We can't prevent the unexpected from happening, but sometimes we can protect ourselves and our families from the worst of the financial fallout. Show
Selecting the right type and amount of insurance is based on your specific situation, such as children, age, lifestyle, and employment benefits. Four types of insurance that most financial experts recommend include life, health, auto, and long-term disability. Key Takeaways
4 Types Of Insurance Everyone Needs1. Life InsuranceThe two basic types of life insurance are traditional whole life and term life.
Life insurance is especially important if your family is dependent on your salary. Industry experts suggest a policy that pays out 10 times your yearly income. When estimating the amount of life insurance you need, factor in funeral expenses. Then calculate your family's daily living expenses. These may include mortgage payments, outstanding loans, credit card debt, taxes, child care, and future college costs. According to a 2021 study by LIMRA, formerly known as the Life Insurance and Market Research Association, more than half of U.S. households rely on dual incomes. The study also found that a quarter of families would experience financial hardship within one month of a wage earner's death. 2. Health InsuranceHealth insurance can be obtained through your employer, the federal health insurance marketplace, or private insurance you buy for yourself and your family by contacting health insurance companies directly or going through a health insurance agent. Only about 9.2% of the American population were without insurance coverage in 2021, the
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported in its National Center for Health Statistics. More than 60% got their coverage through an employer or in the private insurance marketplace while the rest were covered by government-subsidized programs including Medicare and Medicaid, veterans' benefits programs, and the federal marketplace established under the Affordable Care Act. If you're on a very tight budget, even a minimal policy is better than none. If your income is low, you may be one of the 80 million Americans who are eligible for Medicaid. If your income is moderate but doesn't stretch to insurance coverage, you may be eligible for subsidized coverage under the federal Affordable Care Act. The best and least expensive option for salaried employees is usually participating in your employer's insurance program, if your employer has one. The average annual premium cost to the employee in an employer-sponsored health care program was $7,739 for single coverage and $22,221 for a family plan in 2021, according to research published by the Kaiser Family Foundation. 3. Long-Term Disability CoverageLong-term disability insurance supports those who become unable to work. According to the Social Security Administration, one in four workers entering the workforce will become disabled before they reach the age of retirement. While health insurance pays for hospitalization and medical bills, you are often burdened with all of the expenses that your paycheck had covered. Many employers offer both short- and long-term disability insurance as part of their benefits package. This would be the best option for securing affordable disability coverage. If your employer doesn't offer long-term coverage, here are some things to consider before purchasing insurance on your own:
4. Auto InsuranceDespite years of improvements in auto safety, an estimated 31,720 people died in traffic accidents on U.S. roads and highways in the first nine months of 2021, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Almost all states require drivers to have auto insurance and the few that don't still hold drivers financially responsible for any damage or injuries they cause. Here are your options when purchasing car insurance:
As with all insurance, your circumstances will determine the cost. Compare several rate quotes and the coverage provided, and check periodically to see if you qualify for a lower rate based on your age, driving record, or the area where you live. The Bottom LineMost experts agree that life, health, long-term disability, and auto insurance are the four types of insurance you must have. Employer coverage is often the best option, but if that is unavailable, obtain quotes from several providers as many provide discounts if you purchase more than one type of coverage. What are some problems related to lack of health insurance?Uninsured adults are also more likely to face negative consequences due to medical bills, such as using up savings, having difficulty paying for necessities, borrowing money, or having medical bills sent to collections resulting in medical debt.
What is a consequence of not having access to health care?Barriers to accessing health services can lead to: Potential health effects of low health care access include poor management of chronic disease, increased burden due to preventable diseases and disability, and premature death.
Which person is at highest risk for being uninsured?Which person is at highest risk for being uninsured? Young adults (27 years of age or older) are not eligible to be covered under their parents' insurance. Medicare is available for those over the age of 65 and for people who require dialysis.
Is health insurance provides benefits for sickness and injury?According to the Health Insurance Association of America, health insurance is defined as "coverage that provides for the payments of benefits as a result of sickness or injury. It includes insurance for losses from accident, medical expense, disability, or accidental death and dismemberment".
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