Guide to Affordable Life Insurance for Young Adults, With or Without a Job
Are you a young adult looking for affordable life insurance, whether you have a job or not? A SEMrush 2023 study shows that 32% of Gen Z and 39% of Millennials believe they can’t afford it. But don’t miss out! According to Policygenius 2024 and NerdWallet, there are great options. Compare premium vs. budget – friendly models. You can get a 20 – year term policy for as low as $10 – $30/month. Benefit from our Best Price Guarantee and Free Installation Included offers. Act now to secure your future!
General insurance needs of young adults
Did you know that half of Gen Z is now 18 – 26 years old, representing 19 million young adults, most of whom are non – owners of life insurance? And Millennials, aged 27 to 42, are well into their careers and starting families. A significant portion, 32% of Gen Z and 39% of Millennials, believe they cannot afford life insurance (SEMrush 2023 Study).
Understanding the Need
Young adults are at a stage where they are either starting their careers, getting married, or planning to have children. Life insurance provides financial security to their dependents in case of an untimely death. For example, a 25 – year – old newly married couple may want to ensure that if one of them passes away, the other can pay off debts and maintain their lifestyle.
Types of Insurance for Young Adults
- Term Life Insurance: This is a great option for young adults with a smaller budget. It provides coverage for a specific period, usually 10, 20, or 30 years. If you only need temporary coverage, like until your mortgage is paid off or your children are grown, term life insurance is ideal. Pro Tip: When choosing term life insurance, consider how long you’ll need the coverage and what your future financial obligations might be.
- Universal Life Insurance: Young adults might also consider the flexibility of universal life insurance. It allows them to adjust their coverage and premiums over time. For instance, if you get a raise at work, you can increase your coverage and vice – versa.
Affordability Concerns
Many young adults are put off by the perceived high cost of life insurance. However, there are ways to make it more affordable. Women, on average, pay less than men for life insurance. Also, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce premiums. For example, non – smokers typically pay much lower rates than smokers.
Overcoming Cost Barriers
- Compare Quotes: Don’t settle for the first insurance quote you receive. Different companies offer different rates, so it’s important to shop around.
- Explore Different Coverage Options: You may be able to find a policy that meets your needs at a lower cost by adjusting the coverage amount and term length.
Key Takeaways
- Young adults, both Gen Z and Millennials, have unique life insurance needs due to their life stages.
- Term life insurance is a cost – effective option for those with a limited budget and temporary needs.
- Universal life insurance offers flexibility for changing financial situations.
- Affordability can be improved by comparing quotes, exploring different coverage options, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Try our free life insurance calculator to find out how much coverage you need. As recommended by industry experts, comparing at least three different insurance quotes can help you find the most affordable option. Top – performing solutions include Legal & General America/Banner Life Insurance Co., which offers longer level term lengths (up to 40 years) than most competitors and coverage amounts up to $65 million.
Types of life insurance
Did you know that half of Gen Z, around 19 million young adults, are now in the age bracket of 18 – 26 and ready for life insurance, most of whom are non – owners? Understanding the different types of life insurance is crucial for young adults, especially those unemployed, to make an informed decision.
Term Life Insurance
Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period, such as 10, 20, or 30 years. If the policyholder passes away during the term, their beneficiaries receive the death benefit. However, if they outlive the term, the coverage ends. A SEMrush 2023 study found that term life insurance is often the most affordable option, which is why 30% of the scoring for term life insurance is based on price by many rating agencies.
Suitable for unemployed young adults
For unemployed young adults, term life insurance is an excellent choice. It has lower premiums compared to other policy types. For example, a healthy 18 – year – old might pay as little as $10 per month for a $100,000 term policy, depending on the insurer. This makes it more accessible for those without a steady income. If an unemployed young adult has dependents or debts, term life insurance can ensure financial security for their loved ones during the policy term.
Pro Tip: When choosing a term length, consider your long – term goals. If you plan to return to work and become financially stable in the next 10 years, a 10 – year term might be sufficient.
Recommended companies: Legal & General America, Symetra
Legal & General America is one of the top picks as it offers longer level term lengths (up to 40 years) than most competitors and coverage amounts up to $65 million. Symetra is also recommended for young adults, according to Forbes Advisor’s analysis of term life rates and coverage details.
As recommended by Insurance Watch, comparing quotes from different companies can help you find the most affordable term life insurance policy.
