The likelihood of using a benefit in the near future is the No. 1 factor influencing the purchasing decision, according to a recent Sun Life Financial study.

This begs the question: What are people most likely to use? For brokers looking to offer customization through voluntary benefits, what products they should offer can differ depending upon life stages.

Young adulthood

It's easy to underestimate one's need for insurance when a person is young and feels invincible. Especially if without children, many might not see the need for common voluntary products such as life, accident or disability insurance.

This can be a challenging time for many young adults. For the first time, they are no longer covered as a dependent on their parents' plans and are now responsible for buying their own insurance. Everything from health insurance, to dental, vision and auto insurance are products they might need to consider. For all these changes, it's often worthwhile for them to talk to an adviser to gain a better understanding of the types of benefits available and how they pertain to their specific situation.

When it comes to core medical insurance, it's not uncommon for younger adults to look at high-deductible health plans. These individuals are less likely to go to a doctor unless they have an accident or serious condition, so the high deductible isn't as much of a worry. They also might look at health savings accounta as a way to build cash reserves for future health costs or conditions.

Life insurance can be a worthwhile investment for those at a younger age because it will likely come with lower premiums for being young and healthy. It's also a good place to start investing money for the cash value feature in some life insurance policies. The accumulated cash values could be used as a loan for other expenses down the road.

The need for disability and accident insurance are surprisingly important for young people to consider. In fact, one in four 20 year-olds will experience an income-interrupting disability before they retire. Despite these odds, wage earners exhibit low awareness and understanding of the need to safeguard their income. And, accidents are just that—accidents—which means they are hard to predict. It never hurts and can only help to have added protection especially for young people living an active lifestyle.

Middle adulthood

There are a variety of changes that can arise throughout a person's middle years; marriage, children or grandchildren, schooling and the growing possibility of health issues. These changes, as well as the inevitable curveballs life throws one's way, all contribute to changing needs in insurance which can be met by the flexibility of voluntary benefits.

At this point, individuals may be enrolled in more comprehensive medical coverage as they have a greater likelihood of using their benefits. Also, if expanding their families, the comprehensive coverage will help protect families as well. It's not uncommon that the start of a family comes with the purchase of a home, so homeowners insurance becomes an option.

It's also no secret that children can be accident prone. One study suggests a third of all fall-related visits to the hospital emergency room are from children younger than 14. Thus, an accident policy which protects an individual and his or her family may be something to consider.

Simply from the standpoint of age, the likelihood of a critical illness may increase the need for protection against the staggering costs for treatment and recovery. As for people in their middle years considering their options for protection, looking more closely at a critical illness policy will often be worth considering.

While not everyone will be married or have children, for those who fit this demographic, the need for life insurance may be increased. Marriage and children mean that individuals have dependents and life insurance provides security for those dependents should anything happen to them. Many don't want to jeopardize their homes, their children's educational futures or their family's way of life if they aren't around to help provide for them.

A combination of short- and long-term life insurance policies may be something to consider to help account for the heightened responsibilities that people face at this age. In addition to life insurance, many may start thinking about long-term care coverage. This financial tool can sometimes be coupled with life insurance and be an incredible asset which grows over time. This is especially true when coupled with a voluntary discount legal program, which is useful for drafting a will or estate planning. These are other ways individuals can plan for their families' future security and financial protection.

Employees' middle years are often their prime working years and, as such, disability insurance takes on greater importance. A person's income is his or her most valuable asset, and it's difficult to predict the length of any disability. That's why using a mix of coverages that can account for disabilities, whether employees are out of work for short and long periods, can help mitigate financial risks.

Later adulthood