Building a life together is one of life's greatest adventures. Whether you're getting married, entering a civil partnership, buying your first home, or starting a family, each milestone intertwines your finances and futures more deeply. As you share responsibilities like a mortgage, household bills, and childcare costs, it's natural to consider how your partner would cope financially if you were no longer around.
This is where life insurance becomes an essential part of your shared financial plan. It's not just a policy; it's a promise—a safety net designed to protect the people you love from financial hardship during an incredibly difficult time. For couples in the UK, the primary decision often boils down to a fundamental choice: should you get a single policy each, or a joint policy together?
This may seem like a simple question, but the answer has significant long-term implications for your financial security. The cheapest option isn't always the best, and what works for one couple may not be right for another.
In this definitive guide, we will explore every facet of life insurance for couples. We’ll demystify the jargon, weigh the pros and cons of joint versus single policies, explore costs, and examine other crucial types of protection. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge to make an informed decision that provides true peace of mind for you and your partner.
Joint vs Single Policies Explained for Couples
At the heart of the decision-making process lies the core difference between how single and joint life insurance policies operate. Understanding this distinction is the first and most crucial step.
What is a Single Life Insurance Policy?
A single life insurance policy covers one person. It is a straightforward contract between an individual and an insurance company.
- How it works: You take out a policy on your own life. If you pass away during the policy's term, it pays out a pre-agreed cash lump sum to your nominated beneficiaries (e.g., your partner, children, or a trust).
- For couples: Each partner takes out their own separate policy. This means there are two independent policies in place. If one partner dies, their policy pays out, and the surviving partner's policy remains active, continuing to provide cover for them.
What is a Joint Life Insurance Policy?
A joint life insurance policy covers two people under a single contract. While it covers two individuals, it's designed to pay out only once.
- How it works: You and your partner take out one policy together. The vast majority of these are arranged on a 'first death' basis.
- First Death Basis: This is the standard for joint policies. The policy pays out the agreed cash lump sum upon the death of the first partner. Crucially, once this payout occurs, the policy ends. This leaves the surviving partner with no further life insurance cover from that policy.
- Second Death Basis: This is a much less common type of joint policy, typically used for complex inheritance tax (IHT) planning. The policy only pays out after the second partner has passed away. It is not generally used for mortgage or family protection, as it provides no financial support for the surviving partner.
To make this crystal clear, let's compare the fundamental mechanics in a simple table.
| Feature | Two Single Policies | One Joint (First Death) Policy |
|---|
| Who is covered? | Each partner has their own policy. | Both partners are covered by one policy. |
| Number of Payouts | Two potential payouts (one for each policy). | One payout only, on the first death. |
| Cover after a claim | The survivor's policy remains active. | The policy ends, leaving the survivor without cover. |
| Flexibility | High. Each policy can have different terms/amounts. | Low. One cover amount and term for both. |
| Administration | Two applications, two direct debits. | One application, one direct debit. |
The single most important takeaway is this: with two single policies, there are two potential payouts. With a joint policy, there is only one. This fundamental difference is the driving force behind most of the pros and cons that we will now explore in detail.
The Pros and Cons: A Detailed Breakdown
Choosing between single and joint life insurance is a classic case of balancing cost against comprehensiveness. Let's break down the advantages and disadvantages of each option to help you understand which might better suit your circumstances.
Joint Life Insurance: The Advantages
1. Cost-Effectiveness
The primary appeal of a joint policy is its price. It is almost always cheaper than taking out two separate single policies. Insurers can offer a lower premium because their risk is consolidated; they only ever have to pay out once. For a couple on a tight budget, particularly those whose main priority is covering a new mortgage, this monthly saving can be very attractive.
2. Simplicity and Convenience
Managing one policy is simpler than managing two. There is only one application process to complete, one set of paperwork to file, and one monthly direct debit to track. This administrative ease can be a welcome benefit when you're already juggling the complexities of a new mortgage or a growing family.
Joint Life Insurance: The Disadvantages
1. The Single Payout Limitation
This is the most significant drawback. When the first partner dies, the policy pays out, and the cover ceases to exist. The surviving partner is then left with no life insurance.
