By Dan Burghardt, Owner of Dan Burghardt Insurance
For a quick quote, contact the quote department directly at (504) 441-RATE (7283) or complete the Online Quote Request form and a representative will reach out ASAP.
Retirement is that magical time when alarms stop ringing, commutes disappear, and coffee starts tasting like freedom. But while the work emails fade away, one thing doesn’t: insurance. The big question many face is what happens to insurance coverage once the steady paycheck and employer benefits say their goodbyes.
The answer, as with most things involving adulthood, is “it depends.” Transitioning from earner to owner—of time, assets, and choices—means rethinking insurance in a way that fits this new chapter. After all, the risks don’t disappear at retirement… they just change shape.
After 40 years of serving Louisiana and Mississippi residents—from New Orleans and Metairie to Slidell, Mandeville, Baton Rouge, Houma, and beyond—the team at Dan Burghardt Insurance has seen every kind of retirement plan imaginable. The good ones all have one thing in common: they keep insurance at the table.
Health Insurance: The Post-Work Puzzle
One of the biggest shocks of retirement is realizing how much an employer actually covered. That magical little “deduction” on a paycheck was doing a lot of heavy lifting. Once retirement hits, it’s time to fill that gap.
For most, Medicare becomes the main player. But Medicare doesn’t cover everything—it’s more like a base model car that needs a few upgrades. That’s where supplemental policies (Medigap or Medicare Advantage) step in to handle costs like prescriptions, dental, or vision.
For early retirees who haven’t reached Medicare eligibility, private health insurance or COBRA coverage can bridge the gap. It’s important to plan ahead because missing that transition window can lead to penalties or coverage lapses.
For a quick quote, contact the quote department directly at (504) 441-RATE (7283) or complete the Online Quote Request form and a representative will reach out ASAP.
Life Insurance: From Income Protection to Legacy Building
Life insurance changes meaning after retirement. When the kids are grown, the house is paid off, and income isn’t coming from a paycheck, the focus often shifts from protection to preservation.
Instead of replacing lost income, retirees use life insurance to cover final expenses, leave a tax-free inheritance, or offset estate taxes. Some use permanent policies with cash value to supplement retirement income or fund long-term care needs later in life.
The key question becomes: Is the current policy still serving its purpose? Many policies bought decades earlier may no longer fit the current financial picture. A review can reveal opportunities to lower premiums, adjust benefits, or repurpose coverage for legacy planning.
Home and Auto: The Lifestyle Adjustment
After decades of rush-hour driving and long commutes, many retirees hang up the car keys more often—or trade in multiple vehicles for one. That lifestyle shift can also mean lower auto insurance premiums. Updating coverage to reflect reduced mileage, eliminating unnecessary extras, or bundling policies can add up to noticeable savings.
On the home front, retirement often means staying put in the dream home—or downsizing to something more manageable. Either way, homeowner’s insurance should reflect the property’s current value and use.
Those who rent out vacation homes or Airbnb properties during retirement need to take extra care. A standard homeowner’s policy may not cover short-term rentals or tenant-related damage. Specialized coverage can prevent the kind of surprises that make retirees miss the office coffee pot.
Health and Long-Term Care: Preparing for the “What-Ifs”
Healthcare costs tend to climb with age. Even with Medicare, gaps remain. Long-term care insurance can protect retirement savings from being drained by nursing care, assisted living, or in-home support.
These policies are easier to obtain—and often cheaper—before health issues arise. Waiting too long can limit options or make coverage unaffordable. A hybrid life-and-long-term-care policy can also provide flexibility, ensuring benefits get used one way or another.
Planning early keeps retirement fun instead of stressful. It’s much easier to enjoy the grandkids’ baseball games when worrying about hospital bills isn’t part of the lineup.
Business and Property Ownership: From Worker to Investor
Some retirees trade the office for entrepreneurship—launching small businesses, consulting gigs, or side hustles. That shift introduces new insurance needs. Business liability, commercial auto, or professional coverage may become relevant again, even after years of “retirement.”
Others shift focus toward investments—rental properties, vacation homes, or partnerships. These assets require their own layers of protection. Landlord policies, umbrella coverage, and property liability insurance guard against the financial risks that can sneak up when assets grow.
Retirement doesn’t mean less responsibility—it means different kinds of responsibility. Insurance helps keep those new ventures from turning back into full-time jobs.
For a quick quote, contact the quote department directly at (504) 441-RATE (7283) or complete the Online Quote Request form and a representative will reach out ASAP.
The Emotional Side of Insurance
No one retires thinking, “I can’t wait to shop for insurance!” Yet, it’s one of the most important parts of protecting everything built over a lifetime. The shift from earning income to managing it requires peace of mind—and that’s exactly what the right policies provide.
Retirement should be about freedom, family, and maybe a few fishing trips. But just like packing sunscreen for a day in Grand Isle, preparation prevents a bad burn later. Reviewing coverage annually ensures that no surprises sneak in as life evolves.
The idea is to spend less time worrying about paperwork and more time enjoying the view from the porch—or the golf course, depending on preference.
After four decades in business, Dan Burghardt Insurance has grown from a small New Orleans agency into a trusted resource for clients throughout Louisiana and Mississippi, proudly serving Metairie, Kenner, Gretna, St. Bernard, Slidell, Mandeville, Covington, Baton Rouge, Hammond, Houma, Thibodeaux, LaPlace, Lake Charles, Bossier City, Central, Lafayette, Monroe, Shreveport, and Alexandria.
Retirement doesn’t have to mean risk. It just means adjusting protection for the life earned through hard work. With the right strategy—and a little humor—it’s possible to retire safely, confidently, and maybe even stylishly.
For a quick quote, contact the quote department directly at (504) 441-RATE (7283) or complete the Online Quote Request form and a representative will reach out ASAP.
