By Miriam Caldwell
When you find a new job and sit down to look at the benefits you may be surprised at the options that are available to you. It may seem overwhelming to consider all of the insurance that you can purchase. Do you really need all of the insurance or can you pass on some of the policies? Is it possible to be over insured?
1. Types of Insurance: Do I Need Health Insurance?
Health insurance is something your should have. You run the risk of financial ruin without it. Even if you are relatively healthy, if you are involved in a serious accident or suddenly develop appendicitis, you may end up owing tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills before you are done. If your employer covers you, you should take advantage of that plan, if you are self-employed you may want to consider high deductible health insurance as a money saving option.
2. Types of Insurance: Do I Need Life Insurance?
Life insurance is another benefit that is offered by many employers. Generally employers will offer a basic life insurance policy equal to one year’s salary at no cost to you. You may have the option of purchasing more insurance through your benefits package. If you are single and do not have children, you may be fine relying on just the insurance provided by your employer. However, if you have responsibilities towards a spouse or children you should insure yourself to help them in the event of your death.
3. Types of Insurance: Do I Need Disability Insurance?
Disability insurance will help to cover you in the event that you are no longer able to work. This insurance will help you to pay your bills and make ends meet while you are coping with an illness or injury. This is generally good insurance to have. Short-term disability will help to cover maternity leaves and fill in the waiting period before disability insurance kicks in.
4. Types of Insurance: Do I Need Dental Insurance?
Dental insurance can help to pay for your dental checkups and other work that you need done. You need to carefully look over your policy to make sure that your dental benefits are more than the premiums you are paying. If the plan will not save you money, you may want to shop around for a dentist and look for a dental discount card to save on the cost.
5. Types of Insurance: Do I Need Long Term-Care Insurance?
Long term care insurance will help to pay the cost of care if you end up needing to be in a nursing home or an assisted living facility. Since you are young and in your twenties you may opt to wait on this insurance. A good time to get this insurance is in your late thirties, after that the rates begin to rise rapidly. If you have a condition that makes you think you will need this sooner, you should get it. If you have a family history of certain conditions such as Alzheimer’s you may consider purchasing it earlier to lock in lower premiums.
6. Types of Insurance: Do I Need Cancer Insurance?
Cancer insurance may also be available to you. Unless you have a strong family history of cancer, this is one insurance that you are pretty safe not having. You should make it a priority to save money to cover the extra medical bills that may arise from this or any other serious health problem.
Call 540.657.5633 to discuss the types of Insurance you need.
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