Life insurance is a financial product that can provide security and peace of mind for the insured and their loved ones. However, to ensure that coverage remains relevant and effective, it is essential to periodically review and adjust life insurance policies. Knowing when to conduct a review of life insurance and how to review are important as this ensures any loved ones are looked after financially should something unforeseen happen.
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Reviewing life insurance cover is a critical part of ensuring that the policy remains aligned with the insured`s personal wishes. Below are some key events that should be considered when reviewing life insurance cover.
Changing financial responsibilities, such as getting married, having children, buying a home, or retiring are all significant life events that may affect life insurance. These events change the financial responsibilities and may impact the need for life insurance. When these milestones are experienced, it is a good time to assess current coverage and whether it adequately provides for the insured’s family's future.
If income changes significantly, whether it is an increase or decrease, it can impact the amount of coverage needed. If the family relies on the insured`s income, consider adjusting the sum insured amount of life insurance including income protection, life, disability and critical illness, to reflect current earnings and financial obligations.
Changes in debt levels impact how much life insurance one may need. The higher the amount of debt, the higher the insured amount needed to discharge or service this debt, should the unforeseen happen. Conversely if debt is reduced significantly, the insured amount may be able to be reduced. Note any change in insured levels will likely increase or decrease premiums – please speak to a financial adviser for more details.
If there have been improvements in health, it may be an opportunity to review the policy and see if better terms or lower premiums can be secured.
As retirement approaches, financial goals and insurance needs may shift. A review of life insurance can help ensure that coverage aligns with any post-retirement financial objectives, such as providing for a partner, covering end of life expenses, or leaving a legacy.
Life changes such as divorce or separation can have a significant impact on financial situations and dependants. It is crucial to review any life insurance to determine if adjustments are needed to accommodate these changes, including any potential changes to beneficiaries and payees.
Factors that affect the amount of life insurance required depends on individual circumstances and the types of life insurance being considered. Most insurance policies will provide options to be able to adjust the policy so that the cover and premiums are aligned to the insured’s objectives.
The below looks at several factors which may be considered when calculating life insurance premiums.
Benefits from a life insurance policy are paid on the death of the person insured, so it is important to consider the needs of any dependants and beneficiaries. Some things to consider are any outstanding debts, loss of income over an expected lifetime, education expenses, and funeral expenses. These financial commitments may be offset by any existing life insurance, investments or savings.
As life insurance is triggered by death, considering factors that would impact one’s beneficiaries are key. That is, loss of income, any debts, existing investment and savings, existing insurance cover, education expenses and funeral expenses.
TPD insurance provides policyholders with a lump sum payment in the event of total and permanent disability in either any occupation, their own occupation, or Activities of Daily Living (ADL), as stipulated in the policy document. The lump sum payment provides the insured the ability to use the proceeds as they choose. This could include such things as repaying debts, modifying their home for accessibility, and contributing towards medical costs including ongoing rehabilitation. This aids in giving peace of mind by reducing the financial burden.
Critical illness insurance (trauma insurance) is a type of life insurance cover that offers a financial benefit if the condition and severity are covered by the policy. If a benefit is payable, it may provide the ability to cover day to day living expenses, allow the insured to seek medical care and options related to their illness, and support the insured’s family’s quality of life during the insured’s treatment.
Income protection insurance works by providing an income replacement payment when the person insured is unable to earn an income due to injury or illness. Benefits are usually paid as monthly payments representing a portion of pre-disability income. The portion of income paid as a monthly benefit will depend on the pre-disability earnings, with most income protection policies typically paying a benefit of up to 70%. The amount of the monthly benefit will be assessed at claim stage and is based on the lessor of the amount insured and a percentage of the insured’s income at claim time. Depending on the income protection policy and/or insurer, the policy may include a contribution to superannuation as well as the benefit paid to the insured.
Premiums are not fixed and can increase. There are two types of premium options - Stepped and Level. Stepped premiums are based on the insured’s age and generally increase at the policy anniversary date each year. Level premiums have the cost of increases associated with age spread over several years and are based on the insured’s age at the policy start date. This means the costs start out higher than Stepped premiums, but depending on how long the policy is held for, the cost may be lower at some point in the future. Both types of premiums may also increase if the insurer adjusts its premiums due to market conditions or other factors that may affect the policy including discounts or adjustments for inflation (CPI).
It is best to compare life insurance policies with different life insurance providers to find the right policy that fits individual circumstances.
Life insurance policies continue for the term of the policy with an annual notice from the life insurer explaining the cover, premiums, and any special conditions on the policy. This is an excellent time to review the cover. Check if there are any changes in the policy terms, premiums, or benefits. Evaluate if the policy still aligns with current needs and financial goals.
Regularly reviewing life insurance is essential to keep coverage up to date and aligned with personal circumstances and financial goals. Life is constantly changing and so are insurance needs. By assessing one’s policy at these key points, informed decisions can be made to ensure that loved ones are adequately provided for, and that the insurance remains an integral part of one’s financial planning.
To find out more about the types of life insurance – visit the TAL website. Information provided on the TAL website will be subject to TAL’s Privacy Statement and Privacy Policy, available on their website.
Any financial product advice provided on this website is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal circumstances. Westpac refers customers to TAL Life Limited ABN 70 050 109 450 AFSL 237848 (TAL Life), the issuer of life insurance policies. TAL Life is part of the TAL Dai-ichi Life Australia Pty Ltd ABN 97 150 070 483 group of companies (TAL). If you purchase a life insurance policy as a result of a referral from us, Westpac will receive a commission of 10% of your premiums (exclusive of GST) for the period you continue to hold a policy.
Before purchasing life insurance, you should read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the Target Market Determination (TMD) to help you decide if life insurance is appropriate to your objectives, circumstances and needs. You can obtain the PDS and TMD from TAL’s website or by calling TAL on 1300 345 620.
By accessing TAL’s website, you will enter a third-party site not owned by Westpac. Any personal information you provide to TAL's website will be collected, used, and disclosed in accordance with TAL's Privacy Statement and Privacy Policy, also available on their website.
If you would like help deciding whether life insurance is right for you, we recommend speaking to a financial adviser.