Choking on annual premium $7740

Have just received renewal for husband's income protection and life insurance and we are for the first time considering not renewing. Our kids are now both working and we are 2.5 years away from retirement and access to superannuation.

If worst scenario and husband hit by bus I could live on (just) income from investment and if his super was released early so much the better.

If he becomes ill and can't work ditto above.

He is self employed and I don't work.

Any thoughts, what would you do?

Jenny,

Premiums seem extremely high? Does your husband have a medical condition?

Have you tried getting quotes from other insurance companies?

May be worth shoppring around/ even reduce the amount covered by the income protection. I'd still keep the life insurance.

BUNDY

does workaholic count as a medical condition?

No - he is well and a non smoker.

The policy provides for $6.5K per month for 5 years/ $582k life cover.

Jenny,

It really depends on your sleep at night factor. If you're (well, your husband) is two years from retirement I'd be inclined to think about how much cover you actually do really need. Income Protection can be really expensive (as you know), especially for that much cover.

It may be prudent to have a look at the amount of cover you have and ask yourselves 'do we really need this much?' 6 G's a month is a lot, could you survive for two years on less than that, providing you can cover your investments and living expenses? If you can get away with say, 4 or 4.5, it's going to make a big difference to your wallet.

Just something to think about.

Mark

thanks Mark, yes I have come to that conclusion myself. Some sort of lesser cover might be the way to go. Have made an appointment to discuss with adviser.

Jenny,

That does seem to be reasonably expensive. My cover is considerably greater and the income protection lasts until I turn 65 (fair way off yet ) and yet it costs me a few thousand less than the figure you quoted. I know there are many variables with life and income insurance premium determination (occupation is very important), however, it may be worth checking the competition.

I suspect it's a stepped premium and it is your hubbie's age which is the primary determinant of the premium.

Talk to your financial adviser. PM me if you want details for a good insurance broker.

Cheers
N.

could the cover be included in your husbands superannuation fund? Many funds have the option for Income Protection (usually for up to 2 years but some go to 5 years), Life insurance and TPD.

Not sure of the after tax difference to your husband being self employed and either keeping policy in own name or through super.

Thanks, Nigel we have appointment for Friday. My husband is 52.5years and although he doesn't want to wish life away he is looking eagerly to 55.

If the renewal had come at $4,500 i probably would have paid it, but we have just shelled out for workers comp and public liability (temporarily emptied the till) and the premium hike on the income protection threw me.

I'm inclined to scrap the cover and skid through if anything untoward happens, but my husband is more conservative and thinks perhaps if we halve current cover ie $4k per month,2years and $250k life maybe the way to go.

Jenny

Have finally received quotes for revised cover:-

Husband is industrial electrican, works on some pretty heavy duty stuff - so our workers comp is v.high and effects rating of below premium.


$5,000 per month income / 5years - waiting period 30 days $3541.47
............"............ 2 years ..................".... $2409.28
............"............ 5 years ............... 60 days $3254.47
............"............ 2 years ..................".... $2112.83

Term Life Cover $600k - $2.421

So still hefty amount to pay with revised down income.

For the benefit of others I learnt that the waiting period means if 30 days, you get monthly payment at 60 days for the previous month

Also if cancer/heart attack, immediate income with no waiting period. (cheerful I know)

Also the tax office treats income payment as T A X A B L E I N C O M E (BL--DY HOODS WAITING OUTISDE THE SICK ROOM FOR THEIR CUT) So pay the premium and protect yourself (be responsible) - save the govt sickness benefits and .....................

I think we have almost decided (more discussion needed) to bite the bullet for next 2 years and have decent cover. ie 5yrs,30days @ $3541 + $2421 for life cover.

Life insurance consultant asked about our level of debt (as life insurance should indealy cover that amount) - I said $1.85 mill and he replied "I don't want to know about it" got to laugh eh?

So boring subject I know, has no sex appeal at all, but needs to be addressed.

Cheers
Jenny