by Franco S. Madrid

Let me share a story that really stuck with me.

A few months ago, I was assisting a wife who was filing a life insurance claim. Her husband had recently passed away, and thankfully, he was covered under a Group Life Insurance program from one of my corporate clients.

As I was helping her with the requirements, I gently asked,

“Ma’am, aside from this group coverage, meron pa po bang ibang insurance company ang husband ninyo? Pwede ko din po kayo tulungan sa pag claim kahit from other companies yung policies.”

She paused, and with a soft voice said,

“Wala naman po nasasabi sa’kin ang asawa ko.”

At that moment, my heart sank.

It wasn’t about the paperwork — it was about the realization that this woman had lost not only her husband, but might also lose the chance to fully receive what he may have prepared for her. 

If her husband had any other personal life insurance, no one would ever know. No policy documents, no contact person, no record.

Sadly, this kind of story happens more often than you’d think.

Why You Need to “Endorse” Your Insurance to Your Beneficiary

Many Filipinos are responsible enough to get insured — but forget to take the next step: making sure their loved ones actually know about it.

We avoid the topic because it feels uncomfortable — talking about death, money, or what happens “if ever.” But here’s the truth: your insurance plan only fulfills its purpose if the people you love can claim it.

If your spouse, children, or parents don’t even know your policy exists, it’s like buying a gift and never handing it over.

Endorsing your plan simply means:

• Informing your beneficiaries that you have coverage.
• Letting them know where to find the policy documents.
• Telling them who to contact — your financial advisor or the insurance company.
• Explaining what the plan is for — protection, education, retirement, etc.

You worked hard to build financial security. Don’t let silence erase it.

How to Open This Up with Your Beneficiary

You don’t need a big, formal sit-down. Start small and keep it natural.

You could say:

“Hon, by the way, I have a life insurance policy from AIA. If anything ever happens to me, I want you to know where it is and who to call.”

Or maybe:

“Ate, just so you know, I have this policy under my name. You’re one of my beneficiaries. I’ve kept the details in this folder — and my advisor, Franco, can help you if ever.”

If your kids are already old enough, it’s also okay to let them know that you’ve planned ahead — not to scare them, but to give them peace of mind.

When to Involve a Third Party (Executor or Attorney)

For families with multiple properties, business interests, or several beneficiaries, it’s wise to assign a trusted third party — like an executor or attorney-in-fact — who can help manage your estate and ensure everything is distributed fairly.

Consider this if:

• You have complex assets or multiple policies.
• You want to prevent misunderstandings among family members.
• You want professional oversight to ensure your wishes are respected.

An estate planner or financial advisor can help set this up properly.

At the End of the Day — It’s an Act of Love

Letting your loved ones know about your insurance plans isn’t being morbid — it’s being thoughtful.

It’s saying:

“I love you enough to plan for you, even when I’m no longer here.”

Because life insurance isn’t really about dying.
It’s about caring.
It’s about responsibility.
It’s about leaving love, not burden.

So if you have a policy, talk about it.
Don’t let it stay hidden in a drawer.
Your protection plan is part of your legacy — make sure it reaches the people it’s meant for.

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About the Author

Franco Madrid is a dedicated insurance planner and advisor with a passion for empowering Filipinos through financial literacy. He is currently a Senior Life Planner at Cardinal Buoy Financials and AIA Philippines.

He spent two decades in Sales and Business Development in the corporate world before transitioning into the field of Training in 2019, then Habits Formation Coaching in 2020. In 2023, he fully focused on personal finance planning, as well as coaching and teaching, including serving as a financial literacy instructor at the Colegio De Sebastian in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

Franco’s approach to financial education is simple, relatable, and jargon-free. He believes that financial planning should be accessible to everyone, ensuring his audience understands and applies key financial concepts in their daily lives.

Follow Franco’s articles and other content at Insurance Planning PH.