As you prepare for your wedding, take time to think about life insurance. It gives you peace of mind and financial resources if something unexpected happens to your new spouse. For basic information, see Life Insurance: Overview.
Provide Financial Support
After your spouse dies, you may face financial hardship, especially if you were not the primary breadwinner. Life insurance can provide financial support that covers everyday living expenses and reduces financial catastrophe and stress.
Repay Mutual Debts
Some — but not all — of your spouse’s outstanding debts may pass to you, which could create financial problems. Debts held in both names, such as joint credit cards or an auto loan, typically become your responsibility after your spouse dies. A life insurance policy can help cover these debts and reduce financial hardship for the survivor.
Pay Off the Mortgage
The monthly mortgage on your home may be affordable on two incomes but difficult for one spouse to cover alone. Consider a policy that covers a significant portion of your mortgage or pays it off completely to free the surviving spouse from this major ongoing expense; for mortgage-specific options, see What is Life Insurance (Mortgage Insurance)?
Cover End-of-Life Costs
While it’s uncomfortable to plan for, you should prepare for end-of-life expenses. Adequate life insurance can cover medical bills, nursing home care, and funeral costs so these expenses do not become an additional burden on survivors.
Take Time to Grieve
Your employer may provide only a few days off for a spouse’s funeral. Life insurance proceeds can give you financial flexibility to take additional time off, which is especially important if the death was unexpected or you have young children.
Care for Children
The cost of raising a child can be substantial. Life insurance helps ensure you have resources to support your children’s living expenses and future education if a spouse dies.
How to Select the Right Life Insurance
- Ease of application — choose a policy with a straightforward application so coverage begins promptly.
- Affordability — make sure you can pay the premium for the life of the policy.
- Length of policy — match the policy term to how long you expect to need coverage, for example until children are independent or the mortgage is repaid.
- Policies and riders — ask about riders such as accelerated death benefits or disability riders for additional protection.
Life insurance gives you and your new spouse peace of mind. For details on purchasing policies and coverage options, talk to your agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much life insurance should a newly married couple consider?
Many couples calculate coverage to replace lost income, pay off debts and the mortgage, and cover future expenses like childcare and education; exact needs vary by household.
Can life insurance proceeds be used to pay outstanding joint debts?
Yes, beneficiaries can use proceeds to pay joint debts, though how debts transfer depends on the account terms and local law.
Is term life insurance enough for young families?
Term life insurance often provides affordable coverage for specific needs like raising children or covering a mortgage, but permanent policies may suit other long-term goals.