If you think underinsurance is somehow a New Zealand phenomenon then forget it - here is a touching story about someone did have life insurance, and also the many in the US that do not. I also like the passing comment that "group life insurance is designed not to be in force at the time of death". I wouldn't put it so strongly, but continuation rates on leaving a job are so low that it is certainly not a reliable form of cover - and reliability is surely what it is all about!