1 in 3 U.S. workers do not have a legacy plan in place

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Oct 06, 2026, 10:55 ET

Aflac Life Insurance and Legacy Planning Study highlights important planning gaps for the U.S. workforce

COLUMBUS, Ga., Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Preparing for the future can help families provide clarity and support during some of life's most difficult moments. The Aflac Life Insurance and Legacy Planning Study¹ conducted among 1,000 adult employees in the U.S., and published by Aflac, the leading provider of supplemental health insurance in the U.S.,² finds that most American workers recognize the importance of having critical planning documents such as wills, powers of attorney and advance healthcare directives. That said, many have yet to take key steps to prepare, potentially leaving loved ones to manage the crucial emotional, financial and administrative challenges to be handled on their own. For those who've experienced the loss of a loved one and navigated the responsibilities that followed, the study found that nearly half (45%) say the emotional impact was the most overwhelming aspect of the experience, while 43% report difficulties handling financial matters. Also concerning is that 74% say the experience affected their productivity at work.

"No one can fully prepare for the emotional impact of losing a loved one, but this study shows that readiness is not simply about documents or finances; it's about helping families navigate an already difficult period with greater clarity," said Scott Beeman, divisional president, Aflac Premier. "Many people recognize the importance of planning but are unsure where to begin or feel overwhelmed by the process. At Aflac, we believe support should extend beyond insurance coverage alone. By planning ahead and providing access to meaningful support through our work with Empathy, Aflac is here to support better outcomes for workers, their employers and loved ones."

Among those who have managed a loved one's affairs, the study further identified additional unexpected challenges that can arise during an already difficult time, including 37% struggling to balance responsibilities with work demands and 40% struggling with funeral and memorial arrangements.

The study also found a growing demand for practical guidance, digital tools and professional support that help individuals move from awareness to action. This preparedness gap is reflected in additional key findings from the survey, including:

95% say it is important to make end-of-life matters easier for their loved ones.
79% would be likely to use a care manager to help navigate end-of-life matters.
77% say having a last will and testament is important, yet only 57% have one.
71% say a power of attorney is important, but only 50% have completed one.
67% say advance healthcare directives are important, while only 54% have them in place.
38% of respondents who have documented end-of-life preferences don't believe their loved ones know exactly where to find them.

Workers need support turning awareness into action
Awareness of end-of-life planning is high, yet many workers face barriers that prevent them from taking action. Workers across generations most often cite uncertainty about where to begin, perceived complexity, cost concerns and discomfort discussing end-of-life topics as reasons for delaying or avoiding planning activities. More than half of respondents indicated that simple, step-by-step guidance would make them more likely to complete important estate-planning activities.

Aflac provides guidance to help workers prepare for the future and navigate the loss of a loved one with Empathy
For Aflac, meaningful support means being there for employees at every stage of the plan. Providing greater value, the company partners with Empathy, a leading technology company transforming the way people plan for and navigate life's toughest moments. Through this collaboration, Aflac provides covered employees with legacy planning and bereavement support today and extends that same bereavement support to their beneficiaries alongside the payout.

"Aflac's research confirms what we see across the industry: People know why planning matters, but too many don't know where to start, and that gap only widens in life's hardest moments," said Ron Gura, co-founder and CEO of Empathy. "That's the thinking behind full-circle care at Empathy, support that meets people before a crisis and stays with them through it. Aflac has been a long-standing partner in that vision, and this research reinforces what we've seen firsthand: Real, connected support doesn't just help people; it redefines what a benefit like life insurance can be."

The 2026 Aflac Life Insurance and Legacy Planning Study results are available at no cost to workers, families and employers seeking to better understand the importance of life insurance and legacy planning, particularly their effects on personal and workplace well-being.

"Although no plan can lessen the loss of a loved one, this study serves as a reminder that planning for the future is ultimately an act of care, providing clarity, confidence and peace of mind when important decisions must be made," Beeman said. "And for employers, offering end-of-life planning resources represents an opportunity to support employees' wellness while fostering a resilient workforce capable of balancing job responsibilities and managing the affairs of a loved one."

To learn more about the study, download the report here.

