02/08/2023
Life insurance plays a critical role in providing financial protection for your loved ones in the unfortunate event of you passing. While its importance is evident in covering funeral expenses, outstanding debts, and other financial obligations, shockingly, only around 31% of us in the UK have this type of protection in place.[1] The amount of life insurance you need will vary depending on your individual circumstances, but it pays to have some coverage in place regardless of your life stage.
Here's a look at the importance of life insurance through different life stages:
Single Young Professionals
Single young professionals may not have a lot of financial responsibilities, but they may still have student loans or other debts that they need to pay off, with the average student loan debt in the UK sitting at around £45,800 upon graduating from higher education[2]. Life insurance can help protect their loved ones from these financial burdens in the case of an unfortunate event. It can also help pay for funeral expenses and other unexpected costs.
Just Married
Marriage introduces increased financial responsibilities, such as mortgages, car payments, and starting a family could be on the cards. If you already hold a life insurance policy, it’s wise to revisit this and adjust your coverage to secure the financial wellbeing of your spouse. Joint life insurance policies can be a cost-effective solution for married couples or long-term partners.
Growing Family
As your family grows, so do your financial obligations. You may need to buy a bigger home, send your children to college or university, and cover other expenses. Life insurance becomes crucial to ensure that your family maintains their desired lifestyle if you pass away prematurely - to put this into perspective, 55% of UK households would run into financial difficulties within a year should the main income be lost.[3] Having life insurance in place can help pay for college tuition, a down payment on a home, and other expenses that may arise in your absence.
Retirement Age
Although retirement may alleviate certain financial burdens like mortgages, it often brings a decrease in income. Life insurance offers a safety net for your loved ones, covering outstanding debts, funeral expenses, and even inheritance taxes upon your passing. While it may not be essential if you are debt-free or lack dependents, life insurance still holds value in estate planning, leaving a legacy, or making charitable donations. By prioritising life insurance, retirees can protect their family’s financial well-being and find comfort in knowing they will be taken care of when they are no longer there.
Although money can never replace the loss of a loved one, it can provide essential support for those left behind. No matter what stage of life you’re at, life insurance can be a lifeline for your loved ones in times of hardship. At Owl Financial, our expert protection advisers are committed to guiding you in finding the right policy tailored to your family’s needs. Contact us today – we’re with you through life.
Approved by Openwork Limited on 31/07/23
[1] https://www.statista.com/statistics/793559/number-of-adults-with-protection-insurance-uk/
[2] https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn01079/
[3] https://www.covermagazine.co.uk/news/4062517/households-financial-hardship
