
Separate term insurance for couples depends on each partner's income, liabilities and non-financial contributions, two insurance executives said.
Should a married couple take out two term insurance policies instead of one? The answer is not a blanket yes or no. It depends on each partner's income, liabilities, age, health, and non-financial contributions to the household, two insurance executives said.
"Whether spouses should have separate term plans depends on their individual financial responsibilities and protection needs," said Shruti Oke, Senior VP and Head of Product Management at Tata AIA Life Insurance. "Each partner may have different age, health and risk profiles, responsibilities and future obligations, and therefore may not require identical cover. Separate policies can allow these needs to be assessed independently, including the appropriate sum assured and policy tenure."
Oke said insurance planning has traditionally focused on the primary earner, often overlooking the impact of losing a spouse who contributes through caregiving or household management. Families should ensure protection planning reflects both partners' contributions rather than leaving one inadequately covered, she added.
Sunny Bhatia, EVP and National Head of Sales at Turtlemint, said families are gradually shifting from individual protection planning to a more holistic view of family financial security. "We are witnessing a gradual shift from individual protection planning towards a more holistic approach to family financial security," Bhatia said. "Traditionally, life insurance has been associated with replacing the income of the primary breadwinner, which has often left non-earning spouses and other dependents underinsured."
Bhatia said dual-income households increasingly consider protection for both spouses to safeguard their lifestyle and long-term goals. Greater financial literacy and access to digital tools help consumers assess the protection needs of different family members, he added.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Couples should assess each partner's economic and household contributions, liabilities, current situation, and future goals before deciding on appropriate cover. Separate plans can provide a more comprehensive safety net, ensuring the family's finances remain stable even when one partner is gone. When in doubt, a certified financial advisor can help tailor the decision to individual circumstances.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or insurance advice.
Prepared with AlphaScala editorial tooling from the source reporting linked above. Indexable analysis may include a cited Alpha Score value. Publishing checks screen each story before release. Educational coverage, not personalized advice.