Do You Need Life Insurance If You Don’t Have Children?

The following is a sponsored partnership with Aflac. All opinions are 100% my own.

Recently, I’ve received many emails from readers asking about life insurance.

A frequent question is: “Should I consider a life insurance policy before I have children?”

Life insurance can be a difficult topic to consider at any age, but it can provide meaningful financial protection for those you care about—even if you haven’t started a family yet.

Whenever I’m asked that question, my answer is consistent: regardless of your family situation, life insurance is worth considering.

I understand the hesitation—if you don’t have children, you might think life insurance isn’t necessary. September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, making this a good time to explain Aflac life insurance and why it might be a smart choice for you.

What is life insurance?

Life insurance is a contract that pays a designated beneficiary a sum of money when the insured person dies. The benefit can cover funeral expenses, outstanding debts, everyday living costs, or other financial needs your loved ones may face after your death.

The main purpose of life insurance is to replace lost income so family members or dependents can maintain financial stability while they grieve and adjust.

When do you need life insurance?

Life insurance isn’t only for primary wage earners or parents. Even if you’re single, young, and childless, a policy can still protect people who would face financial hardship because of your death. Consider these situations:

You have loans that someone co-signed—student loans, auto loans, or a business loan. If you pass away, your co-signer could be left repaying the debt.
You financially support another person—such as an elderly parent, partner, or sibling—who relies on your income for housing or living expenses.
You’re starting a business or have outstanding financial obligations that could burden others if unpaid.

If you have co-signers on your debt, life insurance should be a priority. A policy can prevent co-signers—parents, partners, or friends—from being unexpectedly stuck with payments.

For example, there have been real cases where a young person’s death left parents responsible for large student loan payments, forcing them to drastically change their finances. A policy could have eased that burden.

If you have a partner who depends on your income for rent, mortgage, or daily expenses, life insurance can protect them from sudden financial strain.

One important advantage of buying life insurance when you’re young is cost. Premiums are typically lower for younger applicants. If you plan to have a policy eventually, enrolling early often locks in a more affordable rate.

Where do I find life insurance?

A well-known option to consider is Aflac.

Aflac is a Fortune 500 company that offers supplemental insurance, including life insurance, serving more than 50 million people through its subsidiaries in Japan and the U.S. Aflac focuses on paying cash benefits quickly to help cover expenses that standard health insurance may not address.

Aflac also emphasizes corporate responsibility. Over the past 25 years, the company has contributed more than $146 million to support children with cancer and their families and helped establish the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center in Atlanta. If corporate ethics are important to you, that commitment may be worth noting.

If you want to explore coverage options, Aflac’s life insurance calculator is a practical tool to estimate how much protection you need. The questionnaire is quick—mine took roughly two minutes—and it provided a clear summary of potential coverage and benefits.

After completing the calculator, it’s straightforward to request a quote for life insurance tailored to your needs.

Many consumers overestimate life insurance costs. A 2019 Insurance Barometer Study found that most people guessed a $250,000 term life policy for a healthy 30-year-old would cost over $500 per year. In reality, averages are much lower.

The typical cost of a life insurance plan can be about $160 per year—roughly $13 per month—making coverage affordable for many people.

If a policy costs around $13 per month, it can be an accessible way to provide financial protection for those who might be affected by your death.

There are many reasons to consider life insurance. If you’re likely to need coverage eventually, applying while you’re younger can save money over the long term.

I’d love to hear from you. Do you have life insurance? Why or why not?

*Aflac company statistic, 2020.

This is a brief product overview only. Coverage may not be available in all states. Benefits and premium rates may vary based on the plan selected. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policy forms and riders include limitations and exclusions that may affect benefits payable. For complete details, refer to the specified policy/rider forms or contact your local Aflac agent for availability and costs.

Z200625 Exp. 9/21