There are plenty of website calculators out there claiming to tell you how much insurance you need. But the truth is, only a qualified financial adviser can give you a proper analysis of your insurance needs, and even then the results may vary from one adviser to another.

We believe in advisers spending time talking with you to determine your priorities in the event of an unforseen tragedy. They will weigh up these factors, along with your budget, and produce a plan that will help to ensure you and your loved ones are taken care of in the case of such an event occurring.

So what types of things do good advisers take into account when assessing your insurance needs in the event of death or total and permanent disability?

	Death	Total & Permanent Disability	Trauma
Extinguishing debt	This will allow your loved ones to continue without the burden of any large debts you may have	This will allow you to continue without the burden of any large debts you may have	This will allow you to fight your illness and concentrate on your recovery without the burden of any large debts you may have
Final expenses	An amount to cover funeral costs and any other expenses which may arise	N/A	N/A
Ongoing income	A lump sum to be invested, which will provide an ongoing income to allow your loved ones to maintain their lifestyle without any undue financial stress	A lump sum to be invested, which will provide an ongoing income to allow you and your loved ones to maintain your lifestyle without any undue financial stress	An amount to replace your income for a specified number of years, allowing you to concentrate on your recovery without any undue financial stress
Education expenses	An amount to provide for your children's education, ensuring they can still attend the best schools and universities without having to rely on your income	An amount to provide for your children's education, ensuring they can still attend the best schools and universities without having to rely on your income	N/A
Medical expenses	N/A	There may be significant medical expenses incurred both during the event and in the months and years to follow	There may be significant medical expenses incurred both during the event and in the months and years to follow
Home and vehicle modifications	N/A	In the event of loss of limbs or paralysis, your home may require ramps or lifts, and your vehicle may require modifications to suit a wheelchair	N/A
Inheritance	Sometimes you may simply wish to include an amount to be passed on to your loved ones, or perhaps your favourite charity	N/A	N/A

These are just a few of the areas we look at when assessing your insurance needs. Because everyone is different and we all have different goals and aspirations for ourselves and our families, the assessment of your individual insurance and wealth protection needs requires far more consideration than simply filling in a form.

Your adviser should take the time to listen to exactly what you want to achieve, then work out a tailored protection plan based on your needs and objectives, as well as your budget.

Contact your adviser today for more information.