Reader’s Question:

I just started freelancing after I resigned my full time job. Since I am no longer part of the company I used to work for, the sent me letter saying that my life insurance policy will either be cancelled or be transferred to a personal policy. I have worked for that company fro 6 years until I resigned. Do I get equity for that? Should I rather transfer to a personal policy than cancel it? I am single with no dependents so I have thought of canceling it. I live in Oklahoma.

Dan

Lawton, OK

It really depends on the type of plan you had. If it was a term life insurance policy, then the benefits would expire after a period of prescribed term. However, if it was a whole life insurance policy, it will allow you to receive a portion of the ‘cash value’ that it was able to gain after 6 years of your employment with that company. You better read the policy if you are lucky to have its copy.

Since you are single and without any dependent, then it might not be very sound to purchase a life insurance policy in Oklahoma. Remember that unlike a health insurance plan which actually secures yourself during medical emergencies, a life insurance plan is really intended to secure the life of the dependent/s in the event that the policyholder (presumed to be the breadwinner) dies prematurely. I think it is better to drop it and instead of paying premiums for a new life insurance policy, then better save your money and consider buying a long term care plan which you might find useful when you get older or get disabled. Though there is also a rider for a life insurance policy which has benefit for critical illness. But remember that you should never cancel a life insurance policy if you have not thought about it much yet.