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The subject of death isn't exactly dinner-table conversation. Infact, it can feel uncomfortable just thinking about — let alonetalking about — this topic. However, preparing for deathis one of the most important acts you can do for your family. Afterall, the loss of a loved one is hard enough without the addedstress of funeral costs and bills looming overhead.

The reality is most Americans need supplemental life insurance,and those who already have a policy may need to update theircoverage. That is why every September, the nonprofit organizationLife Happens coordinates LifeInsurance Awareness Month — aimed at educatingAmericans about the importance of life insurance and how to get thecoverage they need.

Related: 3 reasons life insurance is essential to anybenefits package

Brokers and agents can use the occasion to check in with clientson their life coverage offerings and discuss how they can helpemployees find the policy that works best for them. Here are a fewways to talk about the product with customers.

1. Life coverage matters for everyone, at every stage oflife.

While different types of life coverage are on the market, theyall ultimately serve one purpose: help provide financial securityafter one's death. A life policy can be used in a variety of ways,including helping cover funeral costs, bills and ongoing livingexpenses, paying off outstanding debt like credit cards and themortgage, protecting a spouse's retirement plans or covering achild's college tuition.

The type of policy and amount an employee may purchase willdepend on his or her life stage or recent life events. To helpdetermine if they have the right coverage, consider chatting withcustomers about their personal circumstances and if things may havechanged. Some life circumstances to keep in mind include marriage,parenthood, home ownership, career advancement or retirement. Andthe policy amount will be based on a customer's existing financialresources as well as their immediate, ongoing and future financialobligations.

2. Life coverage plays an important role in a benefitspackage.

Employees from large and smaller U.S. businesses alike recognizethe need for life coverage — 63 percent, to be exact,according to the 2019 Insurance Barometer Study, from Life Happens andLIMRA.

If clients' budgets make the added cost of life coverage aconcern, encourage them to not be deterred. That is because astrong majority (70 percent or more) say benefits packagesare highly important to their well-being, financial health and jobsatisfaction, according to 2018 Aflac WorkForces Reportfindings, which were based on a survey of 1,700 benefits decisionmakers and 2,000 employees across the United States in variousindustries.

Consider offering life coverage on an employee-paid basis, whichstill makes benefits available for workers while helping theclient's bottom line.

3. Life Insurance Awareness Month can make an impact.

Most American employees see the need for life coverage, andbenefits are valuable to them. However, they may struggle withknowing what kind of coverage to own, or how much coverage to havein place.

That makes this month's Life Insurance Awareness Month a primeopportunity to help clients address this tough topic and find thebenefits they need to be better prepared for the future.

Wendy Herndon is second vice president ofproduct solutions at Aflac. She manages product portfoliostrategy, development and implementation.