Finance
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Retirement Insurance?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Retirement insurance is insurance coverage that is designed to aid individuals who have reached retirement age to continue to enjoy a quality of life that is similar to that enjoyed during their working years. There are several different types of retirement insurance that may be employed as part of the task. Some options focus on providing support for health care, while others focus on home insurance, travel coverage, or even life insurance plans that provide some sort of financial return. The actual structuring of the retirement insurance initiative will vary, based on the needs of the individual retiree.

One of the more important of all retirement insurance benefits have to do with making provisions for adequate medical care. Retirement health insurance can be somewhat expensive, which makes it all the more important to lock in coverage before retirement actually commences. In some nations, health insurance for retirees is provided as a benefit from the government, while citizens in other nations may need to arrange for personal insurance coverage. When putting together this type of retirement insurance plan, it is important to not only consider coverage for doctor visits and medication, but also hospital stays and even long-term care insurance in the event that the retiree needs personal care over an extended period of time.

Retirement insurance allows retirees to maintain their current standard of living, among other things.
Retirement insurance allows retirees to maintain their current standard of living, among other things.

Retirement life insurance is another example of a common component in retirement plans. Typically, the life insurance involved is whole life coverage that is structured to allow the policy holder to receive some type of payment from the cash value after reaching an age designated in the policy terms and conditions. This approach allows the retiree to have a secondary source of income that can augment any funds derived from pensions, government benefits, or investments. The disbursements from the cash value may be set up on an ongoing schedule, or be utilized strictly as emergency funds when and as needed. Many polices of this type also allow for the repayment of those disbursements, which in turn increases the cash value and ensures that beneficiaries receive closer to the face value of the policy once the insured party passes away.

The general idea of retirement insurance is to aid those who have actively retired from working to maintain an equitable standard of living, including access to ongoing medical care. While government benefits may provide some assistance with this task, it is often a good idea for individuals to create and maintain their own private insurance strategies. Doing so increases the chances of being prepared for just about any contingency and being able to enjoy the retirement years to the fullest.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Retirement insurance allows retirees to maintain their current standard of living, among other things.
      By: Digital Editor
      Retirement insurance allows retirees to maintain their current standard of living, among other things.