For some people, getting life insurance ends up being one of the best decisions they ever make.
That's because life insurance is there to help when things go seriously awry. It can cover medical bills if you get sick and keep a roof over your head if you can't pay the mortgage.
It can also give you the financial freedom to focus on getting better after an injury and make sure your family is well looked after in the event of your death.
Yes, life insurance comes at a cost, but it might not be as pricey as you think. A healthy 40-year-old can easily get $200,000 cover for around $10 a month.
Life insurance can give you peace of mind that you'll be able to afford the bills if you can no longer work due to illness or injury. That means you can focus on getting better, instead of worrying about falling into debt.
If your family would struggle to get by without your income, life insurance can give them a financial safety net. It could cover your children's school fees, let them stay in the family home or even pay for life's everyday expenses.
Life insurance can pay for rehabilitation and private healthcare costs if you suffer a serious accident or critical illness. It can cover the cost of installing medical equipment in your home and ensure you get the best care possible.
Life insurance can pay for home renovations if your mobility changes or for a carer so you can maintain independence. It can also pay out if you're diagnosed with a terminal illness, so you can spend the money making the most of the time you have left.
Despite what you may have heard in the media, relatively few life insurance claims are denied. Studies from ASIC and APRA show that over 90% of all life insurance claims are paid by Australian insurers.
There are lots of different motivations for buying life insurance. Some of the main reasons are:
Why it's important to consider life insurance
If you have someone who is relying on your income, then life insurance is particularly important. And not just kids. This can include elderly parents or a partner. No one is ever really prepared for life's harsh surprises, but insurance can help soften the blow.— Phil Thompson, owner of Skye Wealth, a specialist life insurance advisory.
Life insurance is an umbrella term which covers several different types of insurance. You can buy standalone policies or bundle them together for more comprehensive cover. The six main types of life insurance are:
Pays a lump sum benefit to your family in the event of your death or to you if you are diagnosed with a terminal illness.
Pays a monthly benefit to you if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. It's designed to replace a portion of your regular income.
Pays a lump sum benefit if you're diagnosed with a specific medical condition, such as major head trauma, stroke or heart attack.
Pays a lump sum benefit if an injury or illness renders you totally and permanently disabled. May pay a partial benefit if you are partially disabled.
Pays a lump sum benefit to your family so they can cover the cost of your funeral after your death.
Sometimes called personal accident insurance, it provides a lump sum benefit if you are injured or killed accidentally. This does not include cover for illness.
Although life insurance is a worthwhile investment for lots of people, there are some situations in which it's just not necessary. We'd encourage you to think twice about life insurance if any of the following apply to you:
In some situations, yes. Remember, life insurance doesn't just pay out when you die, it can also pay out if you're seriously injured or fall critically ill. Single people can see lots of benefits from a life insurance payment, including:
That depends entirely on your own personal circumstances. The cost of life insurance varies depending on lots of different factors, including your age, overall health and chosen coverage amount. That's why it's so important to get a quote, before you decide whether it's worth it.
If you have financial commitments, such as a mortgage, which you wouldn't be able to cover without your income, life insurance is a good idea. Particularly if you have children who are financially dependent or your partner relies on your income.
However, if you're a senior with poor health, your life insurance policy will be more expensive than that of a healthy young person. If your kids and partner are financially independent or you have investments that would provide income even after you could no longer work, you may decide the regular premiums just aren't worth it.
Of course, the decision is entirely up to you. Everyone's personal circumstances are different and we can't tell you what's right in your case.
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Learn about the different types of life insurance available in Australia, and when you might need to take out cover.