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    What is life insurance?

    Life insurance pays out a cash sum to your loved ones if you die while your policy is active.

    There are different types of policy, including:

    • Level term (family) insurance – pays out a fixed amount if you die during the policy term.

    • Decreasing term (mortgage) insurance – the payout reduces over time.

    • Critical illness cover – pays out if you’re diagnosed with a serious medical condition.

    Learn more
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    How does it work?

    Most life insurance policies follow the same steps:

    • You pay a set amount of money each month or year. This is called your premium.

    • Your policy runs for a set period of time. This is called your term.

    • If you die during that term, your chosen beneficiaries receive a lump sum payout.

    Learn more
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    Do I need life insurance?

    It's worth considering if your death could cause financial difficulties for someone you care about.

    It may be a good idea if you:

    • Have children or dependants who rely on your income.

    • Share a mortgage or debts with a partner.

    • Want to cover funeral costs or household expenses.

    💡 Top tip: There is no legal requirement in the UK to take out life insurance, but some mortgage providers require it.

How does my life insurance work?

Taking out life insurance involves choosing the right level of cover for your circumstances, applying to an insurer, and paying a regular monthly premium. Here is what the process typically looks like.

Step-by-step: taking out life insurance

  • Choose your cover type: Decide between level term (fixed payout) or decreasing term (payout reduces over time, designed to match a repayment mortgage).

  • Decide who to cover: You can take out a single policy covering yourself, or a joint policy that covers you and your partner.

  • Add optional extras: You may be able to add critical illness cover, which pays out if you are diagnosed with a specified serious illness during the term.

  • Apply and answer health questions: Your insurer will ask about your age, health, lifestyle, and medical history. Answer honestly, as incorrect information could invalidate your policy.

  • Underwriting: Your insurer assesses your application and decides whether to offer cover and at what price. Some applications are accepted immediately; others may require additional medical information.

  • Policy starts: Once accepted, your cover begins and you start paying your monthly premium. Your policy document confirms the cover amount, term, and any exclusions.

  • Keep paying your premiums: Your premium stays the same for the duration of the term, provided you chose a guaranteed premium policy. If you stop paying, your policy may lapse and you could lose your cover.

  • Make a claim if needed: If you die during the policy term, your beneficiaries contact the insurer to make a claim. The insurer will typically pay out the agreed lump sum once the claim is verified.

  • Policy ends: If you outlive the term, your cover ends and no payout is made. You may be able to take out a new policy, although your age and health at that point will affect the cost.

How much life insurance cover do I need?

How much life insurance you need depends on what you want the payout to cover. A common guideline suggests aiming for around 5 to 10 times your annual salary, but the right amount for you will depend on your specific financial commitments. When working out how much cover you need, it is worth thinking about:

  • Your mortgage balance: enough to clear the outstanding balance so your family can stay in the home.

  • Everyday household bills: the average UK household spends £1,657.67^ per month on essential bills.

  • Childcare and raising children: the cost of raising a child for a lone parent can be around £16,111^ per year.

  • Funeral costs: the average cost of a funeral in the UK is £4,285^ .

  • Future milestones: you may also want to factor in contributions to university fees, a first home deposit, or a wedding.

If you are not sure where to start, a life insurance calculator can help you estimate a suitable level of cover based on your income and outgoings.

How do I use the life insurance calculator?

The life insurance calculator helps you estimate how much cover your family might need. Enter your desired payout amount, any existing cover you already have (such as a death-in-service benefit through your employer), and the tool calculates a suggested cover level.

This is a starting point, not a recommendation. Your actual needs may vary depending on your financial circumstances, and you can adjust the cover amount when you get a quote.

Life insurance calculator

Use our life insurance calculator to estimate how much cover you need.

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Which type of life insurance should I get?

There are two main options for life insurance:

Family life insurance

Also called: Level-term insurance

Payout: Remains the same throughout your policy

Best for: Providing long-term financial security and support to your dependants.

Example: This type of policy could ensure that if you unexpectedly passed away you could still help your children with their house deposit or wedding when they grow up.

