A life insurance policy can provide financial security as you age. You can replace your income, pay off debts, and provide support for loved ones after you die. There are many trusted providers available and you can buy a life insurance policy at any age. However, buying life insurance is not the same as purchasing other types of insurance. This guide will explain how to obtain a policy for life insurance.
How to purchase a life insurance policy
If you have never purchased life insurance before, it can be confusing. There are many life insurance policies available, unlike auto or home insurance. Each type of life insurance policy has its pros and cons, as well as different prices. Here are some steps to follow if you’re looking for life insurance.
Decident if you require life insurance coverage
First, decide if you need life insurance. Life insurance is purchased to provide financial support for their spouses or children upon the death of their parents. There’s a good possibility that you don’t require life insurance if you’re widowed, single, or unmarried. Life insurance is a good option if you have a mortgage, debt or little income from retirement.
Choose a type of life insurance policy
Two types of life insurance coverage are available: permanent and term. Permanent insurance can be purchased in two forms: whole and universal. Term life insurance has lower premiums and offers fewer benefits. Permanent life insurance, however, is more costly but provides more benefits.
- Term life insurance: Term life insurance is the most affordable and common type of insurance. It covers you for a specified time period, typically between 10 and 30. Term life insurance provides financial support for your beneficiaries. If you die during your term, the money will be passed on to your spouse or children. The benefits cease once the term ends.
- Whole-life insurance: Whole life is a type permanent insurance policy that pays consistent premiums and accrues cash value over time. A mutual insurance policy will usually be eligible for dividends. Some whole-life policies require policyholders to pay their premium until death, while others only require a premium for a set number of years.
- Universal life insurance: Universal life is another type of permanent insurance. It has investment options and cash value. You can also break it down into universal life insurance that is indexed or variable. People who feel comfortable investing in financial assets should consider universal life insurance. If you are having trouble navigating universal life insurance, speak to an agent.
It is worth doing more research to determine which option best suits your needs.
Compare different life insurance companies
Next, find life insurance companies that appeal to you. There are no two companies the same. Look at the policies and search for a life insurance company before you make your decision. Flexible coverages and custom plans are the hallmarks of the best life insurance companies. J.D. Customer Service Reviews are a great resource. To see the opinions of customers, check out Power or BBB. You can also check the financial strength of each company by looking at its ratings from AM Best and S&P.
Request multiple life insurance quotes
After you have narrowed down your list of possible providers, request quotes from each one. Many companies don’t list the cost of premiums on their websites. Getting quotes can help you decide which provider is best for you. The majority of major life insurance companies offer an online quote generator which allows you to instantly get a rate quote from their website. Contact an agent if you don’t have access to the online quote generator.
You will be asked for personal information when you request a quote. This includes your gender, age, and address. You will also need to provide basic information about your medical history. You will usually be asked questions about your lifestyle, whether you smoke, and any medications you are currently taking. To get a quote, you don’t need to provide official medical records. This information will be used by the insurance company to determine your rate.
Complete the application
Fill out the application after you have chosen the best provider for the best coverage. Your basic information will be needed, along with your Social Security number (or driver’s license number). You will also need to submit an Attending Physician Declaration (APS), which allows the insurance company to verify your medical history. This helps ensure that you have the correct policy and will be used to calculate death benefits. It’s easy to fill out most life insurance applications online.
Get ready for your interview by phone
The insurance company may require a second interview by phone after you have submitted your application. Although the interview is primarily used to verify the information on your application, there might be additional questions. The interviewer may ask about your hobbies and lifestyle, financial health, income, and any life insurance policies. Interviews are generally fast and scheduled within a few hours of submitting your physical application.
Book a medical exam for life insurance
A majority of life insurance companies require applicants for a physical exam to be approved for coverage. Although the life insurance medical exam looks like a regular appointment with a doctor, the company’s medical examiner will visit you at your home or workplace to assess your health. They will also take your vitals such as height, weight, blood pressure, and draw blood. It takes approximately 30 minutes and can be scheduled during your phone interview.
Wait for approval
Once the application process has been completed, you are done. Your application, medical exam, and phone interview will be used by the insurance company’s underwriter to determine whether you are eligible for coverage and, if so how much. The approval process can take up to one month due to the amount of information required.
Once you have been approved, and you are satisfied with the quoted premium you will be sent the policy documents for you to sign and approve. You can also choose whether you wish to pay your premium monthly, annually, or every month. Once you sign the policy documents, you will mail a copy to your insurance company. A second copy is also recommended for your personal use.
Questions frequently asked
What age should you purchase life insurance?
Life insurance costs are lower if you are younger than you should be. Most people won’t use life insurance benefits until they get older or retire. It’s smart to buy life insurance as early as your 40s. Many life insurance companies allow you to buy a policy until age 80.
Which are the top life insurance companies?
There is no one life insurance company that is the best. Each company has its own customer reviews, financial strength, and policy options. To determine the best deal, you will need multiple quotes.