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Busting The Top 6 Life Insurance Myths
By: Kade Phillips
Term life insurance has many advantages. But understanding term life insurance
and its benefits means sifting through the myths surrounding it; and there are
many myths about life insurance. These life insurance myths and misconceptions
can result in too little coverage causing financial hardship for families
suffering the loss of a loved one.
To avoid this from happening to you, we've taken a look at the most common
misconceptions about life insurance to set the record straight--helping you to
make the right life insurance choice for you and your family.
Myth #1: I don't work outside the home so I don't need life insurance.
False! Just because there's no paycheck to replace, doesn't mean life insurance
is unnecessary. A life insurance policy that provides coverage for a
stay-at-home parent isn’t so much about the money they bring in to the
household, but instead about the money they keep in the household.
In fact, have you ever considered how much it would cost to pay for childcare
and housekeeping in the absence of a stay-at-home parent? Don’t underestimate
how much this would require, child care is expensive and is a growing cost.
Myth #2: I'm young so odds are I won't need life insurance.
Some people are gamblers by nature and choose to take their chances by skipping
out on life insurance completely. Although it is unlikely you'll die during your
working years, you're not insuring for what's likely to happen but instead, for
the worst-case scenario.
That's why term life insurance is inexpensive for young, healthy people. Buying
life insurance now means you'll be providing financial security without spending
a lot of money for it.
For example, online quotes show that a $250,000 10-year term policy for:
• a healthy 35-year old woman costs as little as $165 a year
• a healthy 35-year old man costs as little as $195 a year
What's more you may even be eligible for preferred life rates that mean the
annual premiums are even less! Preferred rates are lower premiums - for the same
coverage - offered by an insurer based on your health. The good news is that
eligibility for preferred rates is common and could save you up to 30 per cent
off the standard rate.
Myth #3: If it's really so cheap there must be a catch.
There's no catch to term life insurance. Your basic term life insurance policy
will offer you coverage so long as you pay your premium. You buy term insurance
coverage for the duration of time you'll need life insurance, whether that's
until the kids are out of school or until your mortgage is paid off.
Plus, your premiums are fixed for the length of the term. They won't increase
even if the status of your health changes.
Myth #4: I don't need life insurance once my children are self-supporting and my
mortgage is paid off.
Everybody's insurance needs vary. But how would your spouse manage daily living
expenses without your help? And what if your spouse outlived you by 10, even 20
years?
Even if your children are no longer living at home and you no longer have large
debts, like a mortgage, there still are questions you should consider before
deciding that life insurance is unneeded.
Myth #5: I have life insurance through my job. I don't need any more insurance
coverage.
False. The truth is your life insurance coverage through your work may not be
protecting yourself and your loved ones as much as you think. Review how much
your employer-paid insurance provides and calculate whether this is enough to
keep your family comfortable through the difficult times if you're not around.
What's more, when you leave your job for any reason, including retirement, your
coverage usually stops.
Myth #6: It's such a hassle to get life insurance.
Thanks to the Internet, getting quotes is fast and easy. There are a number of
online life insurance quote services and usually, all you have to do is answer a
few simple questions to get quotes. Sometimes, you can even buy a policy online.
Final Fact:
From the time you marry, buy your first home, start a family and enjoy
retirement, having life insurance means you and your family have the security
knowing you can reach the long-term financial goals you have set out.
Life insurance policies provide you with customized coverage for your family's
needs. Comparing quotes on the Internet can help you find affordable life
insurance that will protect you and your family in the years to come.
About the Author:
For more information on life insurance, or to get quotes, just visit www.kanetix.ca |