ABOUT THE 2026 AFLAC LIFE INSURANCE AND LEGACY PLANNING STUDY
The Aflac Life Insurance and Legacy Planning Study was conducted in partnership with Kantar Profiles Division between May 29 and June 9, 2026. The study surveyed 1,000 employed U.S. adults to assess levels of understanding, education, preparedness and experiences related to life insurance, estate planning, end-of-life planning and managing a loved one's affairs after death.

ABOUT AFLAC INCORPORATED
Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL), a Fortune 500 company, has helped provide financial protection and peace of mind for more than seven decades to millions of policyholders and customers through its subsidiaries in the U.S. and Japan. In the U.S., Aflac is the No. 1 provider of supplemental health insurance products.² In Japan, Aflac Life Insurance Japan is the leading provider of cancer and medical insurance in terms of policies in force.³ The company takes pride in being there for its policyholders when they need us most, as well as being included in the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for 20 consecutive years (2026) and Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies for 25 years (2026). In addition, the company became a signatory of the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in 2021. To find out how to get help with expenses health insurance doesn't cover, get to know us at aflac.com or aflac.com/español. Investors may learn more about Aflac Incorporated and its commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability at investors.aflac.com under "Sustainability."

ABOUT EMPATHY
Empathy is a leading technology company transforming how the world plans for and deals with life's hardest moments with AI and human care, serving more than 50 million policyholders across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. Backed by $162 million from top-tier venture firms such as Index Ventures, General Catalyst, Adams Street Partners, and other leading funds, alongside strategic investments from global financial institutions, Empathy offers comprehensive, expert guidance through bereavement, estate management, legacy planning, caregiving, leaves of absence, and more. Recognized by Apple, Google Play, and Fast Company, Empathy pairs technology built for scale with the kind of care only people can give, redefining the standard for what modern support looks like. Learn more at empathy.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a legacy plan, and why is it important?
A: A legacy plan helps ensure that an individual's wishes, finances and important decisions can be managed according to their preferences in the event of illness, incapacity or death. Legacy planning may include documents such as a last will and testament, power of attorney and advance healthcare directives. According to the Aflac Life Insurance and Legacy Planning Study, while most workers recognize the importance of these documents, many have not yet completed them, potentially creating additional emotional, financial and administrative burdens for their loved ones.

Q: What did the Aflac Life Insurance and Legacy Planning Study reveal about workforce preparedness?
A: The study found a significant gap between awareness and action. While 95% of respondents said it is important to make end-of-life matters easier for loved ones, only 57% have a will, 50% have a power of attorney and 54% have advance healthcare directives in place. The findings suggest that many workers understand the value of planning but often delay taking action because they are unsure where to start, perceive the process as complex, have concerns about cost or feel uncomfortable discussing end-of-life topics.

Q: How is Aflac helping employees and families address legacy planning needs?
A: Through its partnership with Empathy, Aflac provides eligible employees with access to legacy planning and bereavement support resources designed to help individuals prepare for the future and navigate the loss of a loved one. The services are intended to provide practical guidance, tools and support before and after a loss, helping individuals and families manage important personal, financial and administrative responsibilities with greater confidence and clarity.

¹Aflac Life Insurance and Legacy Planning Study. Aflac Incorporated. Published September 2026.
²LIMRA 2025 U.S. Supplemental Health Insurance Total Market Report.
³As of March 31, 2025, Aflac estimates based on company data.

Media contact: Jon Sullivan, 706-763-4813 or [email protected]

Analyst and investor contact: David A. Young, 706-596-3264, 800-235-2667 or [email protected]

Group supplemental insurance coverage is underwritten by Continental American Insurance Company (CAIC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Aflac Incorporated. CAIC is not licensed to solicit business in New York, Guam, Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands. In California, coverage is offered by Continental American Life Insurance Company. In New York, coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.

Empathy: These services are intended for general purposes and are not a substitute for professional psychological or medical advice. Empathy may not be available in some states in connection with this partnership.

CAIC's affiliation with the Value-Added Service providers is limited only to a marketing alliance, and CAIC and the Value-Added Service providers are not under any sort of mutual ownership, joint venture, or are otherwise related. CAIC makes no representations or warranties regarding the Value-Added Service providers and does not own or administer any of the products or services provided by the Value-Added Service providers. Each Value-Added Service provider offers its products and services subject to its own terms, limitations and exclusions. Value-Added Services are not available in Idaho, Minnesota, or New Mexico. State availability may vary.

SOURCE Aflac