- Real-Life Example: Mark and Sarah, both 35, take out a joint policy to cover their mortgage. Sadly, Mark passes away at 45. The policy pays out and clears the mortgage, which is a huge relief for Sarah. However, Sarah, now a 45-year-old single parent, has no life cover herself. If she were to seek a new policy, the premiums would be considerably higher due to her age and any health issues she may have developed over the decade. If she were to pass away, there would be no life insurance payout for their children.
2. Complications in a Relationship Breakdown
According to the Office for National Statistics, while divorce rates are falling for some age groups, relationship breakdowns are still a fact of life. What happens to a joint life policy if a couple separates or divorces? It can be messy.
- You cannot simply split a joint policy down the middle.
- You must either cancel the policy (leaving both partners unprotected) or have one person agree to take over the payments for a policy that still covers their ex-partner.
- Some modern policies include a 'separation option' or 'separation benefit'. This allows the couple to split the joint policy into two single policies within a certain timeframe after a legal separation, divorce, or dissolution of a civil partnership, often without further medical questions. However, this is not a standard feature on all policies and may have specific conditions attached.
3. Mismatched Cover Needs
A joint policy provides a single, one-size-fits-all lump sum. This can be problematic if partners have different financial protection needs. For example, if one partner is the primary earner, you might want a larger amount of cover on their life. Or, if one partner has children from a previous relationship, they may have separate financial obligations to consider. A joint policy cannot accommodate these individual requirements.
Single Life Insurance: The Advantages
1. Comprehensive 'Double' Coverage
This is the biggest advantage. Having two separate policies creates two separate pots of money.
- Real-Life Example (continued): If Mark and Sarah had taken out two single policies instead, when Mark passed away, his policy would have paid out to Sarah. This could clear the mortgage and provide extra funds. Crucially, Sarah's own policy would remain in force. This gives her continued peace of mind, knowing that if anything were to happen to her, a second lump sum would be paid out to provide for their children's future (e.g., university fees, a house deposit).
2. Total Flexibility and Tailoring
With single policies, you can customise each one to the individual's needs.
- Different Cover Amounts: The higher earner could have a larger sum assured.
- Different Term Lengths: One partner might want their cover to run until the children are 25, while the other might only need it until the mortgage is paid off at 60.
- Different Policy Types: One partner could have a level term policy, while the other might opt for a decreasing term policy to match the mortgage.
3. Simplicity on Separation
If the relationship ends, there is no complication with the insurance. Each person simply keeps their own policy and can change the beneficiary if they wish. There is no need for difficult conversations or complex administration.
Single Life Insurance: The Disadvantages
1. Higher Cost
The main downside is that two single policies will invariably cost more than one joint policy. The difference in price might be smaller than you think—sometimes only 10-20% more—but it is a higher monthly outlay. You are, however, paying for a significantly more comprehensive level of protection.
2. More Administration
There's slightly more initial paperwork, as you are completing two separate applications. You will also have two direct debits coming out of your bank account each month instead of one.
Summary: Joint vs. Two Single Policies
| Aspect | Joint (First Death) Policy | Two Single Policies |
|---|
| Cost | ✅ Cheaper | ❌ More expensive |
| Convenience | ✅ Simpler (one application/payment) | ❌ More admin (two applications/payments) |
| Total Payout | ❌ Only one payout in total | ✅ Two potential payouts |
| Survivor Cover | ❌ Survivor is left uninsured | ✅ Survivor's policy continues |
| Flexibility | ❌ Inflexible (one size fits all) | ✅ Highly flexible and customisable |
| Separation | ❌ Complicated to manage | ✅ Simple (each keeps their own policy) |
How Much Does Life Insurance for Couples Cost?
The cost of life insurance, whether joint or single, is not fixed. It is calculated based on the specific risk you and your partner present to the insurer. Understanding the key factors can help you see why quotes vary and what you can do to influence your premium.
Key Factors Influencing Your Premiums:
- Age: The younger you are when you take out a policy, the cheaper it will be. Premiums increase significantly with age.
