Should you buy life insurance for family members?

We all want our families to be financially secure, especially in the unlikely event that we aren’t there to provide for them. That’s why we buy life insurance policies for ourselves. But sometimes it’s also a good move to get plans for other family members.

Keep in mind—you can’t just purchase a life insurance plan for anyone. An individual buying a policy for someone else must prove that they have insurable interest. That means that the person making the purchase is able to demonstrate that they would face financial loss and hardship should the insured individual pass away. The insurance company will ask for proof and investigate the relationship between the beneficiary and insured before signing off on the policy.¹

Additionally, in order to take out a life insurance policy on someone else, you have to get their consent. They must be willing to cooperate throughout the application process (even if you’re the one paying for the policy). This typically includes agreeing to a medical exam as well as answering application questions themselves. If they are unwilling to participate in any step, you will not be able to take out a policy on them.²

So, which family members might you consider purchasing a plan for? Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

Spouse 

Purchasing life insurance for a spouse is generally considered a smart move. Many people opt to secure coverage for their family’s primary breadwinner. That way, in the wake of a premature death, they are able to replace the lost income that they depend upon. But it also can be a good idea to insure a non-earning spouse as well. After all, these individuals devote a lot of energy to running a household—be it providing childcare, cooking meals, overseeing repairs, etc. In the event of their passing, it’s often necessary to pay someone to cover these tasks and services. And it might be difficult for some people to manage these unexpected expenses. An insurance payout should alleviate at least some of that financial burden.³
 

Parent

Unlike a spouse, buying a life insurance plan for a parent (or grandparent) is typically less of a priority. This is because people don’t often depend on elder relatives for financial support in the same way they do a partner. Nevertheless, there are circumstances in which it makes sense to take out a policy on your parents. Some do so in order to help ensure an inheritance for the next generation. They may also want to use life insurance money to pay for estate fees or funeral expenses, which can be quite high.⁴ Additionally, there are times when the surviving parent is unable to live alone. The funds from a life insurance policy can be used to move them into an assisted living facility or to pay for necessary aides.⁵
 

Child 

Most families don’t depend on their children for their financial well being. So why would anyone buy life insurance for their child? Well, some parents do as part of a broader financial plan to pass wealth to their dependents. After all, some policies have a cash account that grows over time (though there may be better investment vehicles to build their college fund/nest egg). They might also be motivated to lock in a plan at a lower premium. This is especially true for parents who have children with medical conditions. These individuals often purchase a plan while their child is still a minor to ensure that their son or daughter has coverage when they reach adulthood.⁶
 

Sibling 

It’s definitely less common for someone to take out an insurance policy on a sibling. After all, you’re not as likely to have insurable interest on your sister or brother. However, there are cases where it makes sense to consider. For example, say your brother has taken on the responsibility of caring for your parents. A life insurance policy would help you cover costs of elder care should he pass away unexpectedly.⁷ Similarly, if your sibling has chronic health issues or disabilities or if they’ve faced long-term unemployment, the money you receive would help cover any expenses they leave behind.⁸
 

Discussions about life insurance are an important part of your regular financial planning. Taking time to consider family members for whom you might want to purchase a policy can help ensure your family’s financial wellbeing in the face of the unexpected.