Chart showing amount of cover as a flat line over time

Advantages

  • Fixed premiums: How much you pay never changes

  • Fixed payout: You know exactly how much money your beneficiaries will receive

Disadvantages

  • Cost: Rarely the cheapest policy option

  • Not linked to inflation: Your payout will be worth less if the cost of living goes up

Mortgage life insurance

Also called: Decreasing-term insurance 

Payout: Reduces in size over time

Best for: Covering large but shorter-term debts and expenses like mortgages.

Example: This type of policy could allow your loved ones to stay in their family home if you were no longer around to contribute to the mortgage payment.

A Chart depicting decreasing term insurance with a line showing premiums declining with length of policy

Advantages 

  • Price: These policies are usually the cheapest type of life insurance

  • Specific: They can be used when you only want protection while you hold a lot of debt

Disadvantages

  • Shorter-term protection: Payouts are highest when you first take out the policy

  • Not suitable for all mortgage types, including interest-only


What other types of life insurance and protection are there?

Beyond level term and decreasing term, there are several other types of life insurance and protection cover designed for different needs.

  • Critical illness cover: pays a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with a specified serious illness, such as cancer, heart attack, or stroke.

  • Income protection: replaces a portion of your income if you cannot work due to illness or injury.

  • Over 50s life insurance: a whole-of-life policy with guaranteed acceptance and no medical questions, designed for people aged 50 and over.

  • Joint life insurance: a single policy covering two people, typically paying out on the first death.

  • Whole-of-life insurance: provides lifelong cover with a guaranteed payout whenever you die, rather than covering a fixed term.

  • Death-in-service benefit: a benefit provided by some employers that pays a lump sum to your family if you die while employed by them. This is not a personal policy.

How do I choose the right life insurance?

Watch our short video guide for a quick overview of how life insurance works and what to consider when choosing a policy.

Do I need critical illness cover if I have life insurance?

Life insurance and critical illness cover protect against different risks. Life insurance pays out if you die; critical illness cover pays out if you are diagnosed with a specified serious illness while you are still alive.

You can add critical illness cover to a life insurance policy as an optional extra, or buy it as a standalone policy. A combined policy typically costs more than life insurance alone but less than two separate policies.

The median cost of life insurance with a critical illness add-on through MoneySuperMarket is £33.32^ /month.

Statistics suggest that working-age men are around four times more likely to be diagnosed with a serious illness than to die before retirement.

If your family depends on your income, critical illness cover can provide a financial safety net if you are unable to work due to a serious diagnosis.

Frequently asked questions

Am I eligible for life insurance?

Most people aged 18 to 75 who are UK residents with the legal right to live in the UK can apply for life insurance. Your insurer will assess your individual application based on your age, health, and lifestyle, so eligibility is not guaranteed. Some providers may have different age limits or medical criteria.

What happens if I outlive my life insurance policy?

No payout is made. If you outlive the term of a level term or decreasing term policy, the cover simply ends. You do not receive a refund of the premiums you have paid. If you still need cover, you can apply for a new policy, though your age and health at that point will affect the cost. Alternatively, a whole-of-life policy guarantees a payout whenever you die, regardless of when that is.

What is the difference between life insurance and protection insurance?

Protection insurance is a broad term for policies that provide financial support if you die, become seriously ill, or cannot work. Life insurance is one type of protection insurance, focused specifically on paying out if you die. Other types include critical illness cover, which pays out on diagnosis of a serious illness, and income protection insurance, which replaces part of your income if you are unable to work.

What happens if I miss a life insurance payment or stop paying?

If you miss a payment, your life insurance policy may lapse, meaning you lose your cover and would not receive a payout if you died.

Most insurers offer a short grace period during which you can make up a missed payment without losing cover. Some policies offer a waiver of premium option, which keeps your cover active if you cannot work due to illness or injury.

Will my life insurance payout go up with inflation?

Not as standard. Most life insurance policies pay a fixed amount, so the real value of your payout may decrease over time as the cost of living rises. Some policies offer an indexation option, which increases your cover (and premium) each year in line with inflation. This is worth considering if you are taking out a long-term policy.

Do I need life insurance to take out a mortgage?