- Health & Medical History: Insurers will ask detailed questions about your current health, past conditions, and your family's medical history (particularly for hereditary conditions like heart disease or cancer).
- Smoker Status: This is one of the most significant factors. A smoker can expect to pay anywhere from 50% to 100% more for life insurance than a non-smoker. This includes vaping and other nicotine-replacement products for most insurers.
- Lifestyle: Your alcohol consumption, hobbies (e.g., hazardous sports like mountaineering or scuba diving), and travel plans can all affect your premium.
- Occupation: An office worker will pay less than a scaffolder or someone who works at heights, due to the difference in occupational risk.
- Cover Amount: The larger the lump sum you want the policy to pay out, the higher the monthly premium.
- Term Length: The longer the policy needs to be in force, the more it will cost. A 30-year term is more expensive than a 20-year term.
- Type of Cover:
- Level Term: The payout amount remains the same throughout the policy term. Best for interest-only mortgages or providing a family lump sum.
- Decreasing Term: The payout amount reduces over time, usually in line with a repayment mortgage balance. This is the cheapest form of cover.
- Increasing Term: The payout amount increases each year (e.g., by the rate of inflation) to protect its real-terms value. This is the most expensive option.
Illustrative Cost Examples
To give you a clearer idea, here are some illustrative monthly premium examples for a non-smoking couple, both aged 35, seeking £300,000 of level term cover over a 25-year term to cover their mortgage and family needs.
Please Note: These are estimates for illustrative purposes only. Your actual quote will depend on your unique circumstances.
| Policy Type | Estimated Monthly Premium | Total Potential Payout |
|---|
| One Joint Policy | £22 | £300,000 |
| Two Single Policies | £26 (£13 each) | £600,000 |
As you can see, in this scenario, the two single policies cost only £4 more per month but provide double the potential payout (£600,000 vs £300,000) and leave the surviving partner with their own £300,000 policy still in place. When viewed in this light, the small extra cost often represents outstanding value for the huge increase in protection.
At WeCovr, we make this comparison process simple. We can provide you with instant quotes for both joint and single policies from all the UK's leading insurers, allowing you to see the precise cost difference and make a decision based on facts, not guesswork.
Choosing the Right Policy for Your Circumstances
There is no single "best" solution for every couple. The right choice depends entirely on your personal situation, priorities, budget, and long-term goals. Here are some scenarios to help guide your thinking.
When a Joint Policy Might Be a Good Fit
A joint policy is often chosen when budget is the number one priority and the protection need is very specific and shared.
- Young Couples on a Tight Budget: If you're stretching financially to get on the property ladder, the lower premium of a joint policy might be the only affordable option. Securing some cover is infinitely better than having no cover at all. The primary goal here is to ensure the mortgage is paid off if one of you dies, preventing the other from losing the home.
- Older Couples with No Dependents: If your children are financially independent and your main concern is clearing a small remaining mortgage or providing a lump sum for funeral costs, a simple, low-cost joint policy might suffice.
When Two Single Policies are Often Better
For the vast majority of couples, especially those with dependents or complex finances, the comprehensive protection of two single policies is superior.
- Couples with Children (or Planning a Family): This is arguably the most compelling reason to choose single policies. The 'double payout' potential provides an unparalleled safety net. The first payout can clear debts and support the family, while the second policy ensures that if the surviving parent also passes away, there is a designated inheritance for the children.
- Couples with Disparate Incomes: If one partner earns significantly more, it makes sense to have a larger amount of cover on their life to replace that lost income. Single policies allow for this customisation.
- Business Owners, Freelancers, or Company Directors: Your personal and business protection needs can be intertwined. You might have a personal policy to protect your family and a separate business policy (like Key Person insurance) to protect your company. Keeping these separate via single policies provides clarity and flexibility.
- Anyone Wanting Maximum Peace of Mind: The knowledge that the surviving partner will not only receive a payout but will also remain insured is a powerful emotional benefit that, for many, is worth the modest extra cost.
To help you decide, ask yourselves these questions:
- What is the primary purpose of our insurance? Is it just to clear the mortgage, or also to provide for our children's future?
- If one of us were to die, would the survivor need their own life cover going forward?
