FREE expert help & advice 0800 083 2829

Contact our specialist team for FREE expert help & advice 0800 083 2829

How Much Life Insurance Do I Need?

Working out how much life insurance you need shouldn’t feel like guesswork.

How much life insurance do you really need?

It’s one of the most common questions families ask, and one of the hardest to answer with a single number. Buy too little cover and your family could still struggle financially. Buy too much and you’re paying more in premiums than you need to.

Our free life insurance calculator gives you a clear starting figure in under a minute. You won’t need to enter any personal details, and there’s no obligation to do anything with the result.

What the calculator works out

The tool builds up a recommended level of cover from the four things that usually matter most:

Your outstanding debts, including the mortgage, loans and credit cards
The income your family would need to replace if you weren’t there to earn it
Ongoing caring costs, such as childcare, school fees and after-school clubs
A buffer for funeral expenses and immediate costs while your family adjusts

Add those together and you’ve got a working figure for the sum insured your policy should pay out. It’s the same approach our advisers use as a starting point when they sit down with a client.

Why the result is a starting point, not a final answer

Every family is different, and the calculator can’t see the full picture. The right amount of cover for you also depends on factors like your age, your health, any workplace death-in-service benefits you already have, and whether the policy will be written in trust. That’s why we always recommend a quick conversation with one of our advisers before you commit to a policy.

Use the calculator below to get your figure, then call us on 0800 083 2829 for a free, no-pressure chat about what to do with it. We’ve been doing this for 25 years, and the first call costs you nothing.

High blood pressure (hypertension)

Increased stroke risk

Risk of aortic rupture

Nosebleeds

Angina

Cramping sensations in the legs

Sensitivity to hot and cold

Weak muscles

Those with severe coarctation of the aorta usually require surgery, although this will depend on their age and overall health. The required procedure is one that widens the aorta, known as an angioplasty procedure.

Why Choose Us?

STEP 1

Complete form

STEP 2

Speak to us about your needs

STEP 3

We’ll search the market

STEP 4

We recommend the best product to suit your needs

STEP 5

Tell us when you want it to start!

Insurers will assess these main criteria when considering underwriting and approving an application for a person who wants life insurance with coarctation of the aorta:

Severity of the condition

When you were first diagnosed with coarctation of the aorta

Your age

Whether your coarctation of the aorta has been treated surgically

Medications currently being taken

Family medical history

Whether you smoke

Any other related health complications such as heart disease

At The Insurance Surgery, we are leading specialists for putting people in touch with the best insurers when they are seeking to take out life insurance with a condition like coarctation of the aorta. We understand that every client’s condition and circumstances are different, and will help compare the market to find you the best life insurance providers and cover plans for your needs. Simply enter your details into one of our online forms for your free no-obligation life insurance quote.

Critical Illness Cover

Just like life insurance, critical illness cover can be available to some sufferers of coarctation of the aorta. Cover will depend on the severity of your condition and the extent to which it impacts on your general health, well-being and lifestyle.

You may find that insurers are more strict when offering policies for critical illness cover. You may need to provide medical confirmation in the form of records from your GP.

If your condition is manageable and you have no symptoms, it is possible to have an application for critical illness cover accepted on standard terms. If however your symptoms are more severe and you have had surgery, you might be offered cover with non-standard terms that are bespoke to your situation.

Contact us at The Insurance Surgery for more details and to be put in touch with insurers offering critical illness cover that fits your unique circumstances.

Income Protection Insurance

If you are running or supporting a household with bills to pay, it’s a good idea to consider Income Protection Insurance.

This is especially important for anyone living with HIV who is self-employed and doesn’t have access to sick pay. Income Protection can reduce the stress of paying rent, mortgage or monthly bills.

Why Choose Us?

Underwriters assessing life insurance for those with coarctation of the aorta will consider the following:

Underwriting for professional football players seeking life insurance cover will depend on the following factors. Insurers may request more details on the following:

We search the UKs biggest insurers in minutes to get the cheapest quote

Peace of mind cover for you and your family

Free & Impartial Advice from our specialist team of experts

No pushy sales people, we want the best for you

Loved by our customers and 5* rated

Price Match Promise guarantees you the best price

Whether you have had surgery for coarctation of the aorta

Whether you smoke

The impact your condition has on your job

Following these considerations, an insurer will normally be able to inform you of the kind of policy you will be eligible for based on your circumstances.

