Protecting our loved ones should never be taken lightly, especially for life insurance. While less coverage can leave your family vulnerable, having too much coverage can lead to unnecessary costs.
Therefore, it’s essential to strike the right balance and find the perfect amount of cover to suit your family’s needs. Let’s explore the key aspects to consider when applying for cover.
How does life insurance work?
Life insurance works by giving financial security to your loved ones in the event of your death. When you purchase a policy, you pay a monthly premium to the insurer.
Once you die, your family will receive a lump-sum payment from the insurance company that is equal to the amount of your life insurance policy. This payment can cover funeral expenses, pay off debts, provide income for your family, and more.
Check your financial responsibilities
Start by evaluating your current financial obligations. This includes any outstanding debts, such as mortgages, childcare costs, car loans, and credit card debt. Consider how much you would want to leave behind to cover these expenses if you were to pass away.
If you’re looking to cover a mortgage, decreasing term life insurance is a popular option. With this type of cover, the payout value decreases over time as you make repayments for the mortgage. This prepares your family, allowing them to pay off the remaining debt in your absence.
Consider your family’s income needs
Every family will have different needs. Some may require more support than others. For example, if your spouse has a high-paying job, they’ll likely require less support. Compared to this, if they’re unemployed or have a low income, they would likely need more cover.Â
In short, the more support needed, the higher you’ll pay for premiums each month.
Calculate future expenses
We often think of life insurance as being used to provide immediate financial support, but future expenses are just as important. It can also help your spouse plan for retirement or as an inheritance for your kids.Â
Also, consider your funeral costs. While your family will want to give you the best send off, it might be difficult because of their financial situation. With the payout from your policy, they can use it towards your funeral, celebrating your life in style.
Evaluate your assets and savings
Take into account any assets and savings that you already have, such as investments, retirement accounts, and emergency funds. Subtract these amounts from your total savings and needs to determine how much coverage you need.
Consider inflation and future financial goals
Keep in mind that the cost of living may increase over time because of inflation. Factor in the impact of inflation on your future financial needs.
Increasing term life insurance is a smart option if you want to protect your family against inflation. The payout value increases at regular intervals, helping your family keep up with rising costs. The downside is your premiums increase also.
Avoid over-insuring
Having more cover than needed may sound like a safe option. However, it can result in paying more money for cover you don’t need. This can be a financial burden, so make sure you calculate your needs accurately.
Too much cover can also hurt your loved ones. There may be tax implications depending on the policy and how it’s set up. Or if you have a will, you may end up leaving more money to your family than you intended.
Seek professional advice
Speak with a financial advisor or insurance adviser for the best results. They can provide information to help you calculate your needs accurately. In addition, they can take your circumstances into account, providing tailored guidance.
How much does life insurance cost?
In most cases, the more coverage you need, the higher your premiums will be. But it can also depend on other factors such as:
Age
Your age is likely to have an impact on the cost of life insurance. For example, premiums tend to be lower for younger people as they’re seen as less of a risk for insurers. As you get older, however, premiums become more expensive as you become a higher risk.
Policies such as whole life insurance and level-term insurance offer fixed premiums. So even as you get older or develop health conditions, your premiums won’t change.
Health
Individuals who are in good health will usually pay lower premiums than those with pre-existing health conditions. This is because you are less likely to make a claim.
It’s important to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions or medications when applying for coverage. Failing to do so can result in your insurer canceling the policy or refusing to pay out a claim.
Smoking
If you’re a smoker, you may be required to pay higher premiums due to the increased risk of health complications. However, there are ways to reduce these costs. For example, some insurers offer lower premiums if you quit smoking for a certain period of time.
Occupation
High-risk occupations such as construction work or mining typically come with higher premiums. This is because the risk of death or disability is higher in these professions.
Type of policy
There are two main types of life insurance – whole & term. Each offers a specific type of protection.
Whole life insurance is permanent, paying out regardless of when you die. In this case, it’s ideal for protecting your family for the long term. However, premiums are often high due to the guarantee of a payout.
Term life insurance covers you for a set amount of time. The policy will pay out so long as you die within the agreed term. If you survive the term, the policy expires and you won’t receive a payout. Premiums are often cheaper as a payout isn’t guaranteed.
Take care of your family’s future
Remember that everyone’s life insurance needs are different, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Regularly review your cover as your financial situation changes. This could be due to the birth of a child, a change of job, or the purchase of a new home.
With careful consideration, you can work out the right amount of life insurance needed to protect your loved ones.