It is not a legal requirement to have life insurance for a mortgage, but some lenders may insist on it as a condition of lending. Even if your lender does not require it, life insurance can help ensure your family can continue to make mortgage repayments if you die. You are free to choose your own life insurance provider; you do not have to use the one your lender suggests.

Is my mortgage life insurance policy still valid if I pay off my mortgage early?

Yes. Your mortgage life insurance policy remains valid even if you pay off your mortgage early. The policy is a separate financial product and is not tied to your mortgage account. If you die during the policy term, the payout is made to your beneficiaries, who can use the money for any purpose.

Is mortgage protection insurance the same as mortgage life insurance?

No. Mortgage life insurance pays a lump sum if you die, designed to clear your outstanding mortgage balance. Mortgage protection insurance (also known as mortgage payment protection) covers your monthly mortgage payments if you are unable to work due to illness, injury, or redundancy. They protect against different risks.

How much does my life insurance cost?

The cost of life insurance depends on several factors, including your age, health, whether you smoke, the type of cover you choose, and how much cover you need. Premiums are personal to you, so the best way to find out what you would pay is to get a quote.

To give you a general idea, here are the median monthly costs for customers who recently bought life insurance through MoneySuperMarket:

Cover type

Median monthly cost

Family life insurance (level term)

£25.67^ /month

Mortgage life insurance (decreasing term)

£22.87^ /month

Life insurance with critical illness add-on

£32.34^ /month

Younger customers typically pay less. The median monthly cost for customers aged 18 to 49 is £22.82^ /month.

What does life insurance cover?

Most life insurance policies will cover:

✔ Death from natural causes

✔ Death from illness

✔ Accidental death

✔ Death from suicide (but with a waiting period)

✔ Terminal illness (if included in the policy)

✔ Critical illness (if added as extra cover)

When would a policy not pay out?

A life insurance claim could be refused for:

✖ Providing false or incomplete information when you apply

✖ Missing premium payments

✖ Death caused by risky or illegal activities

✖ Death linked to drug or alcohol misuse

✖ Suicide within the waiting period (usually 12–24 months)

✖ Death outside the policy term (for term life insurance only)

✖ Exclusions specific to your policy, such as certain high-risk occupations or travel

Can I get life insurance if I have a pre-existing condition?

Yes, many people with pre-existing medical conditions can still get life insurance. You will need to declare any conditions when you apply, and your insurer will take them into account when calculating your premium. In some cases, your premium may be higher than average, or your insurer may apply specific exclusions.

For example, a 30-year-old non-smoker with managed hypertension could find life insurance cover from £7.96^ /month for a £200,000 level term policy over 30 years. Smoking also affects the cost of life insurance.

If you have a specific condition, you can explore your options in more detail on our dedicated pages, including cover for arthritis, asthma, depression and anxiety, hypertension, diabetes, and smoking.

Do young people need life insurance?

Life insurance is often cheaper when you are younger and in good health, so taking out a policy early can lock in a lower premium for the duration of the term. The median monthly cost for customers aged 18 to 49 through MoneySuperMarket is £22.82^ , compared to £33.61^ for those aged 50 to 54.

Even if you do not have dependants yet, taking out cover while you are young may be worth considering. Research from Our Future Health (2023) found that 14% of adults under 40 already have a long-term health condition, compared to 58% of those over 60. Developing a health condition later in life could make cover more expensive or harder to obtain.

Can I get life insurance if I'm over 50?

Yes. If you are over 50, you can still get life insurance. Standard term life insurance is available up to age 75 with most providers, though premiums will be higher than for younger applicants. Over 50s life insurance is a specific type of whole-of-life policy designed for people aged 50 and over, typically with guaranteed acceptance and no medical questions.

You can compare over 50s life insurance options through MoneySuperMarket to find cover that fits your needs and budget.

Our expert says…

It’s a sobering truth that nearly one in five men and one in ten women^ don’t make it to retirement age. Behind that statistic are real families suddenly faced with the emotional and financial shock of losing a loved one far too soon.

We spend a lot of time thinking about pensions and long-term savings, but this highlights why life insurance matters right now. It’s not about you - it’s about protecting the people you love. The right cover can help keep a roof over their heads, pay the bills, and provide stability at the very moment they need it most.