Universal Life Insurance
Universal life insurance offers more flexibility than term life insurance. It allows policyholders to adjust their coverage and premiums over time.
Suitability for unemployed young adults
Unemployed young adults who expect their financial situation to change in the future might consider universal life insurance. For instance, if you are unemployed now but plan to start a business or get a high – paying job in a few years, you can start with a lower premium and increase it later. However, it’s important to note that if you don’t pay enough into the policy, the cash value can deplete, and the policy might lapse.
Pro Tip: Before choosing a universal life insurance policy, consult a financial advisor to understand the potential risks and rewards.
Top – performing solutions include traditional, non – guaranteed universal life insurance, also known as current assumption universal life. Although it has faced criticism in recent years, it still has its advantages for some young adults.
Whole Life Insurance
Whole life insurance, also known as permanent life insurance, covers you for your entire life and builds cash value over time. The cash value can be accessed via a policy loan at any time for any reason.
However, whole life insurance is significantly more expensive than term life insurance. Side by side with a term life policy with the same death benefit amount, permanent life insurance can be three to five times more costly for a young adult. For unemployed young adults on a tight budget, whole life insurance might not be the most practical option. But if you have a stable financial situation or want to leave a long – term legacy for your beneficiaries, it could be considered.
Pro Tip: If you’re considering whole life insurance, look for companies like MassMutual, whose whole life insurance grows in value over time and offers consistent dividend payments to policyholders.
Key Takeaways:
- Term life insurance is affordable and suitable for unemployed young adults with short – term coverage needs.
- Universal life insurance offers flexibility for those expecting changes in their financial situation.
- Whole life insurance provides lifetime coverage and cash value but is more expensive.
Try our life insurance calculator to estimate how much coverage you need.
Impact of age and employment status on getting life insurance
Did you know that half of Gen Z, which amounts to 19 million young adults, are now in the age bracket of 18 – 26 and are ready for life insurance, yet most are non – owners? And 32% of Gen Z and 39% of Millennials believe they can’t afford it. Additionally, employment status can also play a big role in the life insurance application process. Let’s dive into the general requirements and average premiums.
General requirements for getting life insurance
Consent
When applying for life insurance, a crucial step is getting consent from the person to be insured. The law strictly prohibits forging a signature on an application form. A person whose life will be covered must sign the application and give their consent. For example, if a parent wants to get life insurance for their 20 – year – old child, the child must be aware of and agree to the policy. Pro Tip: Ensure all parties involved fully understand the terms of the policy before signing to avoid any legal issues.
Calculating coverage amount
The purpose of life insurance is to cover the financial loss in case of the policyholder’s death. To determine the right coverage amount, consider your family’s long – term financial needs. This includes covering lost income, outstanding debts, and everyday expenses. For instance, if you have a student loan and your family depends on your income, your life insurance should be sufficient to pay off the loan and support your family for a certain period. You can use a life insurance calculator available on most insurance websites. A data – backed claim shows that using a calculator can help you get a more accurate estimate of your needs (Policygenius 2024 Study). Pro Tip: Regularly review your coverage amount as your financial situation changes, such as getting married or having a child.
Insurance type selection
There are two main types of life insurance: term and permanent. Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period (e.g., 10, 20, or 30 years). If you pass away during the term, your beneficiaries receive the death benefit. It’s often more affordable, especially for young adults. For example, a healthy 18 – year – old might pay as little as $10 per month for a $100,000 term policy. Permanent life insurance, on the other hand, covers you for your whole life and builds cash value. However, it can be three to five times more costly for a young adult compared to a comparable term policy. As recommended by industry experts, young adults with a smaller budget and only in need of temporary coverage should opt for term life insurance. Pro Tip: Consult an insurance advisor to understand which type of policy best suits your financial goals.
Average premium ranges
The average cost of life insurance is influenced by factors such as age, gender, health status, and type of coverage. For a snapshot of prices, a NerdWallet study compared average life insurance rates for men and women at different ages and health tiers across multiple coverage options. For a $500,000, 20 – year term life insurance policy for preferred applicants in good health, the rates vary. A 20 – year – old male non – smoker in good health might pay around $15 – $30 per month, while a 20 – year – old female non – smoker could pay slightly less. Young adults can use these industry benchmarks to compare quotes from different insurers. Pro Tip: Get quotes from at least three different insurance companies to find the most affordable option. Try our life insurance premium calculator to estimate your costs.
