Explore your business partnership insurance needs with our calculator. Estimate potential life, TPD and trauma insurance amounts for each partner and explore how different financial circumstances and assumptions may influence buy-sell arrangements and family support needs.
'Calculator results are estimates only and not quotes. Actual quotes will be provided by licensed brokers after you submit an enquiry.'
1. Business
2. Partners
3. Results
4. Ownership structures
Step 1 – Business details
Used to estimate each partner’s buy-sell funding requirement.
Include loans, overdrafts and liabilities the remaining partners may need to manage.
Buffer for valuation movement, stamp duty/legal costs, or negotiation slippage.
Step 2 – Add the partners
Add each partner and enter their ownership, income, replacement cost and any family/personal protection need.
Step 3 – Recommended cover
Total Life Cover
Total TPD Cover
Total Trauma Cover
Heads-up: This is a general planning aid only. Ownership structures, tax treatment, debt obligations, cross-ownership vs self-ownership, and buy-sell agreement wording can materially affect the correct cover.
Step 4 – Ownership structure explainer
The calculator gives you a funding estimate, but how the policy should be owned is a separate issue. These summaries are general only and should be reviewed with a qualified adviser and solicitor.
Cross ownership
Each partner owns policies on the lives of the other partners.
Can work well for small partnerships with few partners.
Buy-sell funding may be direct and simple.
Gets complex as partner numbers increase.
Policy ownership changes may be needed if partners enter or leave.
Self ownership + buy-sell agreement
Each partner owns their own cover, usually supported by legal agreements that direct the proceeds.
Cleaner administration for some businesses.
Can align well with personal estate planning.
Requires careful legal drafting so proceeds are applied as intended.
Tax and control issues should be reviewed before implementation.
Super ownership / other structures
Some cover may be owned through super or another entity, but this can create restrictions and complexity.
May reduce out-of-pocket premium funding in some cases.
Release conditions and benefit access rules matter.
Not always suitable for buy-sell funding.
Advice is essential before using super-owned structures.
General rule: first work out the funding need, then decide the ownership structure.
The best structure usually depends on partner numbers, tax position, succession planning, and how the buy-sell agreement is drafted.
How to use our Partnership Insurance Calculator
Our Partnership Insurance Calculator helps business owners estimate how much Life, Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) and Trauma insurance each partner may need to protect the business, fund a buy-sell arrangement, manage shared debts, and support families if a serious illness, injury or death occurs. It matters because underinsurance can force a rushed sale, create disputes over value, or leave the remaining partner and family exposed to business and personal financial stress. The calculator is a planning tool only and does not provide personal advice.
To get the best estimate, complete the form in this order.
1. Business or partnership name and industry
These fields help you label scenarios and keep records, especially if you run multiple entities.
2. Estimated business value
Enter a realistic current value. This is used to estimate each partner’s equity and potential buy-sell funding need. If you have a recent valuation, use it rather than a guess.
3. Total business debt or liabilities
Include business loans, overdrafts and other liabilities that may need to be cleared or refinanced if a partner cannot work. Understating debts can materially understate the suggested cover.
4. Business continuity or revenue disruption period
Select the months that best reflect how long the business may be impacted if a partner dies or becomes disabled. Longer disruption generally increases the suggested protection.
5. Buy-sell or valuation buffer
If available, add a buffer for valuation movement and transaction costs such as legal expenses.
6. Add each partner
Use Add partner and enter each person’s share of the business, income and responsibilities. Complete every partner for balanced results and to avoid gaps in buy-sell funding.
7. Calculate and interpret results
Select Calculate recommended cover to view suggested Life, TPD and Trauma sums insured per partner. Treat outputs as indicative only: insurer definitions, underwriting, waiting periods, ownership structure, tax treatment and buy-sell wording can change what is appropriate. Use the JSON summary to share assumptions with your adviser or insurance specialist for a tailored recommendation before acting.
General information only, not financial product advice. Consider your objectives, financial situation and needs, and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before deciding.
ASIC’s latest life insurance priorities are a timely reminder that the value of cover depends not only on the policy wording, but on the systems and conduct behind it. In a 30 September 2026 letter to life insurer boards and executives, the regulator identified customer service basics, funeral insurance practices and ongoing conduct risks as key areas of focus for the 2026–27 financial year. - read more
A new Life Code Compliance Committee inquiry has sharpened attention on how life insurers manage longer-running total and permanent disability and income protection claims, finding that earlier information requests and clearer communication could reduce avoidable delays for people already dealing with illness, injury or loss of income. - read more
Fresh life insurance claims and disputes data from APRA and ASIC is a timely reminder that the value of cover is measured not only by the premium paid, but by how a policy performs when a family, business partner or estate needs it most. - read more
Australia’s move towards restricting how life insurers use genetic test results is an important development for people who have delayed testing, treatment or insurance conversations because of privacy and affordability concerns. The reform is intended to reduce the risk that someone is discouraged from taking a clinically useful genetic test because they fear it may later affect their ability to obtain life, total and permanent disability, trauma or income protection cover. - read more
In the fast-paced world of business, maintaining a solid insurance policy is more than just ticking a box; it's a critical component of ensuring long-term stability and success. For Australian consumers, particularly those involved in business partnerships, understanding the nuances of insurance is vital. - read more
Risk management in the context of business partnerships involves identifying, assessing, and prioritising risks that could impact the success of a business alliance. Whether it’s financial, operational, or reputational, understanding these risks helps partners make informed decisions, safeguarding their shared interests. - read more
Partnership life insurance can support business continuity, succession planning and buy-sell agreements, but ownership, tax treatment and regulatory obligations need careful consideration. This guide explains the key legal, tax and compliance issues Australian business partners should understand before seeking professional advice. - read more
In the bustling world of business, ensuring that your operations are protected against unforeseen circumstances is crucial. This article explores the significant benefits of engaging a broker for your business insurance needs. Whether you're new to business insurance or looking to enhance your current coverage, understanding how a broker can help is key. - read more
Knowledgebase
Insurance broker: An agent acting on behalf of the insured (not the insurance company) who negotiates the terms and cover provided by the insurer in the insurance policy.
