Indian households typically own just two financial instruments but require at least four to significantly reduce financial anxiety, according to the अ-Nishchit Index 2.0 released Monday by Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance.
The perception-based study, validated by Drshti Strategic Research Services, found that perceived uncertainty scores remain elevated at approximately 78–80 when families hold one to three insurance policies. This figure drops to around 73 only after crossing the four-product threshold. Investment portfolios show a parallel pattern, with uncertainty declining to roughly 75 at four or more holdings.
The index measured perceived uncertainty against the national baseline score of 79. Average portfolios currently stall at about two instruments, leaving most households with fragile protection despite feeling initially secure.
Aditya Birla Sun Life attributes the inflection point to coverage completeness rather than mere product accumulation. The company identified four essential components: term insurance for dependent protection, comprehensive health cover with riders, emergency fund liquidity, and goal-linked long-term investments. Missing any component forces families to liquidate growth assets during emergencies or underfund goals after income disruptions, behaviors that sustain high uncertainty levels.
The insurer emphasized that moving from two to four products requires integrated planning rather than piecemeal purchases. Annual portfolio reviews, inflation-adjusted targets, and automatic contributions help reduce decision friction and improve financial resilience.
Mumbai-based Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance, a joint venture between Aditya Birla Group and Canada’s Sun Life Financial, manages assets under management of ₹1.04 lakh crore as of September 2025. The company operates through 440-plus branches and serves 28.64 lakh active customers.
The study’s findings come as Indian households navigate inflation and volatile markets, with systematic financial planning emerging as a key differentiator in perceived security.
Published on January 28, 2026
