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Level term life insurance is the simplest life insurance and the ideal option if you are looking for a set amount of cover for a certain period. With this type of policy, you decide how long you want to be covered for (the term) and the pay-out amount your dependants will receive should you die during the term. Whenever you pass away during the policy, your beneficiaries will always receive the full amount.
A whole life policy has no fixed term as it provides a set amount of coverage for your entire life, with the insurer putting your premiums in a fund until a claim is made. If you’ve kept up the payments, your beneficiary will receive a lump sum when you die.
The insurer may increase the premium if the fund underperforms but the amount of cover it pays out will stay the same. Whole of life insurance is usually the most expensive option as it guarantees a pay-out.
Joint life insurance covers two people but only pays out once with the choice of pay-outs occurring after the first or second death.
Decreasing term life insurance policies have a pay-out that decreases over the term of your policy.
It’s sometimes called mortgage life insurance because it’s designed to cover a debt that reduces with time, like a repayment mortgage. As the amount you owe on your mortgage decreases over time, the pay-out amount decreases in line with this too.
Most critical illness policies provide for the payment of a lump sum benefit if the policyholder is diagnosed as suffering from one of a number of specified illnesses. It can also be added as an extra to another life insurance policy.
If you’re still paying off a mortgage and want to help protect this asset for your loved ones, or you need a more short-term form of cover, it’s still possible to secure term life insurance for over 50s.
Cover varies between different policies, but here’s what’s typically covered or excluded in UK life insurance policies:
Compare providers and quotes to find the best deals for you.
Take out cover while you are younger as the premiums will be lower.
Think about your lifestyle. Smoking or the amount of alcohol you consume can increase the price you pay.
Place the policy in trust, this will give you greater control and protects the pay-out from inheritance tax.
Review your cover and maybe switch providers for a better deal.
Consider combining policies – combining life insurance with critical illness cover could work out cheaper than buying separate policies.
Life insurance is a valuable financial tool that provides peace of mind and security for your loved ones in case the unexpected happens. Many people wonder when the right time is to purchase life insurance.
The simple answer is that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right time to buy life insurance depends on your unique circumstances and financial goals.
Here are some key life moments when you should consider it:
Everyone’s needs are different so the best provider for you is the one that offers a policy best suited to your requirements. Don’t just look at the cost, make sure you consider all the benefits, the exclusions and the percentage of claims that the insurer pays out.
This depends on your personal circumstances and what you might need the cover for. It doesn’t just have to be about your mortgage, you could factor in other debts, monthly outgoings and future costs such as funeral expenses or your children’s education.
Not necessarily, some insurers might ask you to have a medical and others may not. If you are a young, healthy non-smoker then you are less likely to be asked to have a medical than someone older with pre-existing medical conditions.
You can get life insurance if you have a pre-existing medical condition but the premiums are likely to be higher and there will be less insurance providers to choose from.
You can legally have as many life insurance policies as you like. Some people take out more than one policy to cover different requirements, but a single policy covering everything you need may be cheaper.
Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible and explain the situation if you aren’t able to meet your monthly repayments and they may be able to work out a payment plan to help you.
Please note that some of the brokers we work with may not provide quotes from all of the insurers featured on our website
*From £5 per month for up to £90,000 is an example based on the following pricing illustrations.£5 per month Life Insurance quoted rates are based on level term life cover for non-smokers with no pre-existing medical conditions or other high risk factors. Individual factors and medical underwriting will be assessed which may vary the premium and sum assured you are eligible for or may result in you being declined.
Correct as on 2nd February 2026.
£98,704 over 20 years – 30 year old born in 1996 (Aviva)
£63,621 over 20 years – 35 years old born in 1991 (Aviva)
£48,288 over 15 years – 40 year old born in 1986 (Aviva)
£31,699 over 15 years – 45 year old born in 1981 (Aviva)
£23,483 over 10 years – 50 year old born in 1976 (Aviva)
£15,467 over 10 years – 55 year old born in 1971 (Aviva)
£7,844 over 10 years – 60 year old born in 1966 (Aviva)
£5,837 over 10 years – 65 year old born in 1961 (Aviva)
£3,532 over 10 years – 70 year old born in 1956 (Aviva)
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