It's never too early to protect a life

An insurance agent's job is to do everything he or she can to protect the client, the client's family and the client's property, no matter what. Sometimes, that includes broaching touchy subjects like life insurance for newborns or children.

"Lots of people think it's weird to discuss that kind of thing for children," says Missouri Farm Bureau Insurance agent Dana, "but I try to establish a relationship with my clients, so that they trust me when I make a recommendation."

The relationship Dana built with clients Billy and Amanda made a long-term difference in the life of a young child. Dana was comfortable enough with Billy and Amanda that she discussed whole-life insurance when their first baby was born. The couple had whole-life for themselves with Dana, as well as home and auto insurance.

"I'm a huge advocate for our guaranteed purchase option, which is a rider that comes attached to life policies for children," Dana says. "It makes it so that the kiddo can purchase additional life insurance no matter what their health condition turns out to be."

At the time, the couple didn't think it was important. The last thing you want to think about when you have little kids is the need for life insurance, so Dana didn't press the issue. But she really got to know them over the next few years, and when they had their second baby, she stressed the importance once again. This time, Billy and Amanda thought long and hard and purchased whole-life policies with the GP option for both baby Malina and the now-kindergarten-age Jenna.

The couple soon learned that they made the right choice in the worst way. Just shy of her second birthday, Malina was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. By this time, Dana was very friendly with the family. They used the same YMCA, saw each other around town. They were Facebook friends, the whole nine yards. She'd watched the children grow.

"The news wrecked me," Dana says. "I'd gotten to know them. But no matter how familiar you are, news like that eats you up." Dana did everything she could for the family. She made meals for the long days in the hospital. She and her daughters sent gifts. These are the things you do for the people you care about.

Today, Malina has just started kindergarten, and she is cancer-free. But she likely faces ongoing health issues, including further surgeries. "She'll battle," Dana says.

But she won't battle alone. Because of the decision her parents made years before - when it seemed like it wouldn't matter - Malina will never be denied coverage from Missouri Farm Bureau Insurance. That guaranteed purchase option has made it so that she can purchase life insurance through age 40, no matter her current health.

"It really puts it in perspective why we offer these types of products," Dana says. "We're not just a 1-800 number. We know our clients and really try to do what's right for them." View all stories