Notifications from Aflac

We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent weather:

To help provide relief for California policyholders residing in Humboldt, Mendocino, Modoc, Napa, Shasta, Sonoma, and Trinity Counties affected by the winter storms, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Jan. 31, 2025, and ending Sept. 29, 2025. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.


We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent weather:

To help provide relief for North Dakota policyholders residing in North Dakota who were affected by the severe summer storms and tornadoes, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting June 21, 2025, and ending Aug. 20, 2025. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.


We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent wildfires:

To help provide relief for Oregon policyholders residing in Oregon who were affected by the wildfires, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting July 16, 2025, and ending Sept. 15, 2025. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.


We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent wildfires:

To help provide relief for Oregon policyholders residing in Crook County who were affected by the wildfires, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting July 12, 2025, and ending Sept. 10, 2025. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.


We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent flooding:

To help provide relief for Texas policyholders and/or certificate holders residing in Bandera, Bexar, Burnet, Caldwell, Coke, Comal, Concho, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, Menard, Reeves, San Saba, Tom Green, Travis, and Williamson counties who were affected by the flooding, Aflac will provide an extended premium grace period starting July 2, 2025, and ending Sept. 8, 2025. This grace period also includes an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other actions required under the policy and/or certificate. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy and/or certificate upon request by the policyholder and/or certificate holder.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This grace period also includes an extension of filing deadlines for claims; temporary relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability of in-network providers or member displacement; and leniency for any other actions required under the certificate.

Affected members should contact Aflac Benefits Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, option 1, for assistance.


We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent wildfires:

To help provide relief for Oregon policyholders residing in Klamath County who were affected by the wildfires, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting July 8, 2025, and ending Sept. 08, 2025. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.


We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent wildfires:

To help provide relief for Oregon policyholders residing in Umatilla County who were affected by the wildfires, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting July 2, 2025, and ending Sept. 02, 2025. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.


We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent wildfires:

To provide relief for New Mexico policyholiders and/or certificate holders residing in Grant County and affected by the Trout Fire, Aflac will provide the following protections for policyholders and/or certificate holders: Provide an extended premium grace period from Thursday, Jun. 12, 2025 through Monday, Sep. 15, 2025. Offer policyholders and/or certificate holders a payment plan of no less than six (6) months if unable to pay the delinquency after the extended day grace period (This applies to all coverages except life.). Work with policyholders and/or certificate holders on premium payments to prevent lapse and cancellation of policies. Waive late fees and penalties. Waive early refill time limits on active prescriptions. Allow additional time for actions required under the policy and/or certificate and the submission of documents due to limited access to service and mobility. Provide an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy and/or certificate. Provide a copy of the policy and/or certificate to the policyholder and/or certificate holder upon request.

In addition to the above, Aflac through Aflac Benefits Solutions will provide the following protections for Network Dental and Vision members and providers: Waive cost sharing and deductibles. Permit one eyeglass or contact lens replacement and one hearing aid replacement during the pendency of the Emergency Order, waiving frequency limitations. Permit one replacement for dentures or other prosthodontic devices during the pendency of this Emergency Order, waiving frequency limits. Waive additional fees, charges, referrals, eligibility and prior authorization requirements for medically necessary services, whether emergent or not. This applies to benefits and services obtained from both in- and out-of-network providers. Extend medical providers' reporting requirements for claims submissions and for additional information relating to claims. Fully reimburse out-of-network providers at the usual, customary, and reasonable rate.

Affected members should contact Aflac Dental and Vision (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, option 1, for assistance.


We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent wildfires:

To help provide relief for Oregon policyholders residing in Jefferson County who were affected by the wildfires, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting June 16, 2025, and ending Aug. 18, 2025. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.


We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent wildfires:

To help provide relief for California policyholders residing in Los Angeles County affected by the wildfires, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Dec. 9, 2024, and ending Aug. 18, 2025. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.


We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent wildfires:

To help provide relief for Oregon policyholders residing in Wasco County who were affected by the wildfires, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting June 11, 2025, and ending Aug. 11, 2025. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.


We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent weather:

To help provide relief for Maryland policyholders residing in Allegany and Garrett Counties affected by the flooding, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting May 13, 2025, and ending July 14, 2025. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.


We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent weather:

To help provide relief for California policyholders residing in Trinity County affected by the Dec. 15, 2024, and Dec. 29, 2024, winter storms, Aflac will provide billing leniency for impacted insureds, an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder. Affected members should contact Aflac at 800-992-3522 for assistance.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. Affected members are not required to obtain prior approval when accessing appropriate out-of-network providers when in-network providers are unavailable. The cost-sharing for out-of-network will be in amount equal to cost-sharing affected members would have paid for the provision of that service in-network. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.


