Jakarta, IO – Families can always prepare for any uncertainties and life challenges.

To mark Indonesian Insurance Day, PT Asuransi Jiwa Manulife Indonesia (Manulife Indonesia) is encouraging Indonesian families to reassess their financial readiness and secure appropriate protection against health risks, economic challenges, and other unexpected events.

The Manulife Asia Care Survey 2026 found that 62% of Indonesian adults have caregiving responsibilities for family members. At the same time, they plan to allocate an average of 60% of their financial assets toward their own financial independence and 40% as an inheritance for their children and families.

These findings reflect a strong commitment to family while highlighting the importance of financial planning that meets current needs without compromising future protection.

“Family needs are naturally the main consideration in financial planning. However, families also need protection to better prepare for risks that could affect their health or income. By understanding their priorities and the risks they face, families can take more relevant steps at every stage of life,” said Shierly Ge, Chief Marketing Officer of Manulife Indonesia.

Here are five practical steps families can take:

1. Assess your family’s health and financial situation.

Start by reviewing your income, regular expenses, dependents, debts, and existing insurance coverage. Health conditions should also be part of the assessment. The Asia Care Survey found that 16% of Indonesian adult respondents had never undergone a comprehensive health check conducted by a medical professional. Regular checkups and an understanding of family medical histories can help families anticipate future needs and estimate their potential financial impact.

2. Build an emergency fund through regular savings.

An emergency fund provides a financial cushion for unexpected expenses, such as medical bills, home repairs, or income disruptions. Ideally, families should build their funds gradually through regular contributions, initially targeting enough to cover three to six months of expenses.

The appropriate amount will depend on the number of dependents and income stability. To ensure the money is available when needed, emergency savings should be kept in safe, liquid, and easily accessible instruments.

3. Protect your income and family against unexpected risks.

Income supports everyday expenses, education, loan repayments, and other family goals. When income is disrupted by illness, accidents, or other risks, these plans can also be affected.

Insurance can be part of a risk management strategy to help protect a family’s financial stability if its main breadwinner can no longer fulfill their usual role. The protection provided depends on the policy’s benefits, covered risks, terms and conditions, and applicable claims procedures.

4. Review your long-term financial plans.

Family needs change over time. Education plans, retirement preparations, and inheritance arrangements should therefore be reviewed regularly, at least once a year or whenever family circumstances change.

Open conversations can help family members understand shared priorities and their respective roles. This is consistent with the survey’s finding that 82% of Indonesian adults believe open and honest conversations about aging and retirement can help improve well-being.

5. Seek professional guidance when needed.

There is no single approach that works for every family. Financial professionals, including insurance agents, can help families assess their needs, identify gaps in coverage, and understand available options based on their financial goals and capabilities.

Before making a decision, families should carefully review the benefits, costs, risks, exclusions, and duration of any product they are considering.

Indonesian Insurance Day serves as a timely reminder for families to pause and reassess their financial preparedness. These steps do not have to be completed all at once. What matters most is starting with the most pressing needs, setting priorities and sticking to them, and updating plans as family circumstances evolve. (eka)