Life insurance is an important risk management tool
Life insurance is a particularly effective risk management tool for Filipinos, given the unique socioeconomic challenges and cultural values that characterize the Philippines. Here are several reasons that illustrate why life insurance is especially important for Filipino families.
1. High family dependency
In the Philippines, there is a strong cultural emphasis on family and community support. It is common for a single income earner to support multiple family members, including children, spouses and often extended family such as parents and siblings. Life insurance ensures that in the event of the breadwinner’s untimely death, the financial needs of these dependents are addressed, thereby preventing significant economic hardship.
2. Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs)
A significant portion of the Filipino workforce consists of OWFs who leave the country to work abroad at higher-paying jobs to support their families back home. Life insurance is crucial for these workers as it provides financial security for their families in the Philippines in case they face life-threatening situations abroad. Given the risks associated with working in foreign countries, life insurance acts as a safety net that protects the economic well-being of their families.
3. Limited social safety nets
The Philippines, like many developing countries, has limited social welfare programs, and public benefits may not sufficiently cover the needs of all families, especially in times of crisis. Life insurance fills this gap by providing financial support for expenses such as health care, education and daily living costs in the event of the death of the family provider.
4. Preparation for natural disasters
The Philippines is prone to natural disasters like typhoons, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. These events can have devastating effects on the livelihoods and homes of many Filipinos. Life insurance policies can offer additional riders or provisions that provide financial payouts in such circumstances, helping families to rebuild and recover without the burden of significant financial strain.
5. Support for children’s education
Education is highly valued in Filipino culture, and parents often go to great lengths to ensure that their children receive a good education, viewing it as a key to better opportunities. Life insurance can secure the necessary funds for education, ensuring that children can continue their schooling uninterrupted, even if the parents are no longer there to support them financially.
6. Managing debt and financial obligations
Many Filipino families have financial obligations such as mortgages, personal loans, or business debts. Life insurance provides a financial safety net that can be used to settle these debts if the primary earner passes away unexpectedly. This prevents the debt from becoming a burden to the surviving family members and helps maintain their financial independence and stability.
7. Estate planning and inheritance taxes
Life insurance can play a critical role in estate planning by providing the funds needed to pay inheritance taxes and other related expenses, ensuring that assets of the deceased are passed on to their heirs without financial complications. This is particularly important in the Philippines, where handling estate matters can be both complex and costly.
8. Cultural importance of responsibility
Filipino culture places a strong emphasis on the responsibility of taking care of one’s family. Life insurance is viewed not just as a financial tool but as a fulfillment of a moral duty to protect and provide for loved ones even after death. This aligns with the deeply ingrained values of Filipinos concerning family and community care.
READ: The misperception of life insurance in the Philippines
In conclusion, life insurance serves as a critical risk management tool for Filipinos, providing financial security and peace of mind amid the uncertainties of life. It aligns with both the practical needs and cultural values of Filipino families, making it an essential component of financial planning in the Philippines. INQ
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Randell Tiongson is a registered financial planner of RFP Philippines. To learn more about financial planning, attend the 107th RFP program this May 2024. Email [email protected] or visit rfp.ph.