We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent levee failure:

To help provide relief for California policyholders residing in San Joaquin County affected by the Oct. 21, 2024, Victoria Island Levee failure, Aflac will provide billing leniency for impacted insureds, an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder. Affected members should contact Aflac at 800-992-3522 for assistance.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. Affected members are not required to obtain prior approval when accessing appropriate out-of-network providers when in-network providers are unavailable. The cost-sharing for out-of-network will be in amount equal to cost-sharing affected members would have paid for the provision of that service in-network. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.


We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent wildfires:

To help provide relief for California policyholders residing in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties affected by the wildfires, Aflac will provide billing leniency for impacted insureds, an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder. Affected members should contact Aflac at 800-992-3522 for assistance.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. Affected members are not required to obtain prior approval when accessing appropriate out-of-network providers when in-network providers are unavailable. The cost-sharing for out-of-network will be in amount equal to cost-sharing affected members would have paid for the provision of that service in-network. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.


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How Much Life Insurance Do I Need?

It's not uncommon to wonder how much life insurance you should have. Luckily, there are a few aspects and goals you can focus on to make sure your question is answered. This article will help give you a better understanding of how much life insurance you may need.

3 Min Read

How life insurance works

Life insurance is a type of supplemental insurance plan that may come in handy if you want to help support loved ones after you pass. Usually, the policyholder pays scheduled premiums in exchange for the life insurance company paying their beneficiary a sum of cash after they pass.1 With most insurers, you'll determine how much life insurance you need upfront.

What does life insurance cover?

Before determining how much life insurance you need, it's important to understand what life insurance covers. Typically, a life insurance plan covers a death benefit or sum of money given to the beneficiary after the policyholder passes.

The death benefit can be used to help with a host of needs, like everyday utilities and monthly expenses. If you have any dependents, you may be able to use the life insurance payout to help cover their education or childcare.2

Types of life insurance policies you may need

Aflac offers term, whole, and final expense life insurance. We think you'll be able to find something that fits your needs in one of these plans, but there are other options. Deciding which type of life insurance works best for you can directly impact how much life insurance you really need.

Term life insurance

Term life insurance is a temporary policy that can give you coverage for a set time period, such as 10, 20, or 25 years. With this type of plan, you'll want to figure out your future timeline to the best of your ability. It's important to choose the right plan length because there is no payout if the policy expires before your death or you live beyond the policy term.3 Chatting with an agent can help you clarify how much term life insurance you may need.

Whole life insurance

Whole life insurance typically helps provide coverage throughout your entire life. It also contains a cash value portion that lets part of the premium payments grow in a separate tax-deferred account that the policyholder can withdraw or borrow against later in life.4 You may want to consider this type of life insurance plan if you need lifelong coverage.

Final expense life insurance

Final expense life insurance is a type of whole life insurance plan that can help cover end-of-life costs. In addition to helping cover standard funeral costs, these plans can also help with medical, accounting, and final bills.5

Universal Life Insurance

Universal life insurance may also be worth exploring if you are drawn to growing the cash value in various ways, like using a money market rate or index. Determining if you want cash value is something you should consider when deciding how much life insurance you need.6

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What to consider when calculating how much life insurance you need

Consider these factors when figuring out the right amount of life insurance coverage for your needs:7

  • Your income: The death benefit payout from a life insurance policy should ideally be able to help provide financial stability for multiple years if you pass away.

  • Your debts: If you have any debts, such as a mortgage or student loans, your policy should have enough of a payout so that beneficiaries can pay them off in case of the unexpected.

  • Your dependents: Consider how many loved ones rely on you financially when deciding how much coverage you need.

Ways to calculate how much life insurance you need

Here are a few tools you can explore to figure out how much life insurance you need:7

  • Calculate your financial obligations: Mapping out any debts or forecasted costs can help you determine how much coverage you need.
  • Multiply your income by 10: A general rule of thumb to figure out how much life insurance you need is to multiply your gross income by 10.
  • Multiply your income by 10 and add $100,000 per child: If you have children or dependents, it may be helpful to add at least $100,000 for each one.
  • Use the DIME method: The DIME method asks you to consider your debts, income, mortgage, and education when choosing a life insurance coverage amount you may need.

Is life insurance worth it?

Life insurance can be a worthwhile investment if you want your loved ones to have added financial security in case you pass away. Getting a policy can help give you peace of mind knowing beneficiaries will be able to cover expenses and pay off debt in your absence.

Additionally, if you get life insurance with cash value, you can save up funds over time that you can access while still alive through policy loans or withdrawals. Once you've built up enough cash value, you can use it to help supplement retirement income, cover large expenses, or even make a down payment on a house. This can make getting life insurance coverage well worth it.

Get the life insurance you need from Aflac

The right amount of life insurance coverage can help provide a financial safety net for your loved ones. If you're wondering how much life insurance you need, we hope this article helped outline the best approach to figuring out your coverage goals. Chatting with an agent can help simplify the process. Get a quote to see how Aflac can fit into your life insurance budget.

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Learn more about Aflac products for Individuals & Families: