Insurance Planning

Health insurance is probably the one insurance policy you should never be without. Even if you’re young and healthy, having to pay out-of-pocket for healthcare in the event of an unexpected accident or illness can be financially devastating. If you are working, your employer likely provides you with a health insurance option (and may even pay for all or part of it). At the age of 65, you will become eligible to enroll in Medicare. Depending upon whether you are still working or retire at that point, there will be different insurance plan options for you to consider.

If you own a home, homeowners insurance is considered an essential insurance plan. It provides financial protection for your home in the event of a disaster, such as fire, theft, and vandalism. It’s worth noting that earthquake, flood, and sump pump related damages may not be covered under a standard policy, so be sure to speak with your financial advisor to ensure you are not underinsured.

If you own or lease a car, automobile insurance is essential. At the most basic level, it protects you against financial loss in the case of an accident or vehicle theft. But auto insurance policies are not always as clear-cut as you would think. For example, states have different minimum required coverages and limits, and various coverage types are available. Also, the amount you pay for car insurance will vary based on many factors, ranging from your age and driving record, to the type of car you drive and where you park it.

Umbrella insurance is extra insurance that protects beyond the existing limits and coverages of your other policies. It may provide coverage for injuries, property damage, lawsuits, and personal liability situations. Generally speaking, umbrella insurance is not expensive to purchase and is often recommended.

Life insurance protects your family, providing your beneficiaries with a non-taxable amount of money when you die. Without your income, it may be difficult for your family to thrive. Life insurance helps them to pay off debts, pay the mortgage, and cover living expenses. Many individuals carry life insurance during their working years when their children are young, and there is still a mortgage to pay. As you age, you may want to reevaluate the need for, or amount of, life insurance you carry.

Long-term disability insurance replaces a percentage of lost income if you cannot work for an extended period, typically around 26 weeks after an eligible event or when short-term disability runs out (if you have it). The problem is, employers are not required to provide short-term disability or long-term disability insurance. In the event of illness or injury, your family could be left without your income stream. Purchasing private long-term disability insurance ensures you can cover living expenses even if you can’t work for some time. Once you retire and your children are grown, however, you may decide long-term disability insurance is no longer the best use of your funds.

Long-term care insurance can become critical in your later years, when you may need a home health care aide, assisted living, or nursing home care. These expenses are not typically covered by health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid.