Life Insurance
- Pays a lump sum to your loved ones if you die during the policy term
- Helps cover mortgages, debts, and everyday living costs
- Policies can start from just a few pounds a month
- Cover available for most people aged 18 and over
Compare life insurance quotes
Share basic details such as your age, occupation, smoking status, and general health.
Decide how much life insurance you want and how long the policy should last.
Most applications involve a short health questionnaire rather than a medical examination.
Compare quotes from various UK insurers and select the cover that fits your needs and budget.
What is life insurance?
Life insurance is a policy designed to provide financial support to those who depend on you. If you die during the policy term, the insurer pays a lump sum to your chosen beneficiaries.
This payout can help your family meet essential financial commitments, such as mortgage payments, household bills, and debts, as well as future expenses like childcare and education.
For many families, life insurance provides reassurance that if the unexpected happens, loved ones can maintain financial stability during difficult times.
Types of life insurance
Level term life insurance
Level term life insurance provides a fixed sum if you die during the policy period. The coverage amount stays the same throughout the policy.
This type of cover is often used to help safeguard family income, support dependants, or ensure long-term financial security.
Decreasing term life insurance
With decreasing term life insurance, the payout gradually reduces over time.
This type of policy is often used to protect a repayment mortgage because the outstanding mortgage balance usually decreases over the same period.
Whole of life insurance
Whole-of-life insurance provides cover for your entire lifetime rather than for a set period.
Since the policy guarantees a payout upon your death, premiums are generally higher than for term life insurance.
Joint life insurance
Joint life insurance insures two individuals under one policy.
Most policies pay out after the first death and then terminate, meaning the surviving partner would need to arrange a new policy if further cover is needed.
Why people opt for life insurance
Life insurance is not just about preparing for the worst. For many families, it provides reassurance that vital financial commitments can still be met.
Protect your
family’s home
Replace lost
income
Cover funeral and final expenses
Support your children’s future
How life
insurance works
Life insurance is designed to be simple to establish and manage. Most policies follow a clear process.
Decide the amount you want the policy to pay if you die. Many people choose a cover that could pay off a mortgage or support their family’s living costs.
Policies typically run for a fixed term, like 20 or 25 years, although some policies provide cover for life.
You pay a regular premium to keep the policy active. Many policies have fixed monthly costs throughout their term.
If you die while the policy is active, the insurer pays the agreed lump sum to your chosen beneficiaries. As long as premiums are paid and the policy conditions are met, the cover stays active throughout the entire duration of the policy.
How much life insurance cover do you need?
The amount of life insurance you may require depends on your financial responsibilities and the level of protection you want to give your family.
Many people choose a cover that could help pay for key financial commitments, such as:
- the outstanding balance on their mortgage
- household bills and everyday living costs
- childcare and future education expenses
- existing debts or personal loans
Generally, some families choose cover worth about 10 to 15 times their annual income. However, the right amount of cover varies depending on your individual situation, including your financial commitments and the level of support you want to provide.
What affects the cost of life insurance?
The cost of life insurance depends on various personal and policy-specific factors. Insurers assess the risk involved before setting the premium you will pay.
Level of cover
Larger payouts usually lead to higher premiums.
Occupation
Higher-risk occupations may increase the cost of cover.
Policy term
Longer policies could cost more overall.
Age
Premiums tend to be lower if policies are bought earlier in life.
Health and medical history
Existing medical conditions or history may affect pricing.
Smoking status
Smokers usually pay higher premiums than non-smokers.
Life insurance benefits and trade-offs
Benefits
Protects your home
Financial stability for loved ones
Flexible cover options
Trade-offs
Premiums increase with age
No payout if the policy ends without a claim
Personal factors affect pricing
Frequently asked questions about life insurance
Will cover still be in place decades from now?
Life insurance policies are issued by reputable insurers and remain active for the entire policy period as long as premiums are paid.
If the policy lasts 20 or 30 years, the cover stays valid throughout that time.