Graduate students might experience financial stress, regardless of whether they work part-time or full-time. Although you have faith that the hard work you put in now will pay off when you receive your degree, money can be tight.
Life insurance for graduate students is often a low priority. Although you might not need life insurance as a student there are certain situations where it is worth considering. We have some good news for you: Graduate student life insurance is affordable.
You should think about whether your loved ones need financial protection in the event you die. Although it might seem like a terrible thought, there are times when it could be a good idea to purchase a life insurance policy while still in school.
There are many reasons grad students may need life insurance
Although graduate student life insurance is not a necessity, there are four reasons you might consider purchasing life insurance while in school.
Student loans
Graduate student life insurance can help you avoid a major financial burden if someone else is a cosigner on your loans. Your co-signer will be responsible for any outstanding loan debt if you die. This could mean a large amount. You might consider life insurance to protect those who have agreed to pay the loan to finance your education.
You might still need coverage even if your loan was signed by you. Federal loans are discharged upon your death, but private loans might be taken from your estate (basically what you leave behind) in order to pay what they owe you.
The lender will likely cancel your debt if the estate isn’t sufficient. You can also skip the policy. If you want to leave something for your loved ones, it might be worth looking into life insurance for graduate students.
No work benefits
You might have had group life insurance coverage through an employer if you were employed before going back to school. You’ve probably lost this coverage if you are going to school full time.
You might consider grad student insurance. A affordable term life insurance policy could help you to bridge the gap.
Dependents
Life insurance may be an option for grad students who have children or partners. You might not feel like you are contributing financially if you are a full-time student. Life insurance can be a great financial help if your partner depends on your grant money to pay rent or mortgage payments, or to cover child care costs without your assistance.
It might make sense for parents to leave a legacy to their children, especially if they are financially dependent in the future.
Options that are less expensive
You might consider purchasing a policy if you are a young graduate student. This is the most affordable way to purchase life insurance. As you age, the cost of life insurance will rise.
You can lock in low rates if you buy before you are older — and likely at your healthiest — so you can protect your loved ones for many decades.
What type of life insurance can grad students purchase?
It is not possible to get “life insurance for students” in a specific category. This means that it will take some research to find the right life insurance policy to meet your needs.
All life insurance policies, including those for graduate students, fall into two buckets.
- Term life insurance. These policies expire after a certain time period, which is when the term ends. They are the most cost-effective type of life insurance because they don’t last your entire life. Because you can choose your term, these policies can be an excellent fit for students looking for life insurance. To ensure that your loved ones are not burdened financially by student loans that take more than 20 years to repay, you can obtain a policy with a term of 20 years.
- Whole-life insurance. Although whole policies are more costly, they will last you a lifetime. This means that you won’t have to pay premiums for policies that expire before they pay out. Whole policies offer cash value that can be used to finance anything from a low-interest personal loans to paying down your premiums. This may be an option for you if you have extra cash to pay higher premiums or are looking for long-term investments.
Before you decide on a policy, find out more about the different types of life insurance . You can also get quotes from multiple life insurers.
What amount of life insurance should I get?
It is important to determine how much insurance policy you wish to purchase. A lot of insurance policies include a death benefit cap.
The ceiling is usually based on your income. However, if you don’t earn an income, the carrier can project your earnings. This is how insurance companies approach it differently. It’s worth shopping around to compare your options.
You don’t have to take a certain death benefit just because it’s offered. Your premiums will increase if you have a higher death benefit. It is all about balancing your future needs and your budget. Consider these factors to help you arrive at the right number.
- You and your dependents. Your partner may need your support to pay the rent, mortgage or purchase groceries. If you were not there, would they struggle to send their children to college? You should ensure that your death benefit is sufficient to cover your daily expenses. Next, think about financial goals that you would like to help your loved one achieve. These could include paying off your mortgage or financing a college education.
- Student loans. This is a simple one. Your death benefit should cover your entire student loan debt.
- Other debts. This is the same rule: ensure your policy covers any other debts, such as car loans or credit card debt.
- Funeral expenses. Your funeral expenses. You don’t want your loved one to be unable to say goodbye in the way that they desire or to break their budget. Funerals can be expensive so make sure you have enough death benefits to cover them.
To determine the best amount of life insurance, you might consider using a insurance calculator. Although it is not designed for life insurance for graduate students, it can help you to determine the right policy amount. To ensure that you get the right coverage and the right price, it is a good idea speak to a licensed agent.
FAQ
Which is the best life insurance company to offer grad students?
There is no insurance company that offers graduate student life insurance. And there won’t ever be an best company for everyone. It is a smart idea to compare quotes and shop around to ensure you are getting the best policy for your budget and needs. Talk to a licensed financial planner or insurance agent if you are unsure.
Do I have to cancel my life insurance after I graduate?
You shouldn’t cancel your life insurance. Once you earn an income, the coverage might be even more critical. Your loved ones will likely rely on your income to provide a quality of their lives. Your life insurance will ensure that your loved ones are protected in the event of an unfortunate event.
What are the best ways to get the lowest grad student life insurance rates?
If your primary concern is budget, you might consider shopping for term policies instead of whole policies. Consider taking steps to improve your health, such as quitting smoking and losing weight, as insurance companies charge less to insure those they believe will live for a long time.