If the life insured under a term policy outlives the term, what typically occurs?

In the context of a term life insurance policy, when the life insured outlives the term period, it is standard practice that no death benefit is paid out. Term life insurance is specifically designed to provide coverage for a specified duration or term—typically ranging from 10 to 30 years. If the insured individual survives through that term, the coverage simply expires.

The rationale behind this structure is that term insurance serves as a safety net during a designated period when the insured may have dependent responsibilities or financial obligations. It is a temporary solution with no cash value accumulation or guaranteed payout if the term concludes without a claim.

After the term expires, the policyholder might often have options to renew or convert the policy, but those options can come with conditions such as increased premiums or changes in the type of coverage. However, unless an additional action is taken, no payout for the death benefit occurs simply because the insured has outlived the policy term.