Life Insurance Coverage Gap Analyzer

Enter your total coverage need and all existing policies to find your exact coverage gap — the amount of additional insurance you should consider.

Coverage Need (run a needs calculator first if you haven't)

Existing Coverage

Note: Employer coverage is typically not portable — may be lost if you change jobs

Portable vs. Non-Portable Assessment

Coverage Secured
—
of total need covered
  • Coverage needed
  • Individual term policies
  • Permanent / whole life
  • Employer group coverage
  • Other / spouse coverage
  • Total coverage
  • Coverage gap

Why a Coverage Gap Analysis Matters

Most people don't buy all their life insurance at once — they accumulate it piecemeal: a policy from their first job, a small term policy bought after having kids, maybe a whole life policy a relative talked them into years ago. The problem is that nobody ever adds it all up against what they actually need today. This calculator does that math for you, in one place, using every coverage source you're likely to have.

The most important distinction this tool makes is between portable and non-portable coverage. Employer group life insurance is real coverage while you're employed there, but it typically disappears the day you leave the job — whether by choice, layoff, or retirement. If your coverage picture depends heavily on an employer policy, that's a gap waiting to happen the next time you change jobs, not a gap you have today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I run a coverage gap check?
Whenever a major life event changes your needs or your existing coverage — a new child, a new mortgage, a job change that affects employer coverage, or a term policy nearing its expiration date. Absent a major change, an annual check is a reasonable habit.
Should whole life cash value count as "coverage"?
This calculator counts the death benefit of your whole life policy, not its cash value — cash value is an asset you can borrow against or surrender, but it isn't what your beneficiaries receive on top of the death benefit if you pass away, so counting it separately would double-count.
What should I do if I find a significant gap?
Term life insurance is the most cost-effective way to close a coverage gap for most people — it's built specifically to provide a large death benefit at a low premium for a defined number of years. Compare the cost using our Term vs. Whole calculator, then get quotes from a licensed agent to confirm real pricing for your health profile.