How much life insurance do I need and what do I need to consider?

Jul 4, 2024Financial Planning

When taking out life insurance to protect your family, several key factors should be considered to ensure you choose the right policy and provide adequate coverage:

1. Coverage Amount and Purpose

Determine how much coverage you need by considering your family’s financial needs, such as paying off debts (mortgage, loans), covering living expenses, and funding future goals like children’s education. Ensure the insurance amount is sufficient to maintain your family’s standard of living in your absence.

2. Type of Policy

There are a range of policies to choose from such as level term cover (the insured amount stays the same thought the term), decreasing cover (the insured amount decreases over the term), family income benefit (the insured amount is paid annually), as well as many other options. It is important to take professional advice to ensure the policy you choose is right for you.

3. Premiums and Affordability

Evaluate the cost of premiums to ensure they fit within your budget both now and in the future. Consider the stability of your income and any potential changes in your financial situation. It’s crucial to select a policy with premiums you can comfortably sustain over the policy’s term.

4. Exclusions and Conditions

Understand the policy’s exclusions and conditions. Familiarise yourself with what is and isn’t covered, and under what circumstances a claim might be denied. This helps avoid surprises and ensures that the policy meets your expectations.

5. Flexibility and Adjustability

Consider whether the policy allows for adjustments if your circumstances change. For example, you might want to increase coverage if you have more children or decrease it as your debts are paid off. Policies with built-in flexibility can adapt to your evolving needs.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a life insurance policy that effectively protects your family’s financial future, providing peace of mind and security.

SJP approved 10/07/2024