Kara Gammell Life insurance expert

How do I make a life insurance claim?

How do I make a life insurance claim?

To make a life insurance claim, contact the insurer or policy provider. You’ll need:

  • The deceased’s name and policy number

  • A copy of the death certificate

  • Proof of your relationship to the policyholder

Once documents are received, the insurer will assess the claim and confirm when the payout will be made.

How long does a life insurance claim payout take?

Most payouts are made within a few weeks to a few months, depending on how quickly documents are submitted and how complex the claim is.

Can I cancel my life insurance policy?

Yes — you can cancel at any time.


If you cancel within 30 days, you’ll usually get a full refund. After that, premiums you’ve paid won’t be refunded.

Can I extend my life insurance policy?

Yes, you can usually extend your policy, though your insurer may reassess your health and update your premiums.

Can my life insurance claim be refused?

Yes, life insurance claims can be refused if:

  • The policy wasn’t active

  • Incorrect or incomplete information was provided

  • The death wasn’t covered under the policy terms

  • There’s evidence of fraud

The insurer must explain why they have rejected your claim. If you do not agree with their decision, you can appeal or complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

What can a life insurance payout be used for?

A life insurance payout gives your loved ones financial support after you die. The money can be used for anything they need, whether that’s covering day-to-day costs or helping them plan for the future.

Common uses include:

  • Mortgage or rent payments

  • Everyday household bills (utilities, groceries, transport)

  • Outstanding debts (credit cards, loans, car finance)

  • Funeral and burial costs

  • Childcare and education expenses

  • Replacing lost income for dependants

  • Medical or care costs for family members

  • Paying off business debts or commitments

  • A financial gift or inheritance for children or grandchildren

  • Covering future milestones such as weddings, house deposits or university fees

Mum taking her child to school

What do I need to get a life insurance quote?

To help you find the right life insurance cover, we just need a few minutes of your time and the following information to get you a personalised quote:

  • Personal details

    Such as your name, address, date of birth, and occupation

  • Your health

    Any pre-existing medical conditions and basic health information, such as height and weight.

  • Lifestyle

    For example, if you're a smoker or drinker, or engage in any activities that may be classed as dangerous

  • Cover required

    Including the type of life insurance you want, if you want to cover your spouse or partner, and how much you would like to pay

Compare quotes from leading life insurers

We only work with FCA-regulated companies, which means they meet strict standards for fairness, transparency and customer protection.

LV: Liverpool Victoriaroyal-london-110-69Aviva - quote me happylegal-and-generalVitalityScottish Widows

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Get up to £400^ to spend on Amazon.co.uk when you buy life insurance through MoneySuperMarket.

Found the perfect policy to safeguard your family's future? Have an extra reward on us.

Gift cards start at £35 for life insurance policies with monthly premiums of £10 or less and go up to £400^ for policies with monthly premiums over £90.

See our terms and conditions for more information.

Restrictions apply. One voucher per person. Not available to customers who previously received a voucher with a life insurance policy purchased after 1st May 2022. Offer end date 26th March 2026

Amazon voucher - life insurance incentive - £400 - Table image - Sept 2025

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Prefer to speak to someone about life insurance?

We’ve partnered with LifeSearch to give people more guidance when buying life insurance. If you’d like some help you can talk to LifeSearch free of charge.

Call LifeSearch on:
0800 316 3166

How do we work with LifeSearch?

MoneySuperMarket has a long-standing partnership with LifeSearch, one of the UK's leading protection advice specialists.

LifeSearch has been protecting people for over 25 years. Since 1998, they’ve helped over a million individuals, families, and businesses secure 1.7 million policies.

When you compare life insurance through MoneySuperMarket, you’ll see options from insurers LifeSearch work with — helping you find cover that fits your circumstances.

Your policy will always be taken out with the insurer you choose, but LifeSearch can support you at every stage, from applying for cover to making a claim. You can also manage claims directly through their website.

We receive a commission for referrals, but this never affects the price you pay for your policy.

➡️ Find out more about how MoneySuperMarket makes money

Opening hours

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  • Saturday 9 am to 2 pm

  • Sunday 10 am to 3:30 pm

What is life insurance?

