Life Insurance - What does life insurance cover?

Life insurance offers financial support to your loved ones after you’ve passed away.
By Kayla Steenkamp
An old lady who is happy because she has Life Insurance.
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The level of coverage will depend on the type of life insurance you have, but most policies cover natural and accidental causes of death. 

Life insurance provides for:

  • Funeral and burial costs.

  • Mortgage payments.

  • Personal debts.

  • Day-to-day expenses.

Many life insurance policies do not cover suicide for the first two years. 

So, be sure to read the fine print to make sure you understand what is and isn't covered.

Health Care - How do I cancel my health insurance policy?

         

You can cancel an individual or private health insurance policy at any time. The best time to do this is during the open enrolment period or else you may not be able to join a new plan.

The open enrolment period usually takes place between November 1 and December 15. 

Cancelling Medicare is a serious decision you will need to submit a letter and have an interview with a social security representative. 

You must submit Form CMS-1763 (PDF), to the Social Security Administration (SSA). You can also get this form by visiting or calling the SSA (1-800-772-1213) to get this form.

Medicare Advantage can not be cancelled at any time, you will need to wait for the annual enrollment period.

If you are part of a group health insurance plan through your employer, you won’t be able to cancel at any time. It is best to talk to your HR department about your options.

You can generally cancel by phone, email, or on your insurer's website. Make sure you have your policy number ready when you’re planning to cancel it.

Medicare - At what age can I get Medicare insurance?

  

     

Medicare is available to Americans who are 65 and older, people with disabilities, and those with end stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

The first chance you have to sign up for Medicare (initial enrollment period) starts three months before you turn 65 and lasts for three months after.

The Medicare start date depends on which month you sign up. Medicare coverage always starts on the first day of the month.

If you qualify for Part A, which is premium-free, your coverage will start in the month that you turn 65. 

If your birthday is on the first day of the month, then coverage will start in the month before you turn 65. 

If you select Part B, for which you’ll need to pay a premium, coverage will start in the month that you sign up.

Home Insurance - Why do I need home insurance?

        

While home insurance isn't legally required, there are many benefits of homeowners insurance. 

Home insurance pays for losses and damages caused by unexpected situations, like a fire or break in. 

If you want to buy a home, your mortgage company will require you to have home insurance. 

General homeowners insurance does not cover earthquakes, flooding, and hurricanes. This means you will need to take out extra cover for these situations.

Auto Insurance - What is personal injury protection (PIP) in auto insurance? 

Personal injury protection (PIP) is also known as no-fault insurance. 

This type of insurance pays for the medical costs of those injured in a car accident.

It does not cover nonpersonal injury expenses such as car repairs.

Many states require PIP as part of their no-fault auto insurance laws, while others don't.

PIP insurance generally covers:

  • Medical expenses due to the accident.

  • Wages lost due to injuries.

  • Rehabilitation costs.

  • Funeral expenses and survivor benefits.

Pet Insurance - Do you get a discount if you have pet insurance for more than one pet? 

Many pet insurance companies offer multi-pet discounts when you insure more than one pet.

Discounts may vary, but most providers offer an incentive for insuring more than one pet.

The discount structures vary. Some insurers offer discounts on each pet's premium, while others provide a discount on the total premium.These discounts are usually between 5-10%.