There are three main types of term life insurance policies: 1) Whole life assurance pays a claim to the insured's family only upon death in exchange for premiums paid over the insured's entire lifetime or until retirement. 2) Endowment assurance has a defined term of 15-30 years, after which the insurance company will pay the claim to the insured's family upon death, or to the insured if they survive the full term. 3) Term assurance pays a claim to the insured's family only if they die within the set term of the policy, usually 10-30 years, after which no benefits are paid.