Four Ways to Determine the Ideal Term Insurance Coverage for You

Purchasing a term insurance policy is a major step in securing your family’s future. However, the real value of this decision lies not just in having a policy, but in choosing the right amount of cover. If the sum assured is too low, your family may still struggle financially in your absence. On the other hand, if it is too high, you may end up paying more than necessary.

To help ensure your insurance cover aligns with your family’s financial needs, several calculation methods are commonly recommended. Each approach considers different variables, and understanding them will help you determine a coverage amount that is both adequate and affordable.

Below are four key methods you can use—either manually or by using a term insurance calculator—to assess the ideal life cover.

1. Human Life Value (HLV) method

The Human Life Value approach calculates the financial worth of your life based on your potential future earnings and current financial responsibilities. This includes factors such as your income, living expenses, outstanding loans, and future goals like your children’s education or spouse’s retirement.

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To apply this method, start by estimating your income over the remaining working years. Then subtract your expected expenses and liabilities to determine the financial support your dependants would need in your absence. This technique is ideal if you’re looking for a comprehensive, long-term view of your family’s future financial needs, especially when factoring in inflation.

Many insurance providers offer an HLV-based term insurance calculator on their websites, allowing you to estimate the necessary cover more accurately and conveniently.

2. Income replacement method

As the name suggests, this method focuses on replacing the income you would have earned if you were to pass away prematurely. It’s a straightforward formula:

Required cover = Annual income × Number of working years left

For example, if your annual income is Rs. 12 lakh and you plan to retire in 20 years, then you should ideally have a cover of around Rs. 2.4 crore (Rs. 12 lakh × 20).

This method works well for working professionals and salaried individuals who want to ensure their families maintain the current lifestyle even in their absence. However, one limitation is that it may recommend a higher sum assured without accounting for existing investments or assets.

3. Expense replacement method

This approach revolves around the actual financial needs of your family in your absence. You begin by calculating your household’s monthly and annual expenses, long-term financial goals (e.g., children’s higher education or marriage), liabilities such as home or car loans, and support required for ageing parents or dependants.

Once you have the total future expenses, subtract the value of your current financial assets—excluding the house you live in and other essentials likely to remain with your family. Also deduct any existing life cover. The remaining amount will give you a more tailored estimate of the insurance coverage you require.

Many financial planners prefer this method, as it offers a realistic and holistic view of what your family will need to maintain financial stability over time. It also helps you decide if a top-up policy or a completely new term insurance policy is necessary.

4. Underwriter’s rule (Thumb rule method)

This widely-used method offers a quick estimate of the minimum life cover one should have. Traditionally, insurers and agents suggest a cover that is at least 10 times your annual income. So, if your income is Rs. 8 lakh per year, you should have a minimum life cover of Rs. 80 lakh.

However, financial experts argue that this basic thumb rule might fall short, especially in today’s environment where expenses and financial goals have grown significantly. It is now commonly recommended to aim for 15 to 20 times your annual income—or even more—depending on your family obligations.

While not the most precise, this method is useful as a baseline to ensure you’re not underinsured, especially when used alongside a term insurance calculator for more accurate planning.

When to increase your term insurance cover

Even after selecting an appropriate term insurance policy, it is important to revisit your coverage periodically. Life events such as marriage, the birth of a child, buying a home, or starting a business can significantly increase your family’s financial dependence on you.

To address these changes, many modern term plans come with a cover enhancement feature, which allows you to increase your sum assured at key milestones in your life. For instance, your cover could increase automatically by a set amount when you get married or welcome a child. While this often comes with a slight premium hike, it ensures that your policy stays aligned with your growing responsibilities.

If your existing policy doesn’t support this feature, you may consider purchasing an additional policy to supplement your cover. Always compare policies and premiums carefully before doing so.

Final thoughts

Determining the right coverage for a term insurance policy isn’t about guessing a number—it’s about thoughtful calculation and forward planning. While rules of thumb may offer a starting point, they rarely provide the full picture. Instead, consider using a term insurance calculator and selecting a method that reflects your current income, future expenses, and long-term family goals.

A well-calculated term plan ensures that your loved ones are financially secure, regardless of what life brings. It’s not just about the premium you pay—it’s about the peace of mind you gain, knowing your family’s future is in safe hands.