Life insurance businesses provide policies designed to pay a benefit if the person insured dies during the period of cover, or, in some cases, whenever they die. Customers may arrange cover directly with an insurer or through an adviser or broker. Common options include term insurance, which covers a set period, and whole-of-life policies. Term cover may pay a fixed sum, or a sum that reduces over time, often to help cover a repayment mortgage. Some policies insure two people and pay out on the first death. The benefit is usually paid as a lump sum to named beneficiaries or to a trust, subject to the policy terms. Providers and advisers may help customers compare cover, complete applications and understand premiums, which can depend on factors such as age, health, smoking status and the amount and length of cover. Applications may involve medical questions or checks, and policies can contain exclusions or conditions.