Skip Navigation Links

Whoops, we don’t support the browser that you are currently using.

For the best experience, please consider using Firefox Version 28 or newer. We also support Microsoft Internet Explorer Version 11, Microsoft Edge Version 12 or newer, Apple Safari Version 9 or newer, or Google Chrome Version 21 or newer.

You can browse the content of our site using an unsupported browser, but we can’t guarantee the site will work properly. If you want to obtain an online rate quote, calculate your needs online, fill out an application, or access the Account Section, you will need to download a browser that we support. We continually update our website so that it works best with the newer versions of “standard” browsers.

Thank you!


Don't set it and forget it. Practical advice for managing life insurance if you're under 40.

As we have heard so many times in life, the only constant is change. Life is always “happening” — sometimes it's expected, and sometimes it's not. One thing we all know is that being prepared for either can make a big difference in our lives and those we care about. As a dental professional, you likely know better than most that staying on top of things means less work and heartache in the long run. That practice applies to your life insurance coverage as well.

Many would argue that the right amount of insurance is the cornerstone of a strong financial plan, which will ensure everything else we accumulate and build will be protected.

To help you consider whether it's time to supplement your existing life insurance coverage, consider these questions below.

Have you experienced a lifestyle change in the past year or so? For example, moving from a double to single family income, welcoming a new child or buying a new home? Are you caring for, or expect to be caring for, an aging parent?

Any of these changes can spur the need to consider the adequacy of your life insurance protection. You need enough to cover your financial obligations and outstanding debt, which is usually 10 – 12 times your annual income1. This accounts for inflation, market returns and average household expenses.

When one partner leaves the work force to take care of a growing family, the remaining income becomes even more critical to securing the lifestyle and goals of the family. Don't overlook the importance of insuring the stay-at-home caregiver. At a minimum, a surviving caregiver would want enough coverage to pay someone to provide the services the stay-at-home parent was providing for free.

Are you planning to open your own practice or thinking about expanding your current one?

Most lenders will require that you have life insurance to collateralize your loan should you die prematurely. Additional life insurance could also help a spouse or other loved one cover business debt or obligations associated with the practice you leave behind.

Could long-term financial goals be met if your income were to stop?

Would there be enough assets to cover a child's (children's) college education; would the surviving partner have sufficient income to pay off the home mortgage or cover other substantial outstanding debt, freeing them to meet everyday living expenses (i.e., bills, groceries, entertainment, vacations, housing costs) on a reduced household income? Would there be enough income or assets to cover the cost of care for an aging parent?

Do you have a child that will require your financial support into adulthood?

Ensuring an adult child will have the care and support they require is an important motivator for confirming you have adequate life insurance. It could help cover the costs and expenses associated with a child's care as well as help ensure the quality of life they were used to continues.

Do you have a large estate and are concerned about tax liabilities?

Federal estate tax rates can be a significant percentage of your gross estate and must be paid in cash within nine months of death. Quite often it's the estate's personal assets that are used to cover tax debt. However, assets such as an IRA or a personal residence are not easily liquidated on short notice without substantial tax penalties. Proceeds from a life policy are typically received income tax free and could be used by your beneficiaries immediately to fund estate taxes while preserving assets.2

You've already covered an important base by making sure life insurance is at the cornerstone of a sound financial plan. However, and as we know so well, our lives, lifestyles and financial obligations have a way of changing. That's why it's a good idea to find the time to periodically review your coverage to make sure it's enough.

As you age, it gets more expensive to buy life insurance. Moreover, certain health conditions can make premiums increase — or worse, make it difficult to qualify for life insurance coverage at all. Now's the time to ensure the cornerstone of your financial plan is up to date by periodically reviewing your coverage to make sure it's enough.

*Approved rates will be determined after medical underwriting.
1Ramsey, Term Life Insurance Calculator;
2We are mot tax experts, please consult with your tax expert for more information.

CLC.4738762.04.23
Top
About Us
Contact
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use
Subscribe

The information on this website is not a contract. Protective refers to Protective Life Insurance Company (PLICO) and its affiliates, including Protective Life and Annuity Company (PLAIC). PLICO, founded in 1907, is located in Nashville, TN and is licensed in all states excluding New York. PLAIC is located in Birmingham, AL, and is licensed in New York.

Protective® is a registered trademark of PLICO. The Protective trademarks, logos and service marks are property of PLICO and are protected by copyright, trademark, and/or other proprietary rights and laws. ADA® is a registered trademark of the American Dental Association (ADA). ADA Members Insurance Plans® is a registered service mark of the ADA. The ADA trademarks, logos, and service marks are the property of the ADA and used by Protective with permission. In some states, the ADA is entitled to receive royalties from the ADA Members Insurance Plans.

ADA Members Insurance Plans refers to the group life, disability, and supplemental medical policies issued by PLICO and PLAIC to the ADA.

Policies issued by PLICO in all states except New York: Term Life Insurance1 (TL-P 1-21), Student Term Life Insurance (TL-ST-P 2-21), Universal Life Insurance1 (TP-P 11-20), Level Term Insurance2 (LT-P 1-21), Disability Income Protection Insurance3 (IP-P 7-20), Office Overhead Expense Disability Insurance4 (OE-P 9-20), Student Disability Income Insurance3 (ST-P 8-20), Hospital Indemnity Insurance (HI-P 11-20), and Critical Illness Insurance (CI-P 7-20).

In New York, policies issued by PLAIC: Term Life Insurance1 (TL-P-NY 1-21), Student Term Life Insurance (TL-ST-P-NY 2-21), Universal Life Insurance1 (TP-P-NY 2-21), Level Term Life Insurance2 (LT-P-NY 2-21), Disability Income Protection Insurance3 (IP-P-NY 12-20), Office Overhead Expense Disability Insurance4 (OE-P-NY 01-21), Student Disability Income Insurance1 (ST-P-NY 1-21), Hospital Indemnity Insurance (HI-P-NY 1-21), and Critical Illness Insurance (CI-P-NY).

Consult the policy for benefits, riders, limitations, and exclusions. Benefits adjusted for misstatements of age or sex. Benefits are provided under a group policy issued to the ADA. Each Plan participant will receive a Certificate of Insurance explaining the terms and conditions of the policy. An insured must maintain continuous ADA membership to remain eligible for insurance.

1For term life insurance and universal life insurance, premiums increase annually based on age. The Premium Credit is not guaranteed but reevaluated periodically. Universal life recommended premiums consist of the costs of insurance (which vary based on the member’s age and coverage amount), the amount a member places into the Policy Value Account and service charge. Premium deposits may fluctuate or remain level.

2For level term life insurance, premiums are fixed based on the member’s age, gender and coverage amount at issue.

3Premiums increase every five years based on age for disability income protection. Premium Credit is not guaranteed but reevaluated periodically.

4Premiums increase every 10 years based on age to age 60 and every 5 years thereafter to age 75 for office overhead expense disability. Premium credit is not guaranteed but reevaluated periodically.

Coverage for dental student members is issued regardless of condition if under age 60. Coverage automatically renews each academic year. Individuals may convert coverage to the plans for practicing dentists after graduation by paying member premiums and maintaining continuous ADA membership.

Unsubscribe | Privacy Policy | View Online