top of page
Albert Johnson

Understanding Long-Term Insurance: Top 6 Questions Answered

Lets take a look at some of the most asked questions we get from new and existing clients when it comes to long term insurance.


couple looking at a document

1. What Does Long-Term Insurance Cover?


Long-term insurance provides financial security in cases of death, permanent disability, income disability protection, retrenchment cover, or critical illness. It ensures that you and/ or your loved ones are taken care of by covering expenses like debts, education, and living costs. Some policies may also include funeral benefits, offering comprehensive protection for your family’s future.


2. How Are Premiums Calculated?


Premiums depend certain demographics like your age, health, occupation, education level, smoker status and if you work inside and office, outside, travel and lifestyle. Younger, healthier individuals often pay lower premiums, and so do non smokers too. Your insurer assesses the risk you pose. With some insurer, having wellness benefits also help you by maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce costs, and also qualify for certain additional benefits.



man presenting to a couple

3. What Happens If I Miss a Payment?

This is quite a broad area, because when it comes to Long Term Insurance Risk benefits, you are insuring yourself against certain eventualities and the premium for this is payable on a monthly basis or however you have structured your payments. There is no such thing as skipping payments or "freezing" payments when it comes to risk insurance. Insurers may however provide you with an option to catch up the missed premium (subject to certain timelines) in order to maintain your coverage. But these all depend on the policy rules with the insurers.


4. Can I Change My Beneficiaries?

Yes, you can update your beneficiaries at any time and how many times you would like to. Life changes such as marriage, the birth of a child, or divorce may prompt you to revise your beneficiary designations. It’s essential to keep this information current to ensure your benefits go to the right people.


5. How Do Claims Work?

Filing a claim involves submitting required documents, such as a death certificate, medical reports and other claim documents that your insurer requires.=. The insurer reviews the claim to ensure it meets the policy’s terms and conditions. An important aspect to remember here is that you can only claim against the benefits you have opted to insure.



nurse filling in a form

6. Do I have to do Medicals?

Most insurers will require the applicant for insurance to first complete a set of medical questions that they require. This is then referred to an underwriting department and the underwriter will review the information and then request certain medical tests to be done. These tests will help the insurer determine and look at the insurance requested vs your application and medicals and then make a decision on if they are willing to accept you and grant you your benefits or not.


In most cases, an insurer will request medicals to be redone if further coverage is requested post a period of 3 months since your last medicals being done.



By understanding these aspects of long-term insurance, you can make informed decisions to safeguard your and your family’s financial future.

You Should Regularly review your policy and insurance needs as to ensure that it aligns with your current needs and life circumstances.


Your Financial Planning Partner.

39 views0 comments

Komentarze


bottom of page