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It is not uncommon for many happy
couples to spend months in wedding planning mode to guarantee that their special
day is flawless. But as couples prepare to share a life together, they need to
look further down the road to plan for their future security.
"Engaged couples should examine
their existing insurance policies to make sure they are adequately protecting
both their possessions and each other." |
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good-health-care.net suggests that couples consider a few common insurance
issues before they leave for the honeymoon.
In Sickness and Health
Health insurance generally costs less for married couples than for two separate
individuals. If both are covered by employer-sponsored health insurance, it may
make sense to integrate health plans. Couples should determine which of the two
plans is more attractive and obtain coverage under that plan. If one spouse is
uninsured, the other can add him/her to the existing policy.
When comparing policies, they should consider the monthly premium, deductibles,
co-payments for routine and emergency care, the doctors and hospitals that
participate in each plan , and any additional coverage provided.
Unmarried couples may have a more difficult time getting coverage if one
companion is uninsured because employer-sponsored health plans don't always
offer domestic partner coverage. For plans that do offer this coverage, the
value of the coverage provided to the partner is taxable as income for the
employee and may not provide suitable benefits for the couple. Individual
policies may be a more appropriate option, and in many cases, the only option.
Til Death Do Us Part
Life insurance is not a topic most people like to talk about, but it is a
serious consideration for couples that have promised to spend their lives
together. The right policy can help protect family members from losing an income
stream, or missing mortgage or tuition payments. To make sure either spouse
could carry on financially after the death of the other, both should consider an
appropriate amount of life insurance.
If either spouse owns an existing life insurance policy, he/she should review
both the beneficiary designation and the adequacy of his/her coverage. They may
want to name their spouse as beneficiary and, depending on their situation, may
need more coverage than when they were single.
There's No Place Like Home
For newlyweds, both spouses' property is automatically covered under the typical
homeowners policy. This is not necessarily true for unmarried couples, however,
so they should consult with their agent or carrier to determine if coverage can
be extended to both partners. Policyholders should clarify these matters so
there isn't any question.
If renting an apartment, couples end up with twice as many possessions under one
roof. Renters insurance provides coverage similar to homeowners insurance,
protecting their possessions and offering liability protection.
Getting married is a major event in a person's life - the kind of milestone that
marks a change in their responsibilities. Reexamining insurance needs before the
ceremony is over will help couples be sure they can live happily ever after.
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