Life insurance is a policy that pays a tax-free lump sum to the people you choose if you die during the term of the cover. You select the amount of cover and the length of the term when you take out the policy, and you pay a fixed monthly premium. If you die within the term, your insurer pays the agreed amount to your beneficiaries. If you outlive the term, the cover ends and no payout is made.

How are premiums for life insurance calculated?

Insurers use many factors to calculate your premium, including:

  • Age – premiums rise as you get older

  • Location – life expectancy varies across the UK

  • Occupation – risky roles can increase prices

  • Policy type – e.g., level term vs decreasing term

  • Payout amount – higher cover costs more

  • Policy length – longer terms cost more

  • Health and lifestyle – smoking, drinking, BMI and hobbies all affect risk

  • Medical history – past or current health conditions may increase costs

  • Payment frequency – annual payments are often cheaper than monthly

Are there age limits on life insurance policies?

Most term life insurance policies have both minimum and maximum age limits for when you can apply.

The upper age limit is usually between 65 and 80, depending on the insurer and the type of cover. Once your policy is active, it will continue until the end of the term you’ve chosen.

If you’re older, there are also specialist life insurance policies designed with higher or no upper age limits. Over 50s life insurance is one example.

What is the difference between life insurance and over 50s life insurance?

The main differences between life insurance and over 50s life insurance are:

  • Cover lasts a lifetime: Unlike standard life insurance, over-50s life insurance is designed to cover you for the rest of your life, as long as you keep up with your payments. Usually, standard life insurance policies will only cover you for a set term

  • No medical info needed: Similar to no medical life insurance cover, you’ll get guaranteed acceptance regardless of any medical conditions you have

Can I take out multiple types of protection insurance?

Yes, there are no legal limits to how many protection insurance policies you can have at once.

It is common for people to supplement their life insurance with cover that financially protects them if they were unable to work for a prolonged period of time.

This cover can take the form of:

What are life insurance waiting periods?

A waiting period is a set amount of time at the start of a life insurance policy when certain causes of death or illness aren’t covered. If the policyholder dies during this period, the insurer may not pay out.

The most common waiting period applies to death by suicide, which is usually excluded for the first 12 to 24 months after the policy begins. This rule is designed to prevent immediate claims following the policy start date.

Some whole of life or over-50s policies also have a waiting period for death from natural causes, often lasting one or two years. During that time, the insurer will only pay out for accidental death; if death occurs from illness or natural causes, the policyholder’s premiums are usually refunded instead.

Will my life insurance cover me if I fall ill?

Life insurance is designed to pay out a benefit to your loved ones in the event of your debt, so it will not usually payout to cover you if you fall ill.

However, most life insurance policies offer a type of terminal illness cover. This means that if you are diagnosed with a terminal illness with less than 12 months to live, you can make a claim on your life insurance. Your benefit can be used for care and end-of-life preparations.

If you want insurance to cover you for serious illnesses, you can optionally add critical illness cover to your life insurance policy. This extra cover allows you to claim your life insurance benefit if you are diagnosed with a critical illness.

If I have critical illness cover as part of life insurance, what happens if I claim?

It depends on how your policy is set up.

With combined cover, you’ll usually receive one payout only. If you claim for a critical illness, the policy typically ends and there won’t be a later life insurance payout.

With add-on cover, critical illness and life insurance can work as two separate protections, meaning one payout if you’re diagnosed and another if you pass away during the policy term.

Who should consider life insurance and who might not need it?

Life insurance is usually worth considering if someone would struggle financially if you died. This could include:

  • a partner or spouse

  • children

  • elderly parents or other relatives you support

  • a business partner or co-owner

  • someone you share debts with, such as a joint mortgage

If you’re single with no dependants and no shared financial responsibilities, you may not need life insurance. In this case, other protection products - such as income protection or critical illness cover - may be more suitable.

It’s still worth reviewing your position regularly, as your needs can change if you start a family, buy a home, or enter a long-term relationship.

Do I need life insurance to take out a mortgage?

It is not a legal requirement to have life insurance for a mortgage, but some lenders may insist on it as a condition of lending. Even if your lender does not require it, life insurance can help ensure your family can continue to make mortgage repayments if you die. You are free to choose your own life insurance provider; you do not have to use the one your lender suggests.

