Insurance policies save us from financial ruin, which can result from unexpected circumstances such as a medical illness, a car crash, or a disability. That said, there are several types of insurance policies that you need throughout your life. Some types of coverage are vital at any age, but others are applicable when you reach different milestones in your life.
Childhood to adolescence
From childhood to your teen years, you are covered by your parents’ health, life, and possibly also auto insurance. At this life stage, you don’t have to worry about anything yet. If something happens to you, their policies will cover you.
Early adulthood
In your late teens and early adulthood, it’s the best time to start securing your financial future. Getting life insurance is a good idea since the premiums are lower the younger you are, but it’s not a necessity unless you have dependents. However, disability and health insurance are considered vital. If you suddenly become sick or disabled, these policies will help keep you afloat.
If you are a renter, it’s also recommended to get renter’s insurance in case something happens in your rental unit. This type of policy will help minimize expenses if something goes wrong with the plumbing or if you accidentally break a window.
Having dependents
It doesn’t matter if you’re 25 or 25–once you get married or have a child (it doesn’t have to be necessarily both), life and health insurance policies become crucial. Life insurance helps keep your family financially secure if you die unexpectedly, while health insurance covers you and your family in times of sickness.
If you don’t already have disability insurance, getting one also becomes more critical when you have dependents. You might also want to consider getting a personal liability umbrella policy. An umbrella policy increases your liability coverage as an added layer of protection for your assets if you get sued for something that is your fault, which helps protect your family from financial troubles.
Middle adulthood
Now that you’re in your 30s or 40s, your insurance needs change, albeit not that much. You still need health and life insurance policies. But if you wait too long to get coverage, you will likely end up paying higher premiums due to your age.
This is also the life stage where most adults buy their first house. In this case, home insurance becomes necessary. A home insurance policy will cover the costs of repairing or rebuilding your property as long as it was damaged by something you’re covered for, such as a flood or fire.
Moreover, you should also start considering long-term care insurance, which will help cover the high costs in case you need long-term care in the future.
Late adulthood
When you are retired, health insurance is essential. Life insurance and disability insurance may no longer be as vital since your dependents can now support themselves.
To prepare for your own funeral, you can also get final expense insurance or burial insurance so that your surviving family members won’t have to worry about it when the time comes.
No one knows when an accident, a sudden illness, or a death will happen, which is why having these insurance policies are extremely important. Aside from protecting your family against financial difficulties, you will get better sleep at night, knowing that you are covered in case something happens.
