Free tool · Instant calculation
Cover Gap Calculator
Enter your income, existing cover, and outstanding liabilities to calculate how much international protection you need — and how large your current cover gap is.
Include employer death-in-service + personal policies
Enter your annual income to continue
About the methodology
This calculator uses the income × 10 + liabilities formula — a widely used industry rule of thumb for estimating the minimum life cover required to protect dependants and clear outstanding debts. The figure represents the lump sum needed, if invested conservatively, to maintain your family's financial position indefinitely.
The 70% income replacement figure reflects standard income protection policy limits. Most international income protection policies will replace up to 70% of pre-disability gross income, tax-free.
These are starting points for a conversation — not a substitute for a personalised needs analysis. Your adviser will refine the recommendation based on your dependants, existing cover, tax position, country of residence, and long-term estate objectives.
Frequently asked questions
How much life insurance do I need?
A widely used starting point is 10 times your annual income, plus any outstanding mortgage or significant debts. For example, if you earn £200,000 and have a £600,000 mortgage, the indicative recommended cover is £2,600,000. This is a guideline — your actual needs depend on your dependants, existing cover, lifestyle commitments, and long-term estate goals. A qualified adviser will calculate a more precise figure based on your full circumstances.
Does my UK life insurance cover me abroad?
Many UK life insurance policies include residency conditions and may not pay out — or may be contested — if you have been living abroad at the time of claim. Some policies lapse automatically when you change your country of residence. It is essential to review your policy wording or seek an independent review if you have moved, or are planning to move, outside the UK. International life policies are written to be portable and remain valid regardless of where you reside.
What is the income × 10 rule for life insurance?
The income × 10 rule is a widely used shorthand for estimating life insurance needs. Multiplying annual income by 10 provides enough capital — if invested conservatively — to generate approximately your current income indefinitely, ensuring your dependants can maintain their lifestyle. Mortgage and debt balances are added on top because they represent additional lump-sum obligations at death. The resulting total is a starting point, not a definitive recommendation.
Why is 70% used for income protection calculations?
Income protection policies typically replace up to 70% of your pre-disability gross income. The 30% reduction reflects the fact that income protection benefits are usually received free of income tax (as they are paid from a personal policy, not an employer scheme), meaning 70% of gross income equates to a broadly similar net income. Individual policies vary — some use 60%, others up to 80% depending on the insurer and policy terms.
Find the right international life cover
Our protection specialists can source competitive international life assurance, critical illness, and income protection tailored to your situation.