How Much Life Insurance Do You Really Need?
When you enroll in your new group benefits plan, it includes a built-in life insurance benefit, which is a great foundation for financial protection. But it's important to know that group life insurance is not designed to cover everything your family may need if something happens to you.
Understanding Your Coverage
Group Life Insurance: A Great Start, But Not the Whole Picture
Group benefits plans are primarily designed to support your health and dental needs, and they often include a basic life insurance benefit—usually one or two times your annual salary.
While that’s a helpful start, it’s typically not enough to cover long-term expenses like your mortgage, child care, education savings, or lost future income.
This is why life insurance should be a personal calculation—something you assess based on your individual and family needs, outside of what's provided through your employer plan.
Calculating Your Needs
So, How Much Life Insurance Do You Actually Need?
There’s no universal answer, but here are a few quick ways to estimate what makes sense for you.
The "10x Your Income" Rule
A simple rule of thumb to get a quick estimate of how much coverage you may need:
For example, if you earn $70,000/year → consider $700,000 in total coverage. This gives your loved ones a financial cushion, especially in the early years after a loss.
The "DIME" Method
DIME stands for Debt, Income, Mortgage, and Education—the four major categories life insurance should cover:
Debt
Any outstanding loans — credit cards, car loans, and other personal debts.
Income
Your salary × number of years your family will need support.
Mortgage
The remaining balance on your home so your family isn't burdened with payments.
Education
Future education costs for your children — university, college, or training.
Think About Lifestyle Protection
This isn't just about covering bills—it's about protecting your family's lifestyle.
Stay in the Same Home
Could your family remain in the home they've built their life in — without financial pressure forcing a move?
Maintain Their Standard of Living
Would they be able to keep the same quality of life — groceries, activities, routines — without cutting back?
Fund Future Plans
University, college, caregiving support — a thoughtful plan helps protect the milestones that matter most.
Where to Find Your Coverage Details
To review your current life insurance coverage—including the amount, eligibility, and how to add personal coverage on top of your group plan—follow these steps:
Log In to Your Portal
Sign in to the employee portal provided by your employer or plan administrator.
Open Your Benefits Booklet
Your group benefits booklet outlines your life insurance benefit amount and eligibility details.
Talk to Your Advisor
Reach out to your Healthwise Advisor to discuss additional personal coverage options.
You Don't Have to Figure It Out Alone
Life insurance is part of your new group benefits plan—but the right amount of protection goes beyond what's built in. Whether you're thinking about getting additional coverage or just want to talk through your options, we're here to help.