Life insurance is one of those things that few people could fail to benefit from. It offers peace of mind to the policy holder and financial support to its beneficiaries. If you need a list of reasons to get life insurance, here are a few to get you started.

It essentially works like this: in return for your monthly premiums, the insurance company agrees to pay a lump sum to your beneficiaries (the person or people you designate to receive the death benefit).Most obviously, life insurance can provide for your family in the event of your death.

It is important to remember that with this policy, no restrictions are placed up your beneficiaries as to how they utilize the money. Your beneficiaries can decide if it will be used to alleviate debt, purchase their home, or even attend college. The amount they receive will vary depending upon the type and coverage you purchase.

In some instances, the benefit may be used to pay off money you owe. Some people may choose to link their largest debts to a decreasing term insurance policy due to the magnitude of their debts. For instance, a decreasing term policy covering a home debt will charge lower premiums as the the home loan is paid off. The insurance company will pay the remaining amount to the bank should death occurs before the loan has been fully paid.

If you would like your insurance death benefit to pay more than just enough to settle outstanding deaths, whole life insurance may be a viable option. Here, premium payments are made in the course of your life. Plans are available where you to pay a level amount throughout, or pay higher premiums at the start of the policy. Depending on the plan, payments cease stop at age 60, 65 or 85 but coverage will still continue. In the event of your death, the insurance company will pay out a benefit to your chosen beneficiaries. The benefit does not depend on how long you have actually held the policy.

South Africa is only one of two countries where life insurance is available for people who have tested positive for HIV or have AIDs. The premiums are slightly more expensive and the insurance companies will need policy holders to continue with anti HIV therapy.

Be sure to deal with well known, reliable companies with a history of making the payouts they have agreed to. Most experts suggest approaching at least five companies to educate yourself about the different life insurance plans and options available.

Bear in mind that a life insurance policy may be the only protection your family has from financial hardship in the event if an unexpected death. The peace of mind coming from the knowledge that your family will be provided for more than offsets any inconvenience you may experience now.

Tom Martens is the content syndication coordinator at lifeinsurance-southafrica.co.za. South Arica\’s leading Life Insurance portal