What Should I Consider When I Actually Buy Life Insurance?

When you buy life insurance, first decide how much you need to cover the financial effects of an unexpected or untimely death. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

How much of the family income do I provide? If I were to die early, how would my survivors, especially my children, get by? Does anyone else depend on me financially, such as a parent, grandparent, brother or sister?
Do I have children for whom I'd like to set aside money to finish their education in the event of my death?
How will my family pay final expenses and repay debts after my death?
Do I have family members or organizations that I would like to leave money?
Will there be estate taxes to pay after my death?
How will inflation affect future needs?
Remember to include individual, employer group insurance, veteran's insurance and any other assets such as savings and investments. Don't forget Social Security and pension plan survivor's benefits.

Other Montana Insurance FAQs

Q: What Is An Agent?
A: An agent is a licensed representative of an insurance company who solicits, negotiates, or effects contracts of insurance and provides service to the policyholder for … More
Q: What Is An Application?
A: An application is a signed statement of facts requested by the insurance company on the basis of which the company decides whether or not to issue the coverage. The … More
Q: What Is An Assignment?
A: An assignment is the signed authorization by the policyholder for the insurance company to pay benefits directly to the hospital, doctor, or other provider.
Q: What Is A Beneficiary?
A: A beneficiary is the person designated or provided for by the policy terms to receive the proceeds upon the death of the insured.
Q: What Are Benefits?
A: Benefits are the dollar amount payable by the insurance company to the claimant, assignee, or beneficiary under the policy.
Q: What Is A Claim?
A: A claim is a demand to the insurance company for payment of benefits under the insurance contract.
Q: What Is Cobra?
A: COBRA is a federal law that regulates group health insurance. If you lose your job and you worked for an employer who has more than 20 employees, you may be able to … More
Q: Can I Be Denied Group Coverage In Montana?
A: Coverage under your group health plan (if your employer offers one) cannot be denied or limited, nor can you be required to pay more because of your health status. … More
Q: Can I Be Denied Group Coverage If I Am Sick At The Beginning Of The Coverage Period?
A: All group health plans in Montana must limit exclusion of preexisting conditions. There are rules about what counts as a preexisting condition and how long you must … More
Q: Can I Be Forced To Wait For My Group Coverage To Begin?
A: Yes. This is called the preenrollment period, usually between 3090 days. These waiting periods, however, cannot vary due to your health status. However, if … More