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Many employers offer basic life insurance as part of their benefits package. With little to no cost to you, it's a relatively straightforward way to secure some coverage for you and your family.
However, while it's generally affordable and may not require a medical exam, it may not be enough for your needs. Here's some of what you need to know about employer life insurance.
Types of Basic Life Insurance
Most employer-sponsored life insurance plans offer one of two types of coverage:
- Term life insurance lasts for a set time. It's the most common type of employer life insurance. The term generally lasts as long as you work at the company.
- Whole life insurance lasts your entire life as long as premiums are paid. Some companies may offer whole life coverage, but it's relatively rare.
With an employer-sponsored life insurance plan, you're limited solely to what they offer. If your needs are greater, you may decide to get a supplemental life insurance policy. In that case, you can choose between different types of term and whole life insurance coverage to complement what your employer provides.
How Does Basic Life Insurance Work?
Many people have basic life coverage as a workplace benefit. If you're a member of a labor union, professional association or certain other large-scale organizations, you may also be able to get group coverage. Employers usually offer a group life insurance plan for little to no cost. If you have to pay for coverage, it typically comes from your paycheck.
Generally, a basic life insurance policy covers about one to two times your base salary. So if you make $60,000 per year, and your employer allows for two times your compensation in your benefits package, you could potentially have $120,000 in coverage.
Your named beneficiary — whether your spouse, parents, children or another person or organization of your choice — will receive your death benefit if you pass away while the coverage is in force. Some policies also include accidental death or dismemberment coverage, which may increase the death benefit if the claim results from an accident.
How Much Does Basic Life Insurance Cost?
Employer-sponsored basic life insurance is usually provided either for free or at a very low cost to you. Because this type of coverage is a group policy, employers typically pay lower prices for larger groups. They then absorb the fees as a benefit to employees. Employers may offer additional coverage at an extra cost, allowing for coverage beyond the base salary.
What Are Benefits of Basic Life Insurance?
While many companies auto-enroll employees in their group plan, you may have to choose to sign up for it. If you're debating if it's the right fit for you, consider some potential benefits:
- Lower cost. Life insurance typically becomes more expensive as you age. If you're young and healthy, you more likely could qualify for a lower rate. Regardless of your age, it's generally a more affordable way to get coverage.
- No medical underwriting. You may struggle to get life insurance coverage if you're ill or have a preexisting condition. Or you may qualify for a policy, but it's expensive. Basic life insurance doesn't require medical exams or answering health-related questions.
What Are Potential Drawbacks of Basic Life Insurance?
Employer-sponsored life insurance offers a way to get started with coverage, but there are considerations to weigh, including:
- Limited coverage. Basic life insurance may not be enough depending on your financial situation, income, expenses and family needs. If you were to pass away prematurely, your loved ones might struggle to meet their needs if it's your only coverage. If you're unsure how much coverage you need, a life insurance calculator can help.
- Tied to an employer. Your policy may end if you leave your job. That could leave you without coverage while you're between jobs or before your new employer's policy begins. You may want to think about options such as a supplemental life insurance policy to help fill the gap.
Some Key Things to Consider Before Signing Up
As you're reviewing your benefits policy at work, it's important to keep a few things in mind. These strategies can help you feel more confident in addressing your life insurance needs:
- Make sure you find out exactly how much coverage you're eligible for. This can help determine if your needs call for a supplemental policy.
- Determine if the policy could go with you to a new job. Although some companies offer a grace period when you end your employment with them, confirm whether or not you'll be covered once you leave.
- Ask if your company offers additional coverage at a lower cost. If you're older, have preexisting conditions or otherwise need more insurance, it may be an affordable way to boost your protection.
- Work with a financial professional. Seeking expert guidance for your individual situation helps you determine what amount of coverage is exactly right for you.
Curating Your Coverage
If you have any specific questions about your employer-sponsored life insurance, contact your company's HR department. They should be able to provide more in-depth answers or put you in touch with the life insurance provider.
When it comes to life insurance, there's a lot to consider. However, it never hurts to take your time, run the numbers and speak with a financial professional who can provide valuable insight. Once you've made well-informed decisions for your needs, you can be more confident that you've addressed them.
