When a family is thinking about getting life insurance, they assume that it is needed for the employed spouse. Many U.S. companies offer life insurance benefits to their employees but often do not offer it to the non-employed spouse.

Contributions made by a non-working spouse is just as valuable as contributions made by a working spouse. Some factors to consider when getting life insurance for a non-working spouse are:

• How much would if cost if you were to hire people to do the job of the non-working spouse?
• Would you have to burden family members and friends to help you as you go through this difficult time?
• Will there be any extra expenses associated with the loss of a spouse?
• Will the working spouse have to cut back in hours, therefore receiving less pay, to make up for the duties performed by the now deceased non-employed spouse?

The loss of your spouse is a difficult time, but to add financial difficulties to the situation will not only affect your immediate family but also forces you to rely on other family members and friends. Therefore, when considering life insurance for an employed spouse, you should also consider life insurance for the contributions made by the non-employed spouse.