Generally speaking, if you have coarctation of the aorta but your symptoms do not require treatment and you have never been in hospital for surgery as a result of your condition, you should be eligible for a ‘non-rated’ life insurance policy.

However, if you have had an angioplasty procedure to correct your condition, and you are suffering from symptoms in line with it, you may be considered a higher risk for life insurance, and could pay a higher premium than someone with no symptoms. An insurer will likely request medical records from your doctor to confirm your details and to offer you the best policy available.

At The Insurance Surgery, we have helped many people find the right coarctation of the aorta life insurance cover for their needs. Ratings for an individual seeking life insurance with coarctation of the aorta can vary depending on their individual circumstances, so it is important that you approach the right insurance provider that understands the nature of your condition.

Do You Need Life Insurance?

If you’re the primary breadwinner or share financial responsibilities, a life insurance policy can help your family maintain their standard of living in the unfortunate event that you’re no longer around to support them.

Life Cover Terminology

Understanding life insurance terminology is essential for policyholders to make informed decisions about their cover, we have broken down the meaning for some of the most used terms.

Useful Links

At The Insurance Surgery, we are specialist life insurance providers for those who have congenital heart defects like coarctation of the aorta. We can help compare the market to find you the right insurance providers that can meet your needs while understanding the nature of your condition.

Why Choose The Insurance Surgery?

Rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot.

We take pride in the experience that we offer, guaranteeing excellent service at all times.

25 years Experience.

With 25 years of specialist life and protection experience, we can find the perfect policy for you.

Access to a range of insurers.

With a broad selection of partners, we are well-equipped to find the best insurance deals for you.

Award-winning broker.

Known for making insurance simple, The Insurance Surgery is a trusted, award-winning broker.

form to be added

Understanding Inheritance Tax (IHT) and Life Insurance

Understanding how IHT works and the ways to mitigate its impact can help you plan and ensure that your loved ones don’t face unexpected tax bills.

How Much Does Life Insurance for HIV Cost?

Since the introduction of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), premiums for those living with HIV have significantly reduced over the last 15 years. The amount you pay each month in policy premiums depends on your specific circumstances. When assessing your application, insurers will take into account factors such as your CD4 count and viral load.

Our experts will help you find the best deal to suit your needs and budget, taking the time to go through the different policies and discuss any concerns you may have.

For a clearer idea of the average cost of life insurance, visit our Guide.

Life Insurance with HIV Case Study 1

James is 31 years old and was diagnosed with HIV in 2017. He wanted to obtain both life insurance and critical illness cover to support his wife and child should anything happen.

We found James Life Insurance & Critical Illness Cover below:

Total Cover
Amount:

£40,000

Monthly Premium
Cost:

£22.41

Duration of
Policy:

30 years

Life Insurance with HIV Case Study 2

Jean is aged 45 and was diagnosed with HIV in 2011. She is keen to secure level life insurance for her and her partner.

We found Jean the Level Life Insurance below:

Total Cover
Amount:

£160,000

Monthly Premium
Cost:

£15.23

Duration of
Policy:

20 years

How much cover do you need?

You can use our Cover Calculator below to determine how much cover you need. Additionally, you will need to take into consideration the following:

Any outstanding debts

Mortgage/rent

Number of dependants

Take-home pay or income from other sources

Speak to our team of experts for FREE
specialist advice today.

Monday to Thursday:

9:00am – 8:00pm

Friday:

9:00am – 3:00pm

Facts About Life Insurance.

Life insurance can serve multiple purposes, including income replacement, wealth transfer, estate planning, and business succession. But how does life insurance shape up with the UK population?

7.5 million families

in the UK have no life insurance or critical illness cover.

£40,000

The average life insurance policy in the UK covers only about £40,000.

28%

of UK adults believe life insurance is too expensive.

96.9%

of all protection case claims were paid in 2024.

Life insurance is unique – just like you.

Life Insurance for Parents

Life Insurance for Dads

Life Insurance for Sports & Hobbies

Life Insurance for Self-Employed

Income Protection

Life Insurance for Smokers

Price Promise.

