Aflac: Tips for Talking to Your Family About Life Insurance

Aflac: Talking about life insurance with your family can be difficult. Your loved ones probably don't want to imagine what they would do if you were to die. You may even be unsure of how to approach the conversation yourself. But it's important to have this discussion so you and your family can be financially prepared. Here are some tips that can help you have an easier time discussing life insurance with your family. 

1. Set a specific time to talk about it 

Bringing up the topic of life insurance to your family without warning will probably make them hesitant to talk about it. Instead, ask them if they can set aside some time to have a serious discussion. Avoid bringing up the topic during a stressful or emotional time. Along with making sure everyone is in a calm state, have the conversation in the right environment. Choose a quiet setting where there are few distractions, such as a family room or an office. 

2. Ask purposeful questions 

A purposeful question can help open up the conversation on life insurance. Ask if your loved one has a plan to ensure all debts and final expenses are taken care of after your death. You can also ask if they've ever thought about life insurance. Be sure to listen to their answer without judgment so they feel comfortable talking about it. With the conversation opened, you and your family can go into more detail about the subject. 

3. Put the focus on financial security 

When people think of life insurance, death is usually the first thing that comes to mind. While the thought is understandable, it's important to put the focus on financial security. The main goal of life insurance is to make sure the surviving loved ones will have the finances to take care of expenses. As an example, with family life insurance, the whole family can be covered under a policy. If a spouse or child passes away, your family can worry less about funeral costs because of the policy amount that will help pay for it.

4. Explain how life insurance can be affordable 

Cost may come up as a concern as you discuss life insurance with your family. You can alleviate those concerns by explaining how term life insurance can be an affordable option. Mention how the cost of premiums can vary based on the amount of coverage you're seeking. Additionally, explain that life insurance can cost less for those who are younger and healthier. Communicating how affordable life insurance can be could make your family more interested in talking about it. 

5. Discuss other benefits of life insurance 

Your family may not be aware that life insurance can benefit them in other ways. One example is through add-ons known as riders. A return of premium rider, for instance, allows individuals to have their premiums returned in full at the end of the term. And a critical illness rider allows a portion of the benefit to be paid out if an individual is diagnosed with an illness covered under the policy. Explaining the added benefits of life insurance may help your loved ones understand why getting a policy may be the right choice. 

The bottom line

Talking to your family about life insurance may seem like a daunting task. But by using these tips, it may be easier than you think. Regardless of how you start the discussion, be sure to take a calm and measured approach when you start talking to your family about life insurance.

Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.  

Aflac insurance coverage is underwritten by Aflac. In New York, coverage underwritten by Aflac New York.  

Aflac | WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999  

Source: Aflac

About Aflac

Aflac Inc. is an American insurance company and is the largest provider of supplemental insurance in the United States. Aflac offers voluntary insurance, or an optional layer of financial protection.


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