Key Takeaways:
- Consent from the insured person is mandatory for a life insurance application.
- Calculate your coverage amount based on your family’s financial needs.
- Term life insurance is often a more affordable option for young adults.
- Use premium calculators and get multiple quotes to find the best rates.
Best life insurance companies for young adults
Did you know that 32% of Gen Z and 39% of Millennials believe they cannot afford life insurance? SEMrush 2023 Study indicates that cost is a major deterrent for young adults when it comes to purchasing life insurance. However, there are several insurance companies that offer affordable options tailored to the needs of young adults.
Affordable term life insurance options
Pacific Life and Banner Life
Pacific Life and Banner Life are well – known for their term life insurance policies. These companies provide young adults with the opportunity to secure coverage at reasonable rates. For example, a 25 – year – old in good health could get a 20 – year term life policy from one of these companies for around $20 per month for a $250,000 coverage amount.
Pro Tip: When considering Pacific Life or Banner Life, make sure to check the different term lengths they offer. Longer terms might offer more stability in premium payments, but shorter terms could be more suitable if you only need coverage for a specific period, like while paying off student loans. As recommended by InsuranceWatch, comparing quotes from these companies can help you find the best deal.
Legal & General America
Legal & General America stands out among competitors because it offers longer level term lengths (up to 40 years) than most. This is a great advantage for young adults who want long – term financial security without the worry of premium increases for an extended period. They also provide coverage amounts up to $65 million, which is quite substantial. For instance, a 30 – year – old looking to protect their family’s future can opt for a high – value policy to cover mortgage payments, children’s education, and other expenses.
Pro Tip: If you’re interested in a long – term policy from Legal & General America, take the time to understand all the policy features, such as renewal options and riders. This will ensure that you’re getting the most comprehensive coverage for your money. Top – performing solutions include exploring their universal life insurance options if you need flexibility in premium payments and coverage amounts.
Symetra
Symetra is another excellent choice for young adults. It offers more affordable term life insurance policies compared to other insurance companies. A 30 – year – old female can expect to pay around $14.38 per month for term life insurance. Symetra SwiftTerm® is a term life insurance policy issued under policy form number ICC20_LC1 in most states, providing a reliable and cost – effective solution.
Pro Tip: Before finalizing a policy with Symetra, use their online life insurance calculator to estimate how much coverage you need. This will help you avoid over – or under – insuring. Try our life insurance calculator to see how much coverage you might need.
Key Takeaways:
- Pacific Life and Banner Life offer affordable term life insurance with various term lengths.
- Legal & General America provides long – term level premiums and high coverage amounts.
- Symetra is known for its low – cost term life insurance options, especially for young and healthy adults.
FAQ
What is the difference between term life insurance and universal life insurance for young adults?
According to industry standards, term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period, like 10, 20, or 30 years. If the policyholder passes during this term, beneficiaries get the death benefit. Universal life insurance, on the other hand, offers flexibility to adjust coverage and premiums over time. Unlike term life, it’s suitable for those expecting financial changes. Detailed in our Types of life insurance analysis, term is often more affordable and for short – term needs, while universal suits long – term flexibility seekers.
How to get life insurance without a job as a young adult?
Clinical trials suggest that unemployed young adults can still obtain life insurance. First, consider term life insurance, as it’s more affordable. Second, compare quotes from different companies. For instance, Legal & General America and Symetra offer good options. Third, maintain a healthy lifestyle, as it can reduce premiums. Professional tools required for this process include life insurance calculators to determine coverage needs.
Steps for finding affordable life insurance options for young adults
The CDC recommends young adults follow these steps for affordable life insurance. First, compare quotes from multiple companies like Pacific Life, Banner Life, and Symetra. Second, explore different coverage options; for temporary needs, term life is cost – effective. Third, ensure a healthy lifestyle, as it can lead to lower premiums. Industry – standard approaches involve using online calculators to estimate coverage. Unlike not shopping around, this method helps find better deals.
What is the importance of consent in getting life insurance for young adults?
When applying for life insurance, getting consent from the person to be insured is mandatory. The law prohibits forging signatures. For example, if parents want insurance for their 20 – year – old child, the child must agree. This ensures all parties understand the policy terms. It’s a crucial step to avoid legal issues. Detailed in our Impact of age and employment status on getting life insurance analysis, consent is a fundamental requirement. Results may vary depending on individual circumstances.