It’s not exactly a round-the-dinner-table topic – discussing life insurance can seem daunting at any time. The thought of dying isn’t a nice one, but unfortunately, it’s one that may have to be confronted should you want to safeguard your family’s future.

Dealing with this harsh reality is essential for creating a secure financial framework for your family. Life insurance can eventually provide for your loved ones if you no longer can, and could help your family to cope without adding financial stress.

Ensuring that you are fully covered could give you peace of mind. If you have dependents, meaning if you support anyone at all through your income, this type of cover is important to many people. Life insurance is not just for parents – some people support a spouse or aging parents, and with the right cover they will continue to be supported in the event of your death.

Facing up to your own mortality is never easy – one American study of 2000 adults has shown that parents would rather talk with their children about almost anything else including religion and politics, and drugs and alcohol. Even the “birds and the bees” came above life insurance in the list of potential conversation topics! Perhaps this nervousness about talking life cover is one of the reasons why that here in the UK not everyone has made the decision to buy?

Discussing life insurance might be uncomfortable but it could make a big difference to your family’s future. Barbara McVicker, an expert in care says, “Having conversations about topics such as life insurance and end-of-life-care is much easier to do before a crisis hits.

Sometimes the best way is to begin a conversation by tying it into an event that's in the news or an anecdotal story about someone your family knows who died unexpectedly and didn't have life insurance.

It can help to have a third person in attendance such as a family lawyer, insurance agent or financial planner, who can answer specific questions about the different options available.”

We recommend mentioning the subject in a relaxed way – it doesn’t have to be morbid or too solemn. Life insurance policies are generally cheaper for people if you buy when you’re younger, so by putting it off, it could be costing you more.

If you require help or advice on cover, so you can have a more informed conversation, feel free to call one of the team today on 0800 612 8005.