life insurance is not a good investment vehicle, it is like you said, to cover the unexpected when your family needs you the most.....
an one million term policy can help your family pass thru the toughest time if anything happens to you between age of 30-50, I think most professional people should bypass the 1 million net worth mark by age of 50, so, just by keeping a small whole life policy to cover your funnel expenses be enough...
just my 2cents..