Nobody wants to think about what will happen when you exit stage left but, as boring as it can be, preparation is always key.

So you're paying your premium monthly towards your life insurance, serious illness cover and income protection, but what happens when you or your loved ones need to claim on that policy?

You’ve just got married, and you’re already thinking about your other halves’ potential death.

How very Henry the VIII of you.

In all seriousness, getting married is a big deal. Of course, it is – there’s nothing quite like standing up in front of your friends and families and pledging your love to someone forever.

Life insurance used to be for the wealthy.

Many of us 'regular' folk's parents ain't never had no need for no life insurance (gone kinda deep south there for some reason)

Maybe your old man never saw the point or the old dear said it was a waste of valuable money.

Notions, like.

It's far from life insurance you were born young Seán, the car isn't even insured and that's useful.

However, these days, because it's so affordable, life insurance is no longer a luxury.

It's a necessity.

I’m not going to tell you not to smoke.

I’m not your ma.

I’m also not going to tell you about the health risks, because we all already know. After all, we’ve seen the big rotten tumour on the fag packets.

I am going to tell you that smoking makes your Life Insurance premiums more expensive.

And don’t think you’re not included in this one too, holier-than-thou-vape-smokers. While your vape may smell like cotton candy or whatever notion-y flavour you’ve gone for, the insurers will charge you more too.

I'll admit I was worried when Vhi life insurance entered the market. 

Vhi has one million customers, that's roughly 990,000 more than us.

Little Lion.ie taking on the mighty Vhi is like David taking on Goliath, Cúchulainn and Geoff Capes simultaneously!

If you've decided that now's time to get life insurance for your family, congratulations!

It's a smart move and the grown-up thing to do.

But how do you choose the right amount of years for your cover?