Should I take out single or joint level term life insurance?

Whether you choose single or joint life insurance depends on your situation. If you’re part of a couple and have dependants, joint life insurance can be a slightly cheaper way to provide financial protection for your family if something happens to one or both of you.

However, most joint policies only pay out once, when the first person dies. You may also need to alter your life insurance policy if you and your partner get divorced.

Do I need life insurance if I have a pension?

Having a pension does not necessarily mean you don't need life insurance. While a pension supports you during retirement, life insurance is meant to provide financial support to your dependents after your passing. Whether you need life insurance depends on your specific situation, such as having dependents, a mortgage, or other debts.

What happens to my debts when I die?

In the UK, your debts don’t disappear when you die, but they don’t pass directly to your family either.

Most debts are paid out of your estate, which is the total value of your assets, such as property, savings and investments, before anything is inherited. If you have joint debts, such as a joint mortgage or loan, the surviving person is usually still responsible for the full amount.

Life insurance can help cover these debts so they don’t become a financial burden.

Some debts are treated differently. For example, student loans are written off when you die and don’t need to be repaid by your estate or family.

Should I take out single or joint life insurance?

Whether you choose single or joint life insurance depends on your situation. If you’re part of a couple and have dependants, joint life insurance can be a slightly cheaper way to provide financial protection for your family if something happens to one or both of you.

However, most joint policies only pay out once, when the first person dies. You may also need to alter your life insurance policy if you and your partner get divorced.

Can I take out life insurance on my partner?

Yes, it is possible to take out life insurance on your partner but there are some conditions to this.

If you are taking out life insurance on behalf of another person, you will need to demonstrate that you have 'insurable interest'. This means that you would have provable financial loss if they passed away. This is something that would need to be recognised by the law.

For example, you would experience a financial loss if you own a shared mortgage or were joint owners of a business, and so would have a viable reason for taking out a life insurance policy.

However, you need consent from the other person to take out life insurance on them and in most cases will need a financial advisor to set up the policy as it cannot be applied for in the same way as a standard life insurance policy.

What should I do with my life insurance after a divorce or separation?

If you get divorced or separate, you should review your life insurance as soon as possible.

If you have a single life insurance policy, you can usually keep it, but you may want to change the beneficiary so the payout doesn’t go to your ex-partner. Beneficiaries don’t change automatically, so you’ll need to update them with your insurer.

If you have a joint life insurance policy, you’ll normally need to take action. Your options may include:

  • splitting the policy into two single policies (if your insurer offers a separation benefit)

  • one person taking over the policy

  • cancelling the policy and arranging new cover

Be aware that cancelling and taking out a new policy later can be more expensive, as premiums usually increase with age and you may need new medical checks.

In some cases, divorce or separation agreements require life insurance to stay in place for the benefit of children or an ex-partner. If this applies to you, it’s a good idea to get legal advice before making changes.

Is life insurance useful if I’m self-employed or run a business?

Yes. Life insurance for the self-employed works the same way as for employees, but you won’t usually have employer benefits like death-in-service cover.

Life insurance can help protect:

  • family members who rely on your income

  • business partners or co-owners

  • the business itself, by helping cover debts or fund ownership changes

Some business owners also consider key person insurance, which is designed to protect a business if someone critical to its success dies.

When should I review or update my life insurance?

You should review your life insurance whenever your circumstances change, including if you:

  • get married, separate or divorce

  • move in with a partner

  • have a child

  • buy or pay off a mortgage

  • start or leave a business

  • take on new financial responsibilities

Life insurance doesn’t update automatically, so you may need to change your beneficiaries, cover amount or policy type to make sure it still meets your needs.

Even without major changes, it’s a good idea to review your policy every few years.

How much does life insurance cost?

How much you pay for life insurance depends on your age, health, smoking status, and the type and amount of cover you choose. Through MoneySuperMarket, quotes start from £2.69^ /month. The median cost of level term cover for customers aged 50 to 54 is £33.61^ /month. Generally, the younger you are when you take out a policy, the less you pay.

Is life insurance taxable in the UK?

