How Much Life Insurance Cover Do I Need in India?

What is Life Coverage and Why Is It Important?

Factors to Consider When Determining Life Insurance Needs

How to Calculate Your Life Insurance Needs

How Much Life Insurance You Should Get?

The amount of life insurance you should get ultimately depends on your income, lifestyle, debt, etc. However, here are some general guidelines:

happy family members

For Families

If you have young children and a mortgage, aim for higher coverage—typically 10-15 times your income.

single woman

For Singles with No Dependents

You may require less coverage since there are fewer financial obligations; however, consider covering any debts.

older adults

For Older Adults

As children become independent and debts decrease, you may not need as much coverage unless planning for estate taxes or leaving an inheritance.

Illustration of Life Insurance Coverage

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For a Family

Jay is 35 years old and has two young children, and earns ₹12,00,000 annually. Following the income replacement method:

 

Coverage needed = ₹12,00,000 x 10 = ₹1,20,00,000

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For a Single Professional

Sarah is 30 years old with no dependents, and she earns ₹6,00,000 annually.

 

Coverage needed = ₹6,00,000 x 5 = ₹30,00,000

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Life Insurance Coverage

Here are some of the common things that you need to be cautious about while choosing a life insurance policy:

Proper Understanding of Coverage Needs

Many individuals choose minimal coverage without considering future obligations or dependents' needs.

Neglecting Policy Reviews

If you fail to review and update policies after major life events (marriage, children), it can leave your family under-protected.

Ignoring Riders

Riders can enhance policies with additional benefits (critical illness cover), yet many overlook these options.

Not Understanding Policy Terms

You need to ensure clarity on terms like exclusions and claims processes to avoid unexpected things later.

Choosing Based on Premiums Alone

While affordability is important, it should not be the sole factor; ensure the policy meets all necessary needs.

FAQs about Life Insurance Coverage

What is life insurance?

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Life insurance is basically an agreement between a policyholder and an insurance company, where the insurer promises to pay a certain amount of money in exchange for a premium.

What is the coverage of life insurance?

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A life insurance covers the insured person’s life and after their demise, the proceedings go to the beneficiaries.

How many family members can I cover under one life insurance policy?

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In most cases, your spouse and children are covered under your life insurance policy. However, depending on the insurance company and policy plan you are choosing, more members can be covered.

What factors determine the premium of your life insurance policy?

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Several factors determine the premium amount of your life insurance. It includes age and gender of the policyholders, their medical history, occupation, required sum assured, etc. For instance, if you buy a policy at an older age, you are likely to pay a higher premium.

Can I change my life insurance policy later?

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Yes, most policies allow changes; however, premiums may vary based on age or health changes at the time of adjustment.

Is life insurance tax-deductible?

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Yes, life insurance is tax-deductible for up to ₹1,50,000 a year under the Section 80C. Therefore, you can enjoy tax benefits accordingly.

What factors affect life insurance coverage cost?

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Many factors affect life insurance coverage costs, such as age, health, lifestyle, occupation, debt, etc.

Do I need to check insurance coverage regularly?

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Regularly checking insurance coverage ensures that it aligns with your current needs, such as health, finance, etc.

Disclaimer

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  • This is an informative article provided on 'as is' basis for awareness purpose only and not intended as a professional advice. The content of the article is derived from various open sources across the Internet. Digit Life Insurance is not promoting or recommending any aspect in the article or its correctness. Please verify the information and your requirement before taking any decisions.
  • All the figures reflected in the article are for illustrative purposes. The premium for Coverage that one buys depends on various factors including customer requirements, eligibility, age, demography, insurance provider, product, coverage amount, term and other factors
  • Tax Benefits, if applicable depend on the Tax Regime opted by the individual and the applicable tax provision. Please consult your Tax consultant before making any decision.

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