Key takeaways
- Cover debts plus dependants' living costs for a set period.
- Subtract super death benefits and existing assets.
- Review after major life events.
There is no single right amount of life insurance — it depends on who relies on your income and what they would need if you were gone.
On this page
A simple cover calculation
Add: outstanding mortgage and debts, estimated living costs for dependants (often 5–10 years), education costs, funeral expenses. Subtract: super death benefit, existing savings, partner's income if sufficient.
- Clear the mortgage so your family keeps the home
- Fund school fees if you have children
- Allow for partner time off work to grieve and adjust
- Do not double-count cover you already hold in super
Cover by life stage
Young singles with no dependants may need little beyond funeral costs. Families with mortgages need the most. Empty nesters may reduce cover as debts fall.
When to review
Review cover when you take a mortgage, have a child, change jobs, or divorce. Decreasing cover as debts reduce saves premium.
General information only — not personal financial advice. Consider your own circumstances and read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before purchasing any policy. Moneyhero may earn referral fees from some providers when you switch through us; this does not change how results are ordered. How we compare
Frequently asked questions
Calculating life cover, income protection, and TPD — practical questions and rule-of-thumb answers.
Should I count super as part of my life insurance coverage?
Yes — include any default life and TPD cover held in super when assessing total coverage. However, check the current insured amounts (shown on your super statement) and the definitions of disability that apply, as default super cover may be less comprehensive than retail policies.
How does my income protection benefit interact with other payments?
Income protection benefits are generally reduced if you receive compensation from other sources — workers compensation, sick leave payments, or other disability benefits — to ensure the total does not exceed the agreed benefit amount. Review the policy offset provisions carefully.
Should I have more life insurance when I have a mortgage?
Yes. A mortgage is the most common reason Australians hold life insurance — to ensure dependants can repay or service the home loan if the income-earner dies or becomes permanently disabled. As the mortgage reduces, the required cover amount typically reduces with it.
How often should I review my life insurance cover?
Review whenever a major life event occurs: buying a property, having a child, changing jobs or income significantly, or paying off a major debt. A general review every two to three years is also good practice, as premiums and policy terms in the market change regularly.