Life insurance payouts are generally not subject to income tax or capital gains tax in the UK. However, if the payout forms part of your estate, it may be subject to inheritance tax if your estate exceeds the nil-rate band. Writing your policy into a trust can help ensure the payout goes directly to your beneficiaries without being included in your estate for inheritance tax purposes.

Can I change my life insurance policy after I take it out?

It depends on your insurer and policy type. Some providers allow you to adjust your cover level, extend or shorten your term, or add extras such as critical illness cover after your policy has started. Others may require you to take out a new policy if you want to make significant changes. Check your policy terms or contact your insurer to find out what options are available to you.

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At MoneySuperMarket, we want to give you clear, accurate and trustworthy information so you can make confident financial decisions for your circumstances.

Every page on our website goes through a careful editorial process before it is published. It’s written or reviewed by one of our experienced experts, checked for accuracy, and updated regularly to reflect the latest information.

We do use AI tools to support our research and drafting, but a human editor is always in the loop to review, fact-check and approve everything before it’s published, so you can trust that what you’re reading is both reliable and up to date.

You can read more in our editorial guidelines.

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We get paid by the companies we work with, but the payment we get doesn’t have any bearing on the information we provide. We get paid in different ways, depending on the type of product or service you buy through us. Our goal is to search deals from as wide a range of companies as possible, but we only show results from our partner providers.

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Why should I use a price comparison website?

One of the best ways to get the lowest prices and best deals is to compare quotes from different companies. We do the work for you, comparing quotes side-by-side and giving you all the information you need so you can choose the right deal for your needs and your wallet.

We don’t give recommendations or financial advice, but we give you clear information so you can choose financial products that suit your circumstances.

Does MoneySuperMarket work with all the providers on the market?

No, not every company can be included in our service. This is because some companies don’t want their products included on comparison sites, and some decide that they would rather not pay a fee. There are also a few smaller providers who can struggle to cope with the volume of customers that can find their products if they appear on MoneySuperMarket.

Our goal is to search deals from as wide a range of companies as possible so that you can choose the deal that suits you.

Is life insurance eligible for SuperSaveClub and rewards?

No, at this time life insurance is not an eligible product for unlocking our SuperSaveClub rewards. It is also not included in our Price Promise.

Reviewed on 27 Feb 2026 by

Using the 51st percentile of cheapest premiums quotes, based on single non smoker policyholder aged under 30, with £100,000 of cover over a 10 year term with a decreasing term. Quoted between January 2025 and January 2026

YouGov Survey 1st July 2024 to 30th June 2025. Net Recommend score derived from “Which of the following online service websites would you recommend to a friend or colleague, or tell them to avoid?” Base: Current Customers of (MoneySuperMarket n=18,382, Compare the Market n=16,802, Go.Compare n=10,162, Confused.com n=8,229, Uswitch n=528).

T&Cs apply, click here for more information

Amazon.co.uk Gift Card value varies based on the first monthly premium of the policy and will be confirmed on the results page T&Cs apply

For more information see HERE

Data from MoneySuperMarket's Household Money Index 2025.

Data from Child Poverty Action Group's The Cost of a Child Report 2025. Yearly cost based on total cost of £290,000 for a lone parent to raise a child to 18 years old.

Source: SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2025. Data sourced October 2025.

Data based on the median price of life insurance sold through MoneySuperMarket for life insurance and critical illness cover in February 2026.

Data based on the median price of life insurance sold through MoneySuperMarket for level cover in February 2026.

Data based on the median price of life insurance sold through MoneySuperMarket for decreasing cover in February 2026.

Data based on the median price of life insurance sold through MoneySuperMarket for life insurance and critical illness cover in January 2026.

Data based on the median price of life insurance sold through MoneySuperMarket for age 18-49 in February 2026.

Starting price for a 30 year old non-smoker with well-controlled high blood pressure, taking out a £200,000, 30-year life insurance policy. Data from LifeSearch, 2025.

Data based on the median price of life insurance sold through MoneySuperMarket for age 50-54 in February 2026.

Office for National Statistics (ONS), released 18 March 2025, ONS website, statistical bulletin, National life tables – life expectancy in the UK: 2021 to 2023