Obtain a cheaper quote elsewhere, we’ll beat
the price and also give you a £50 gift card!*

We are committed to offering unbeatable prices. Our
Price Promise ensures that we will find you the right
cover for your circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much life insurance do I need in the UK?

Most UK households need cover equal to their outstanding mortgage, plus around 10 times their annual salary, plus an allowance for dependants and funeral costs. The exact figure depends on your debts, income and family circumstances. Our calculator does the maths for you in under five minutes.

Is the life insurance calculator free to use?

Yes. Our calculator is completely free, and there’s no obligation to take out a policy. You only speak to our team if you’d like a tailored quote afterwards.

How accurate is the life insurance calculator?

The calculator gives a reliable estimate based on the financial information you enter. It’s a great starting point, but a 10-minute call with one of our advisers will refine the figure against your full circumstances, including any existing cover, trusts and tax considerations.

Should I use the calculator if I have a medical condition?

Absolutely. The calculator works out how much cover you need regardless of your health. The Insurance Surgery specialises in cover for applicants with pre-existing conditions, so once you have your number, we can search insurers who are most likely to offer competitive terms for your situation.

What's the next step after using the calculator?

Once you have your estimated cover amount, request a quote and one of our specialist advisers will compare policies from across the UK market. We’ll find the right cover at the best price for your circumstances, backed by our Price Promise.

Ready to turn your estimate into real cover? Our friendly UK team is on hand to help you compare policies, answer questions and arrange protection that fits your budget.

For More Information, Check Out Our Latest Blogs

Stay informed with the latest updates in the insurance industry for 2025 here.

We aim to provide clear advice, breaking down the jargon, so you understand the importance of protection insurance.

Family

By Policy

Helpful Information

Life and Health Insurance for Business

Specialised Business Insurance

Helpful Information

How Much Life Insurance Do I Need?

How much life insurance do you really need?

What the calculator works out

Why the result is a starting point, not a final answer

Risk of aortic rupture

Nosebleeds

Cramping sensations in the legs

Sensitivity to hot and cold

Weak muscles

Why Choose Us?

Severity of the condition

When you were first diagnosed with coarctation of the aorta

Your age

Whether your coarctation of the aorta has been treated surgically

Medications currently being taken

Family medical history

Whether you smoke

Any other related health complications such as heart disease

Critical Illness Cover

Income Protection Insurance

Why Choose Us?

Life Cover Terminology

Useful Links​

Why Choose The Insurance Surgery?

Rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot.

25 years Experience.

Access to a range of insurers.

Award-winning broker.

How Much Does Life Insurance for HIV Cost?

For a clearer idea of the average cost of life insurance, visit our Guide.

Life Insurance with HIV Case Study 1

Total Cover Amount:

£40,000

Monthly Premium Cost:

£22.41

Duration of Policy:

30 years

Life Insurance with HIV Case Study 2

Total Cover Amount:

£160,000

Monthly Premium Cost:

£15.23

Duration of Policy:

20 years

How much cover do you need?

Any outstanding debts

Mortgage/rent

Number of dependants

Take-home pay or income from other sources

Speak to our team of experts for FREE specialist advice today.

Monday to Thursday:

Friday:

Facts About Life Insurance.

7.5 million families

in the UK have no life insurance or critical illness cover.

£40,000

The average life insurance policy in the UK covers only about £40,000.

28%

of UK adults believe life insurance is too expensive.

96.9%

of all protection case claims were paid in 2024.

Life insurance is unique – just like you.

Life Insurance for Parents

Life Insurance for Dads

Life Insurance for Sports & Hobbies​

Life Insurance for Self-Employed

Income Protection

Life Insurance for Smokers

Price Promise.

Obtain a cheaper quote elsewhere, we’ll beatthe price and also give you a £50 gift card!*

Frequently Asked Questions

For More Information, Check Out Our Latest Blogs

Monday to Thursday:

Friday:

Useful Links

Total Cover
Amount:

Monthly Premium
Cost:

Duration of
Policy:

Total Cover
Amount:

Monthly Premium
Cost:

Duration of
Policy:

Speak to our team of experts for FREE
specialist advice today.

Life Insurance for Sports & Hobbies

Obtain a cheaper quote elsewhere, we’ll beat
the price and also give you a £50 gift card!*