Gen Z's Guide to Navigating Life Insurance: Is It Time to Get Covered?

If you're part of Generation Z, you're in the prime of your life and probably healthier than ever. So, you may be thinking, why would I need life insurance?

Life is unpredictable and that's exactly where death benefit protection comes into play. It's not just about planning for the unexpected, like sudden illness or accidents, but also about protecting the people who matter most to you. Whether you're newly engaged, married, or starting a family, having life insurance is a crucial step in planning for their financial security. Life insurance can help ensure that you won't leave behind financial burdens for your family to handle.

But even if those milestones aren't on your radar yet, life insurance can still be a smart financial move. It can be a way to start building wealth that you can pass on or tap into later in life. Workplace polices often only provide a basic minimum amount of coverage, and you probably can’t keep the coverage if you change jobs. That’s why many people decide to purchase their own individual life insurance policies outside of work.

Knowing the different types of life insurance available is the first step in deciding what works best for your lifestyle.

Term Life Insurance is a budget-friendly option. It can cover you for a specific time period, say 10 to 30 years. If something happens to you within this period, your beneficiary gets a payout. Some term policies may also allow the option to convert to a permanent policy.

Permanent Life Insurance, on the other hand, is more of a lifelong commitment. It may be pricier, but permanent life insurance can build cash value over time and provide coverage for a lifetime as long as the planned premium amount is sufficient and paid on time. Keep in mind, the younger and healthier you are, the likelier you are to have a lower premium. This can be a great tool for long-term wealth building to help ensure ongoing financial support for your dependents.

Weighing the Pros and Cons for Gen Z:

The benefits and drawbacks of a life insurance policy can vary, so be sure to do your research before deciding.

Pros:

• It can be a way to protect your loved ones financially.
• Potentially lower rates while you're young and healthy.
• Choose an affordable plan that fits your budget.
• Start building a financial legacy early on.
• Can help cover debts, like student loans, so they don't fall to your family.

Cons:

• Depending on your choice, it can be a bit of an investment.
• There's a chance you might not use the coverage.
• Finding the right policy can be daunting without the right guidance.

What Do I Do Now?

If you're thinking about adding life insurance to your financial plan, we recommend chatting with a financial professional. Find a North American agent to help you navigate your options and find the best fit for your life and goals.

The term financial professional is not intended to imply engagement in an advisory business in which compensation is not related to sales. Financial professionals that are insurance licensed will be paid a commission on the sale of an insurance product.