When Should You Get Life Insurance?

Life insurance is a crucial addition to a solid financial plan, as it offers financial stability and protection to your loved ones after you pass away. However, it's important to determine when is the right time to get a policy to maximize the benefits of life insurance.

Generally, the ideal time to purchase coverage depends on your personal circumstances, financial situation and future goals. Understanding different life stages that may trigger the need for coverage, the advantages of early acquisition, the cost of waiting to obtain coverage and the types of life insurance policies suitable for different stages of life can help you make a well-informed decision.

Certain life events might prompt the need for life insurance, including:

When determining the best age to get life insurance, take into consideration various factors such as financial responsibilities, health, family needs and long-term goals.

Getting life insurance in your 20s and 30s might seem premature, but it can be a strategic financial move. Here's a look at the pros and cons of purchasing coverage at this age:

Pros:

• Lower Premiums: Younger individuals generally enjoy lower premiums due to better health.
• Long-Term Planning: Starting early allows for long-term financial planning and security.
• Flexibility: Young adults often have fewer financial obligations, allowing for more flexible coverage options.

Cons:

• Potential Overbuying: Because young adults tend to have fewer financial obligations, they risk purchasing more coverage than they need at this life stage.
• Opportunity Cost: Money spent on premiums might be used elsewhere, such as investments or debt reduction.
• Changing Needs: Life insurance needs may change significantly as family and financial situations evolve.

Your 40s and 50s are often a time of peak financial responsibility, making it an ideal period for many people to purchase life insurance coverage. Here's a look at the pros and cons:

Pros:

• Family Protection: Purchasing coverage at this age often aligns with the need to protect dependents.
• Estate Planning: A life insurance policy offers opportunities for estate planning and wealth transfer.
• Financial Security: Coverage provides a safety net during a period of significant financial obligations.

Cons:

• Higher Premiums: Health issues may arise during this period, which can lead to higher premiums.
• Limited Options: Fewer policy options may be available during this period due to age and health.
• Potential Overlap with Savings: At this age, accumulated savings might reduce the need for extensive coverage.

Purchasing life insurance over the age of 60 requires careful consideration of your unique needs and goals. Here's a look at the pros and cons:

Pros:

• Legacy Planning: Purchasing coverage during this time allows for structured legacy or philanthropic giving.
• Final Expense Coverage: Life insurance can cover funeral and other end-of-life expenses.
• Supplement Retirement: A plan could provide additional financial support during retirement.

Cons:

• Very High Premiums: Premiums can be significantly higher after age 60 due to age and potential health issues.
• Limited Availability: Fewer policy options may be available to individuals at this age.
• Potential Redundancy: Other financial assets and plans may already cover the needs addressed by life insurance.

The mantra "the earlier, the better" applies to buying life insurance. There are several key advantages that come with getting life insurance at a younger age, including:

The impact of waiting to buy life insurance becomes evident when examining the cost of premiums. Here's a breakdown to illustrate:

Scenario 1:

A 25-year-old non-smoker male buys a 20-year term policy with a $500,000 death benefit; he's charged $28 monthly for coverage. In this case, the total cost paid over the 20-year term of the policy is $6,720.

Scenario 2:

The same individual waits until they're 35 to buy a similar policy. Given their age, the policy now costs $44 per month, leading to a total cost of $10,560 over 20 years.

While the individual who bought insurance at 35 paid $3,840 more for the same coverage amount and term length, this comparison isn't entirely fair. Purchasing insurance at 35 covers you during a higher-risk age range (35-55), compared to being covered between 25-45. However, the earlier buyer still saves on total premium payments, offering a financial advantage over time.

MoneyGeek's guide to finding cheap life insurance explores ways to find affordable coverage.

Securing life insurance at a young age helps mitigate the risk of developing health conditions that could inflate policy costs or render you uninsurable.

Insurance companies base premiums on risk factors like your age, health status and lifestyle habits. Young, healthy individuals typically enjoy lower premiums, but the onset of health issues like heart disease, cancer or diabetes later in life can dramatically increase premiums.

For instance, a 25-year-old non-smoker might initially secure a 20-year term policy with a $500,000 death benefit at a rate of $28 per month. Suppose this individual is diagnosed with diabetes at 40. If they were to seek a new policy, they might face a significant premium increase due to their heightened risk —potentially even double the original rate or more.

This potential escalation emphasizes the importance of early insurance acquisition. A policy secured while young and healthy effectively "locks in" your insurability, ensuring your coverage and rates won't be adversely affected by any subsequent health issues. It's a proactive step to protect your future financial stability and ensure the economic security of your dependents.

Life insurance comes in two main forms: term and permanent, each catering to different life needs.

Term insurance provides coverage for a specified term (like 20 or 30 years). It's suitable for people seeking financial protection for a particular period, such as until children are grown and financially independent or a mortgage is paid off.

Here's when it makes the most sense to buy term life insurance:

• Financial Protection for Young Families: Term insurance can provide substantial coverage until children are grown and financially independent, fitting well for families with limited financial resources.

• Mortgage Protection: If you want coverage that lasts until your mortgage is paid off, term insurance can be an ideal choice.

• Temporary Financial Obligations: For those with financial commitments that have an end date, such as a business loan or educational expenses for children, term insurance offers the necessary financial protection for that specific period.

Permanent insurance, on the other hand, offers lifelong coverage and a cash value component that grows over time. Though it's more expensive, it fits the needs of people who may want to use it for things like estate planning or leaving a legacy.

Here's when it makes the most sense to buy permanent life insurance:

• Estate Planning: Individuals looking to ensure that estate taxes are covered or who wish to leave a substantial inheritance may find permanent insurance suitable.

• Long-Term Financial Security: For those desiring a financial safety net that lasts a lifetime, permanent insurance offers continuous protection.

• Investment Component: The cash value growth in permanent insurance can be an attractive investment opportunity for those looking to build wealth over time.

• Leaving a Legacy: If you have philanthropic goals or want to leave a financial legacy for future generations, permanent insurance can be a strategic choice.

Finding the right life insurance policy requires careful consideration and planning. It's important to select the policy that aligns with your needs, goals and financial situation. Here are a few steps to help you navigate this process:

Below are commonly asked questions to help you better understand life insurance and decide when is the right time for you to get a policy.