Life insurances are roughly broken up into two types - permanent and term life insurances. Both have guaranteed death benefits, but there is more to life insurance than just death benefits. The two main features you should look out for when you buy life insurance direct are TPD or Total and Permanent Disability and trauma insurance. Of course these can also be taken as individual policies but having them included in your life insurance policy can be more beneficial.
Another feature to look out for is the buyback option. If you make a claim on your life insurance policy either for trauma or disability factor you will not be able to buy death benefit or TPD benefit or trauma benefit or even income protection cover from any insurance company. But if you opt for buyback option you will be able to re-purchase the insurance. Of course this feature will cost you extra and you will have to arrange it upfront, but it will be beneficial to you in the long