If you’re single, life insurance probably doesn’t feel like a priority. But the truth is, it should be. A lot of people have the perception that life insurance is only important for families – especially families who would be seriously stressed if they lost a spouse. However, life insurance can be beyond beneficial to everyone you leave behind. Discover a few reasons why single people need life insurance.

Need a quick lesson in life insurance? In the simplest terms, life insurance is money you leave your family. You pay a small amount every month/year for this kind of coverage, and you get peace of mind knowing your loved ones will be able to financially face the future.

1. Your debt doesn’t disappear when you do (unfortunately). While children usually inherit things from their parents, parents can inherit their children’s debt after death. So, it’s possible your passing could take more than just an emotional toll on your family… it could take a financial one.
2. You want to pay for a proper send-off. In the U.S., a traditional funeral costs between $7,000 and $10,000 (which includes services at the funeral home, a cemetery burial, and a headstone). If you pass before you’re prepared, someone will have to handle those arrangements.
3. You want to contribute to a cause close to your heart. Your life insurance policy can be your legacy because it (or a portion of it) can be donated after death. If there’s an organization that’s important to you, you can be just as important to it.
4. Your family has a history of health problems. Heart disease? Diabetes? Cancer? If you’re more susceptible to develop a condition or complication in the future, you should invest in life insurance now. While you’re healthy, life insurance is incredibly affordable. In fact, according to Life Happens, a healthy 30-year-old can get a 20-year $250,000 term life insurance policy for about $13 a month.
5. The older you get, the more expensive it gets. Still not sure about life insurance? Consider this, savvy shopper: When you’re young, you’ll be able to lock in a low rate – getting great life insurance at a great price. (Your future self will thank you.)
6. You could have dependents you haven’t considered. Are you taking care of an aging parent or grandparent? Supporting a sibling who needs a little extra attention? Could you be financially responsible for anyone’s future? Even if you don’t have kids, which is what most people think of when they hear the word “dependents,” there are people who might already be (or will ultimately be) dependent on you.

Interested in life insurance? The first step is to get in touch with an independent agent. Independent agents like those at Johnson & Associates Insurance can shop multiple carriers to get you the best price on the coverage you need.

This article originally appeared at Frankenmuth Insurance, and is used with permission.