In 2021, the Life Insurance Marketing and Research Association found that 42% of households would face financial hardship within six months if a wage earner unexpectedly passed away. The last thing you want for your family is for them to have financial struggles while grieving if the worst happens — and that’s what life insurance is for.
Life insurance offers peace of mind when you travel since you know your family is covered. If you pass away while the policy is active, your insurer pays your family a substantial death benefit to replace your income, cover end-of-life costs, and pay off debts. Summer is also a good time to get life insurance since you may have more free time to research and shop around for policies and life insurance quotes. This article will dive into some of the best life insurance policies for families to consider this summer.
1. Term Life Insurance
Term life insurance is a temporary life policy that usually lasts 10 to 30 years, depending on the term length you choose. You pay premiums during this time, and once the term ends, you must get a new policy to continue coverage. You risk outliving a term life insurance policy, but the premiums are often more affordable than a permanent life insurance policy. Keep in mind that you may be able to get a renewable term life insurance policy, which lets you extend coverage for increased premiums but with no medical exam.
2. Whole Life Insurance
Whole life insurance costs more than term life insurance, but coverage lasts for a lifetime. So, whole life insurance might be a good choice if you’re willing to pay more for peace of mind. Part of each premium you pay goes into a cash value growth component. This growth component grows tax-deferred at a guaranteed interest rate. Once you build enough cash value, you can tap into it via low-interest loans or withdrawals. If you surrender your policy, the insurer will pay you the entire cash value minus surrender charges.
3. Final Expense Life Insurance
Final expense life insurance is a small permanent life policy designed to cover end-of-life costs, such as funeral expenses and end-of-life medical care. It has a smaller death benefit than whole life insurance, but premiums are low, and you don’t need to take a medical exam. Plus, final expense insurance has a cash value growth component like whole life insurance. This allows you to potentially build wealth with this policy.
4. Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance
Guaranteed issue life insurance is a small permanent life policy that requires no medical exam. Like final expense life insurance, guaranteed issue life insurance has a low death benefit, inexpensive premiums, and cash value.
However, most of these policies come with graded death benefits. For example, if the policyholder passes away during the first three years of the policy, the insurer may refund premiums paid to the beneficiaries but not the death benefit. However, if the policyholder’s death is accidental, beneficiaries will receive the full death benefit amount. Guaranteed issue life insurance can be a good option for prospective policyholders who are older, have medical problems, or want to skip the medical exam.
Get A Life Insurance Policy This Summer
We can never know what tomorrow will bring. So, to protect your family, you should consider getting a life insurance policy this summer. Consider a final expense life insurance policy if you need a small amount of coverage for end-of-life costs. A guaranteed issue life insurance policy could work if you have health issues and don’t wish to take a medical exam.
Look at term life insurance policies if you need more coverage on a budget and are okay with a medical exam. And finally, if you want lifelong coverage and wealth-building potential, a whole life insurance policy may be your best bet. Remember to weigh your needs against your budget, then shop with multiple insurers to find the best life insurance quotes for your family.
