Life Insurance for Women

Facts about life insurance for women

Here are some key facts about life insurance for women:

Life insurance premiums are lower for women

Women have a slightly higher life expectancy than men, so they generally pay lower life insurance premiums than men when other factors, such as health, age, policy type, and coverage amount, are equal.³

Employer-provided coverage may not be enough

Employers generally do not offer more than $50,000 in group term life insurance because the IRS may tax any coverage above $50,000.⁴ This may not be enough coverage for many women in many situations. Furthermore, you can lose employer-sponsored coverage if you change jobs, are laid off, or retire. Many women may consider getting a life insurance policy outside of work. This helps them get the coverage they need and remain protected if they leave their employer.

You can get life insurance while pregnant

Pregnant women can get life insurance almost as easily as nonpregnant women. This can be an excellent idea because the policy helps ensure your new child is financially protected if you pass away during their childhood.

However, you will want to disclose your pregnancy to the medical examiner because they will likely not perform a pregnancy test. If you are getting a life insurance plan with no medical exam, you should disclose your pregnancy on the medical portion of the application. If you do not disclose the pregnancy and pass away during the policy’s contestability period, usually the first two years of coverage, your beneficiary’s claim may be denied.⁵

Life insurance is not just for primary wage earners

Women who are not the primary wage earners may want to still consider life insurance, depending on their situation. If you’re a stay-at-home mom, for instance, the death benefit can help your partner pay for childcare and similar costs if you pass away.

Types of life insurance for women

Women have many life insurance policies available to choose from. Here are a few policy types to explore:

• Term life insurance: This policy typically lasts for 10 to 30 years and has no cash value, but offers a large death benefit for the premiums you pay.
• Whole life insurance: Premiums are higher, but coverage lasts for a lifetime and offers a cash value growth component. Cash value grows tax-deferred at fixed interest.
• Universal life insurance: This policy offers lifelong coverage, cash value, and adjustable premiums and death benefit. Cash value grows tax-deferred based on market rates.
• Variable life insurance: This policy has lifelong coverage, cash value, and adjustable premiums and death benefit. Cash value can be invested in individual securities for higher potential growth, but losses can also occur.
• Final expense insurance: A final expense insurance plan is designed for funeral expenses, medical bills, and other end-of-life costs. This policy comes with a small death benefit, reasonable premiums, lifelong coverage, and cash value.

How women can choose the right life insurance policy

Consider these factors when choosing the right life insurance policy for women:

Compare types of policies

Every policy type offers unique features. For example, term life insurance is cheaper than whole life insurance, but you can outlive the policy.⁶ Furthermore, there are several types of permanent life insurance, each differing in how premiums, death benefits, and cash value work. Compare several policy types to find the right one for you.

Consider your coverage needs

Assess your current financial and future financial situation to help determine your coverage needs. Account for your income and living expenses. Also, consider your long-term goals, such as sending children to college. A rule of thumb you may be aware of is to get a death benefit equivalent to 10 years of your salary.⁷ For instance, if you earn $50,000 per year, you would get $500,000 in coverage.

Consider your dependents

If you have more dependents, you may need a higher death benefit. For example, if you have a partner and several children, you may need to get a substantial death benefit to help cover their living expenses and fund future goals. On the other hand, if you have no partner or children, you may not need a large death benefit.

Consider your debts

Passing away with debts can reduce the amount of your estate your heirs may receive and put a financial strain on them, especially if others rely on your income. Factor debts, such as a mortgage and auto loans, into your coverage calculation.

Who should get life insurance?

Life insurance can benefit women in many different situations:

Employed women

Employed women who are the primary wage earners or whose incomes contribute substantially to the household finances can get life insurance to protect their loved ones. The life insurance policy can help replace your income if you pass away, helping your partner raise your kids and cover living expenses without financial strains.

Stay-at-home parents

If your partner is the sole earner and you stay home to care for the kids, you still help make substantial physical and financial contributions to the household. If you pass away, your partner will have to pay for childcare and other expenses related to maintaining the household.

Furthermore, your life insurance policy can help your loved ones cover your end-of-life expenses, such as funeral costs and medical bills. Your partner can also use the death benefit to help pay for your children’s education, pay off debts, and put your family into a more secure financial position.

Single parents

Single parents can get a life insurance policy to help ensure their children are cared for if the parent passes away. After your passing, your policy’s payout can help your children’s guardian pay for childcare, education, and daily living expenses.

Single women

Single women can benefit from a life insurance policy by helping loved ones pay for funeral costs and travel to the funeral if they pass away. They can also use it to help aging parents pay for long-term care or medical expenses if the policyholder passes away.

Additionally, single women can purchase life insurance to benefit a charitable cause they support. They can name one or more qualifying charitable organizations as beneficiaries.

Get a life insurance quote today

Women in the workforce are not the only ones who can benefit from a life insurance policy. Life insurance can also be important for stay-at-home mothers and those who are not the primary wage earners by offering their partner a death benefit to pay for childcare and household expenses. Therefore, getting life insurance can be a smart financial move for women in various situations. If you’re ready to add life insurance to your financial plan, contact an Aflac agent today.