You choose the length of time you’d like to carry the policy, and at the end of the term, you typically have the option to easily renew or upgrade to a permanent policy. In this way, purchasing term life when you’re young can lock in your access to affordable life insurance for the term period—even if your health status changes. You can convert your coverage to more rewarding permanent policies, like whole life insurance, possibly at a lower price than if you’d put off purchasing until you’re older.