Uncertainties in life can make us think more about the financial security of our loved ones. Life Insurance is the first thing that comes to mind to fulfil such needs. The need for buying a suitable Life Insurance Policy has grown further amidst the current COVID-19 Pandemic.
While buying a Life Insurance Policy, the selection of adequate life cover is a must. However, many people feel confused about it. You might have heard individuals asking– ‘How much insurance do I need?’
The lack of knowledge about sum assured selection can cause financial hassles in the long run. Hence it is crucial to understand the parameters on which this decision should be based.
Parameters to consider before selecting Life Insurance cover
1. Life goals
Most of the big goals in life– yours and that of your loved ones, require adequate financial assistance. For instance, you might have thought of preparing your child to receive higher education abroad. This would require an ample amount to pay for the related educational expenses. In case something happens to you, your children would have to compromise on their educational goals because of financial crunch.
The purpose of buying a suitable Life Insurance Policy is to provide the much-needed financial backup to your family in case of your unexpected demise. The coverage will help them maintain their lifestyle the way they usually do. Having a list of major life goals handy will give you a better idea of the amount your family would need to fulfil their goals. By factoring in these goals, you can make an informed decision to choose Life Insurance coverage amount.
2. Age
Wondering – ‘how much insurance do I need when I’m young?’ Most Life Insurance buyers do this while pondering over Life Insurance maximum amount. The truth is– your age at the time of buying Life Insurance is a significant parameter that determines sum assured selection.
At different life stages, financials need change. You might not have many financial liabilities if you are in your 20s. However, as your family grows, these liabilities are most likely to grow as well. For example, you might have planned to buy a new home or car in the recent future. A suitable Life Insurance coverage amount for your family would be the one with which they can maintain their lifestyle as it is.
Another angle to look at the age factor is its impact on the premium for Life Insurance maximum amount. At a young age, you are eligible to buy an adequate sum assured at low premiums. It is because of the lesser risk of health diseases or similar eventualities. You also get the facility to choose an extended policy period to spread the premium payable, making it affordable to your pocket. By considering the age aspect carefully, you will better understand how much Life Insurance do you need.
3. Current financial liabilities
Ever wondering why bank officials ask for a nominee when you borrow a loan? They do this to contact the nominee for loan repayment in case something unexpected happens to you.
Now, think of all the assets that you have purchased through loans. Your family would end up bearing the burden of these debts if you won’t be around, which is the last thing you would want to happen.
Even the simplest Term Insurance can help your family deal with such financial stress. To calculate an adequate Life Insurance coverage amount, you need to chart out such liabilities. Make a list of all the loans you have borrowed– organized or through money lenders, if any. Then look for different Term Insurance Plans that can provide sufficient coverage at an affordable premium.
All such considerations at the time of buying Life Insurance can make you live happily, knowing that your loved ones are covered with a backup, and they can fulfil their dreams without any financial barrier.
4. Regular Income
Whether you are self-employed or salaried, you know how difficult it is to sometimes deal with sudden expenses. For many people, their regular income is just enough to sustain their livelihood, let alone achieving big dreams. Irrespective of how much you earn, you want the best to happen to your family always, which is why buying Life Insurance is important.
To the question – ‘How much insurance do I need for my family?’, the simplest answer is to check your income. Next to buying Life Insurance, you need to pay the premiums on time to keep the policy in force. Your income should support this expense to allow your family to receive Life Insurance amount in case of an eventuality.
A better way to look at the right life cover selection is to balance the premium and coverage. The Life Insurance coverage amount should be enough to support your family financially after you, while its premium fits well into your regular expenses. It is recommended to have life cover of at least ten times the annual income. While it is a good reference to pick, you should check what suits your profile the most.
5. Estimated Working Years
Given the work you do; you might have made plans for your retirement. You want to enjoy life after retirement with your spouse, not worrying about the work-related mundane. A crucial aspect of Retirement Planning is to get done with major financial responsibilities during the working years. The Life Insurance coverage amount you choose should correspond to a premium that you can easily handle during these years of your life.
By having a fair idea of when you would like to retire, you will have a duration in mind within which you need to plan to pay for various obligations. Life Insurance premium payment, which also becomes a responsibility, can be handled within your work life. You can select a limited pay option with your Life Insurance Plan and finish paying the premiums early on while the policy continues till a later age. Similarly, you can plan to get a monthly income and life cover under different Life Insurance Plans.
