Thursday, June 21, 2007
Mevish Jaffer
It’s fairly common for us to associate the purchase of a life insurance plan with the more elderly in our community rather than our children, after all children are so young and viral that we automatically expect them to have long and healthy lives. We often view our children as invincible, as though nothing can bring them harm. The harsh reality is, however, that death knows no age and as difficult as it may be, you have to be prepared for all the unexpected situations life can throw at you, including the untimely death of your child.
Even though the last thing you will want to worry about is handling financial obligations in regard to funeral and burial expenses, they are important matters which will need to be addressed in the event of such a tragic loss. If you’re considering life insurance plans for your children, but aren’t sure which one to go with, then you’re not alone. All you really have to do is educated yourself on the various types of life insurance plans that are out there in order to evaluate your options and make an informed decision.
Life Insurance Options
Whole life insurance may be used as more of an investment option for your children. The younger your child is, the lower the premium amount is. Purchasing a whole life insurance policy for your child while he/she is still young allows more of a chance for it to grow in cash value. You also have the option to add on your child to an existing policy. It all depends on your individual situation, however the typical insurance company does allow you to purchase a rider on your existing policy in order to insure dependant children. Another choice is to purchase a separate policy for your child. The minimum policy limit might be higher with a separate life insurance plan; however premiums also tend to be much lower.
Is Life Insurance a Necessity for Children?
Although children are in no way immune to death as we all sometimes tend to think, many parents still question the value of purchasing a life insurance plan for them as children do not contribute to a family’s financial well-being.
As a result, most people tend to question the necessity of life insurance for kids. Financial experts are more in favor of investing in a child’s college tuition fund or other similar accounts rather than a life insurance plan. They have a valid point to a certain extent. On a general basis, there is no compelling motive to purchase life insurance policies with large payouts for children. However, there are a few reasons as to why obtaining a life insurance plan for your kids would be a good financial decision:
- Financial Costs – In the event of your child’s death, a life insurance policy would be of great help to finance necessities such as a proper memorial service. The cost of life insurance for children is also significantly lower and can provide assistance with such expenses.
- Medical Bills – When we think of an unexpected death, some sort of tragic accident often pops into mind. However, many times the reason can also stem from a fatal illness that’s also just as unanticipated. The proceeds from your child’s life insurance policy can help to pay for costly medical-related bills, thus providing your family with financial relief.
- Insurance Coverage – If your child develops a serious medical condition while uninsured, premium costs can be very expensive. Purchasing a life insurance plan while your child is in good health is generally inexpensive. Even though money is no object when it comes to your child’s healthcare, you are able to save down the road should your child suddenly develop a life-threatening illness later on.
