Life as a single mum is never easy especially when you are needed to take care of all your children’s bills. If this sounds like your situation, then you know that it’s critical to set safeguards to keep your family secure. One of the best ways to do this is by taking out life insurance for single mums. The idea is to ensure your child’s future is secured even if you are no longer present to protect them.
For a lot of people, life insurance is a complex subject, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re unsure where to begin, the general rule is to select an appropriate policy for your current financial condition. There’s no need to stress because you can quickly upgrade to a better package if your situation changes in the future. All you have to do now is get started.
In this guide, we share everything you need to know about taking out life insurance for single mums. Let’s dive straight in!
Budgeting for Life Insurance
As with anything significant, you must have a budget in mind when shopping for life insurance. What level of commitment are you willing to make to this policy? You don’t want to take out a policy that will cause you financial hardship down the line.
Research wide and deep and compare multiple plans to determine what best suits your situation and pocket.
Determine How Much Coverage Is Sufficient
Choosing the right insurance policy for a single mum, whether unmarried, widowed or divorced, can be difficult. You should think carefully before committing to one so that you do not end up paying for less or excess coverage. While doing your research, ask yourself the following questions to better understand what you’ll be getting into;
What Expenses Would I Like the Policy to Take Care of?
Life is full of unknowns and no one knows what will happen tomorrow. You should consider what will happen to your children if you were to pass away. Remember that you are the sole parent in this situation. Consider the cost of education, housing and any other crucial basic needs to guide you in choosing a policy that will meet their needs long after you have passed away.
You will also need to find a caretaker for them if they are below 18 years. It’s usually a good idea to have a straight conversation with the person so you can figure out what else they could require should the inevitable happen.
For How Long do I Want the Insurance to Cover Me?
It would be best to determine the length of time you want your life insurance policy to last. Remember that the primary reason for purchasing a life insurance policy is to protect your family’s future in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
Because no circumstance is permanent, you may find that you no longer require insurance as a result of your other arrangements, for example investments.
When it comes to life insurance, there are two main options to consider; Whole of Life and Term Life cover. Whole of Life, just as the name suggests, provides coverage for the rest of your life, albeit at a higher cost than term life. On the other hand, term insurance has a set end date; for example, the coverage could finish when your child reaches adulthood or finishes college.
Designate Beneficiaries
When you’re a single mother, the first person who comes to mind when asked to name a beneficiary is usually your child. If your child is under the age of 18, they may not file a claim for the death benefit because they are too young and thus not allowed by law to handle such issues. In this case, you are required to name a trustee.
Here, you can choose a sibling, parent or friend. This should not be a significant concern because you can specify how long you want the person to serve as a trustee. To avoid any complications with filing claims, remember to update your trustees as needed.
Medical Exams
You may be required to take a medical exam to be accepted, depending on the insurance policy you choose. To get approved, you may be asked to take a physical exam, blood test, urine tests and a review of your medical records. These tests will tell the insurance company if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, which play a role in the overall cost of your life insurance.
Conclusion
As a parent, it is your responsibility to safeguard and provide for your children. It’s natural to be concerned about what will happen if something unexpected occurs. Life insurance is a cost-effective option for single mums who are keen about having their children cared for in the event the inevitable happens.
