Frequently Asked Questions About Life and Health Insurance
Trust & Legitimacy
Is Protect Your Familia a legitimate insurance agency?
Yes. Protect Your Familia is a licensed life and health insurance agency serving Texas families. If you searched for us online and found a warning about a site with a similar name, that's a different business, not ours. Our site is protectyourfamilia.com. You can verify any agent's license directly through the Texas Department of Insurance license lookup at tdi.texas.gov.
How do I know my information is safe with you?
We only ask for the information needed to quote and set up your policy, and we never sell your data or add you to a list without your permission. If you get a call or email claiming to be us and asking for something that feels off, contact us directly to confirm before responding.
Final Expense
What is final expense insurance?
Final expense insurance is a small whole life policy designed to cover funeral costs, medical bills, and other expenses left behind after you pass away, so your family doesn't have to pay out of pocket or go into debt.
How much coverage do I actually need?
Most families choose between $5,000 and $25,000, based on average funeral costs in their area plus any outstanding debts. We can walk through the real numbers together so you land on a figure that fits your situation, not a generic estimate.
Will I need a medical exam?
No. Final expense policies typically use a short health questionnaire instead of a medical exam, so approval is faster and easier for older applicants or people with health conditions.
How fast does the policy pay out?
Most final expense claims are paid within a few days to two weeks once the claim and paperwork are submitted, fast enough to cover funeral costs without delay.
What happens if I miss a payment?
Most policies include a grace period, usually 30 days, before coverage lapses. If you're worried about missing payments, ask about setting up automatic draft so it's one less thing to track.
ACA (Marketplace) Health Insurance
What is ACA health insurance?
ACA stands for the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. It's health coverage bought through the federal or state Marketplace, and depending on your income and immigration status, you may qualify for a subsidy that lowers your monthly premium.
Am I eligible for a subsidy?
It depends on your household income and, for non-citizens, your immigration status. Starting January 1, 2027, subsidy eligibility for non-citizens narrows to lawful permanent residents, Cuban or Haitian entrants, and COFA migrants. If you're not sure where you stand, send me a message and we'll check together.
When can I enroll?
Open enrollment runs once a year, typically November through January, though you may qualify for a special enrollment period if you've had a major life change like losing a job, getting married, or having a baby.
What's the difference between Bronze, Silver, and Gold plans?
The metal tiers describe how you and the plan split costs. Bronze has the lowest monthly premium but the highest costs when you actually use care. Gold is the opposite, higher premium, lower costs at the doctor. Silver sits in the middle and is often the best fit if you qualify for extra cost-sharing help.
What happens to my ACA coverage if I lose my job?
Losing your job usually triggers a special enrollment period, so you can get Marketplace coverage without waiting for open enrollment. If your income drops, you may also qualify for a bigger subsidy than before.
Non-ACA Health Insurance
What is non-ACA health insurance?
Non-ACA plans are health coverage sold outside the Marketplace. They can include short-term medical plans, indemnity plans, and other alternatives, usually with lower premiums but fewer built-in protections than ACA plans.
Does non-ACA coverage include pre-existing conditions?
Usually not, or only in a limited way. Most non-ACA plans can deny coverage or charge more based on your health history, which is the tradeoff for the lower premium. This is worth reviewing carefully before you switch.
Who is non-ACA coverage a good fit for?
It tends to work best for generally healthy people who want lower monthly costs, need a bridge between jobs, or don't qualify for an ACA subsidy and are comparing prices. It's not usually the right choice for anyone managing an ongoing health condition.
Can I have both an ACA plan and a non-ACA plan?
In some cases, yes, a non-ACA plan can supplement an ACA plan to cover specific gaps like dental, vision, or a high deductible. We can look at what you already have and figure out if a supplement makes sense.
IUL (Indexed Universal Life)
What is IUL insurance?
IUL is a type of permanent life insurance that combines a death benefit with a cash value account. The cash value can grow based on the performance of a market index, like the S&P 500, without being directly invested in the market.
How does the cash value actually grow?
Your cash value growth is tied to index performance within a cap and a floor set by the insurance company. The cap limits how much you can gain in a strong year, and the floor protects you from losing cash value when the index drops. The exact numbers vary by policy and carrier, so we go over them together before you decide.
Is IUL the same as term life insurance?
No. Term life covers you for a set number of years and has no cash value. IUL is permanent coverage that lasts your whole life, as long as it's funded properly, and builds cash value you can potentially borrow against later.
Who is IUL typically a good fit for?
It tends to make sense for people who want lifelong coverage, have maxed out other tax-advantaged savings options, or want a death benefit paired with a cash value they can access later for things like retirement income or emergencies.
Are the growth numbers guaranteed?
No. Index-linked growth is not guaranteed and depends on market performance within the policy's cap and floor. Any illustration you see is a projection, not a promise. I'll walk you through exactly what's guaranteed and what isn't before you commit to anything.
General Questions & Getting Started
How do I know which policy is right for me?
It depends on your age, health, budget, and what you're trying to protect, whether that's funeral costs, income replacement, or long-term savings. The fastest way to find out is to talk it through together. There's no cost for that conversation.
How much does life insurance actually cost?
It varies a lot based on your age, health, and the type and amount of coverage. Final expense policies can start under $50 a month. The only way to get a real number is a quote based on your specific situation.
Do I need to be in good health to qualify?
Not necessarily. Some policies, like final expense, are designed specifically for people with health conditions or older age. We'll find the right fit based on where you're at, not assume you don't qualify for anything.
How long does the process take?
For final expense, approval can happen in days. For fully underwritten policies like some IUL products, it can take a few weeks because of the health review. I'll tell you what to expect up front based on the policy you're considering.
Does it cost anything to get a quote or talk to you?
No. Quotes and consultations are free, and there's never any pressure to buy on the spot.
How do I get started?
Send a message or give me a call, and we'll go over your situation together to figure out what actually makes sense for you and your family.
This information is general and educational, not personalized legal, tax, or financial advice. Exact terms, costs, and eligibility vary by carrier and individual situation.
