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Term insurance explained: what it covers and how much you need

Term insurance is the simplest life cover: a large payout to your family if you die during the term. How to think about the cover amount.

Financialdiary Editorial Team

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A term plan pays a fixed sum to your nominee if you die during the policy term. If you outlive the term, a standard term plan pays nothing, which is why its premium is far lower than savings-linked policies.

Who needs it#

Anyone whose income supports others: a spouse, children, parents, or a home loan that the family would have to repay.

Working out the cover#

  1. Add up the loans your family would need to close.
  2. Add the cost of major goals you want protected, such as children's education.
  3. Add enough to replace your income for the years your family would depend on it.
  4. Subtract existing savings and investments that would be available.

A multiple of annual income is often used as a quick check, but the step-by-step method above reflects your actual situation.

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