for your situation
  • Ongoing point of contact as your needs change over time

What to consider

  • Premiums and approval are determined by the insurer's underwriting, not guaranteed in advance
  • Term policies generally do not build cash value; permanent policies typically do
  • Health questions or a medical exam may be part of the application depending on the policy
  • Coverage amounts should reflect your actual financial obligations and goals
  • We cannot guarantee specific pricing or approval outcomes

How enrollment works

  • Discuss your general goals for life insurance coverage
  • Review term versus permanent structures that may fit those goals
  • Compare policy options across more than one insurance company
  • Complete the insurer's application and underwriting process
  • Revisit your coverage periodically as life circumstances change

Frequently asked questions

  • What's the difference between term and permanent life insurance? Term life insurance generally covers a set period and typically does not build cash value, while permanent life insurance is generally designed to last a lifetime and typically includes a cash value component.
  • How much life insurance coverage do I need? It depends on factors like your income, debts, dependents, and how long you need the coverage to last. There's no single formula, so it's worth discussing your specific situation.
  • Will I need a medical exam to get life insurance in Texas? It depends on the policy and insurer. Some policies require a medical exam as part of underwriting, while others may rely on health questions or other criteria.
  • Can an agent guarantee my premium or approval? No. Pricing and approval are determined by the insurance company's underwriting process based on the information you provide and other factors, not guaranteed by an agent in advance.
  • Do I need permanent life insurance instead of term? It depends on your goals. Term is often chosen for covering a defined period at a generally lower cost, while permanent policies are often chosen for lifelong coverage or a cash value feature.
  • Can business owners use life insurance for succession planning? Life insurance is sometimes used to help fund business succession or partnership agreements, though the right structure depends on your specific business situation and should be reviewed carefully.
  • Does RGI Group have an office in my city? No. RGI Group has one office, in Austin, and serves Texas residents statewide by phone and virtual appointment. Paperwork can usually be completed electronically, so you do not need to travel to meet with us.
  • Is there a cost to review my options with RGI Group? You do not pay RGI Group a separate fee to review coverage options. You are also free to enroll on your own through the official government resources linked on this page.
  • Can we talk in Spanish? Yes. Appointments and follow-up can be handled in English or Spanish, whichever you prefer.
  • Which plans and carriers are available to me? Availability depends on your county, eligibility, and the product you are looking at, and it can change from year to year. We can tell you what we are able to offer for your situation rather than promise a specific plan or price.
  • What should I have ready for a first conversation? Your ZIP code, who needs coverage, the doctors or prescriptions that matter to you, and a general sense of your budget. Please do not send Social Security numbers, Medicare ID numbers, date of birth, income, diagnoses, or prescription details through this website.

Official resources

  • Texas Department of Insurance — https://www.tdi.texas.gov (Regulates life insurance products sold to Texas residents and provides consumer guides on policy types.)

Talk with a licensed Texas agent

Call or text (346) 888-8811. Office: 5900 Balcones Drive, Ste 100, Austin, TX 78731. Open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Licensed in Texas. Guidance available in English and Spanish.