As the name implies, whole life insurance is coverage for an entire lifetime, not just for a short period of time.  Consider there is a 100% chance you will someday die, and realize whole life insurance is the only insurance product you can buy that will definitely pay a benefit (assuming the policy premiums are paid).

Whole life insurance offers level premiums and life insurance protection for as long as you live.  Whole life policies can be paid with a single premium, premiums payable to over age 100, or somewhere in between. Whole life insurance policies also provide accumulation of cash values on a tax-free or tax-deferred basis which can be used when you need it, not just at death for your survivors.