You’ve come to a point in your life where you have a bevy of responsibilities. Whether you’ve just bought your first home, gotten married, or started a growing family, you have people you love who rely on you. You need to make sure they’re taken care of even if the worst happens and you can no longer support them. It’s time to think about life insurance. Buying your first life insurance policy shouldn’t be difficult, but there are things you’ll need to know to get the best policy for your situation. Here are five steps to help you figure out what kind of policy you need and how much coverage you should purchase.

You may be breathing a sigh of relief as you approach eligibility for Medicare, the U.S. government’s health insurance program primarily for individuals aged 65 and older. After all, the free Part A of Medicare covers costly hospital stays, while Part B, with a modest premium, pays for doctor visits and outpatient services. You will also have the option to enroll in a Medicare Advantage program, which encompasses Parts A and B plus prescription drug coverage along with, in many cases, extra benefits like dental and vision care.