What Is Basic Life Insurance and Who Should Buy It?

Basic life insurance, often free or low-cost, is offered to eligible private-sector employees. The coverage, sometimes called company-paid life insurance, is usually set at a fixed amount or a multiple of your annual salary. Postal workers get free coverage through Federal Employee Group Life Insurance, or FEGLI, while other government employees pay a reduced premium.

This life insurance policy, which you can get through work, is ideal for singles or those with minimal final expenses because it provides enough coverage to handle final expenses and debts without needing a more extensive plan. However, primary earners may need more than the basic life insurance payout and may consider additional coverage like supplemental life insurance to adequately support their families' ongoing financial needs.

While employer life insurance works the same as traditional life insurance, it’s called basic life insurance because it’s relatively barebones. It comes with low coverage — typically one year’s base salary instead of the recommended 10 years of annual salary — but also has a lower price compared to individual life insurance rates.

Although you can often obtain this life insurance through work, affiliate groups like credit unions can also provide this insurance type. As part of an employer benefits package, basic life insurance may be available at a low cost or free to the employee.

For some employees, it’s automatic unless you decline it, which is the case for federal employees. Private employees may need to fill out an application or sign a form acknowledging the coverage, especially if they have to pay the premium.

In many cases, basic life insurance offered through employers comes at little to no cost to the employee. This can be a significant perk, especially for those just entering the workforce or those on a tight budget.

For U.S. Postal Service employees, basic life insurance is generally provided for free through the Federal Employee Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) program. Other government workers also benefit from FEGLI basic life insurance but usually pay about a third of the premium cost.

While the cost of basic life insurance can vary depending on the employer and the plan's specifics, the overarching theme is affordability. This low-cost structure makes employer-provided basic life insurance an accessible entry point into financial planning for many individuals. Remember that the company-paid life insurance coverage is generally designed to cover only essential expenses like funeral costs and minor debts rather than financially supporting beneficiaries long-term.

Basic life insurance and supplemental life insurance serve different needs but can work in tandem to provide comprehensive coverage.

Basic life insurance is often a starting point that offers essential, limited coverage. Supplemental life insurance fills the gaps, providing extended coverage tailored to your needs. Many opt for both to ensure a well-rounded financial safety net for their loved ones.

Basic life insurance serves as a foundational element in financial planning, offering a financial cushion to your beneficiaries in the event of your passing. Here's a closer look at the pros and cons of opting for basic life insurance to help you determine if it aligns with your financial goals and family's needs.

Weighing the pros and cons can help you decide whether basic life insurance is the right fit for you or if you should consider additional or alternative coverage options.

Deciding if employer-provided basic life insurance is right for you involves evaluating your financial needs and obligations. If you're single or have limited financial responsibilities, basic coverage may be enough for immediate needs like funeral expenses. However, if you're the primary earner or have dependents, you may find the basic coverage insufficient for long-term financial commitments.

In such cases, you can supplement your basic company-paid life insurance policy with additional coverage to meet specific needs. Keep in mind the policy's limitations, such as its lack of portability if you switch jobs.

Evaluate the following aspects of basic life insurance to determine if a basic policy suffices or if supplemental coverage is necessary.

If you've determined that basic life insurance doesn't meet your needs, several alternative options can provide more comprehensive coverage. Here are some to consider:

• Term Life Insurance: Unlike basic life insurance, individual term life policies offer higher coverage amounts and longer terms, up to 30 years. Some companies offer 40-year term life insurance policies. You can customize the policy to align with your financial goals, such as paying off a mortgage or funding your children's education.
• Whole Life Insurance: This type of permanent life insurance offers both a death benefit and a cash value component. The premiums are higher, but the policy accumulates cash value over time, which you can borrow against or use for retirement planning.
• Universal Life Insurance: Similar to whole life, universal life insurance also has a cash value component but offers more flexibility in premium payments and death benefits. It allows you to adjust your coverage as your financial needs change.
• Variable Life Insurance: This option combines life insurance with investment opportunities. You can allocate a portion of your premiums to various investment options, offering the potential for higher returns, albeit with higher risk.
• Supplemental Life Insurance: If you already have a basic policy but find the coverage insufficient, you can purchase supplemental life insurance to fill the gaps. This can be particularly useful for covering specific needs like college tuition or long-term care.

Each of these options has its own set of features, benefits and costs. Consider your long-term financial objectives and your dependents' needs to select the coverage that best suits your circumstances.

If you still have questions about basic life insurance, check out our answers to some commonly asked questions about this type of life insurance coverage.