I agree with Michael's answer. Here are a couple of other thoughts on this:

-Often one's employer will provide some life insurance free, or at preferred rates. The first $50,000 worth is generally a tax-free benefit also. So employees should certainly request information on this from their human resources contact.

-When only one person in a household of two or more works, life (and disability) insurance on that person is especially important. Even if the other parties have marketable skills, they may not be able to get a job immediately, or be in a position to replace the previous income.

-It's always a good idea to get life insurance while you're healthy and fit. For example,if your weight fluctuates and you are sometimes significantly overweight, you'll likely want to get underwritten for life insurance while your weight is at an ebb, since overweight folks are generally charged more. Similarly, if you can apply a year or more after having quit smoking, your rates are much more favorable.

-For many, disability insurance is really more important than life insurance. If I die, my care won't cost anyone anything (beyond whatever death services are provided). On the other hand, if I am injured so I can't work anymore but need care, I may need significant financial assistance for some time.

-Life insurance rates are really pretty cheap by historical standards right now. If it didn't seem worthwhile to you several years ago, it might be worth checking again.

-Be wary of life "whole", "variable", or "universal" life policies that combine an "investment" component with the insurance component. Such policies are often aggressively pushed by insurance agents because they generate unusually high commissions, but they are generally not nearly as good a deal as a straightforward "term" policy is.