- Could we afford a new policy later in life if our joint policy paid out?
- Do we have different protection needs (e.g., different income levels)?
- What is the actual monthly cost difference between a joint policy and two single ones for us? Is the saving worth sacrificing the extra cover?
Beyond the Basics: Other Protection to Consider
Life insurance is the foundation of financial protection, but it only pays out on death. Life, however, can throw other challenges your way. A robust protection plan for a couple should also consider what happens in the event of serious illness or injury.
Critical Illness Cover
- What it is: Critical Illness Cover (CIC) pays out a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of a list of specific, serious medical conditions defined in the policy (e.g., heart attack, stroke, most forms of cancer).
- Why it's important: A serious illness can be financially devastating. The payout can be used to cover medical bills, make adaptations to your home, or, most importantly, replace lost income while you recover, allowing your partner to take time off work to care for you without financial strain.
- For Couples: You can get joint life and critical illness cover, but it operates on the same 'first event' basis. It will pay out on the first partner to either die or be diagnosed with a critical illness, and then the policy ends. Again, two separate policies (each with its own critical illness cover) provide more comprehensive protection, as a claim on one partner's policy will not affect the other's.
Income Protection Insurance
- What it is: Often described by experts as the most important insurance you can own, Income Protection provides a regular, tax-free replacement income if you are unable to work due to any illness or injury.
- Why it's important: Your ability to earn an income is your biggest asset. According to the ABI, you are far more likely to be off work for an extended period due to illness than you are to die during your working life. Income Protection covers a portion of your salary (typically 50-65%) until you can return to work, retire, or the policy term ends. It's the ultimate financial backstop.
- For Couples: If your household relies on two incomes to function, having both partners covered by income protection is vital. Losing one income due to illness could put the entire family's financial stability at risk.
Other Specialist Policies
- Family Income Benefit: An alternative to a standard lump-sum life policy. Instead of one large payout, it provides a series of smaller, regular tax-free payments to your family, running from the point of claim until the policy's end date. This can be easier to manage than a large lump sum and can feel more like a direct replacement for a lost salary.
- For Business Owners: If you run your own limited company, you can explore Executive Income Protection. This is a company-owned policy that pays into the business, which then pays you via PAYE. It can be a highly tax-efficient way to arrange cover. Key Person Insurance is another business product that pays the company if a crucial director or employee dies or becomes critically ill, helping the business to survive the loss.
- For Inheritance Tax Planning: For those with large estates, a Gift Inter Vivos policy can be used to cover the potential inheritance tax liability on a large gift if you die within seven years of making it.
Putting Your Policy in Trust: An Essential Step
This is one of the most important yet often overlooked aspects of setting up life insurance. Writing your policy 'in trust' is a simple legal arrangement that ensures the right money goes to the right hands at the right time.
What does it mean?
Putting a policy in trust means you are placing it in a legal wrapper. You appoint 'trustees' (people you trust, often including your partner, a family member, or a solicitor) to manage the policy. You also name 'beneficiaries' (the people you want to receive the money, e.g., your partner and children).
The Huge Benefits of Using a Trust:
- Avoids Probate: When a person dies, their estate (money, property, assets) usually has to go through a legal process called probate before it can be distributed. This can take many months, sometimes even years. A policy in trust sits outside your estate, so the payout does not need to go through probate. Trustees can claim the money from the insurer within a few weeks of receiving the death certificate, providing your family with funds when they need them most.
- Mitigates Inheritance Tax (IHT): Because the policy payout is not part of your legal estate, it is not normally included in the calculation for Inheritance Tax. With the current IHT threshold, this can save your beneficiaries a staggering 40% of the policy payout. For a £300,000 policy, that’s a potential saving of £120,000.
- Ensures Control: The trust deed specifies exactly who you want to receive the money. This avoids the payout being subject to the laws of intestacy if you don't have a valid will, ensuring your wishes are followed.
Most insurers provide the trust forms for free as part of the application process. At WeCovr, we consider this a critical part of our service and always guide our clients through the simple process of completing the trust forms to ensure their policy is as effective as possible.
Health, Wellness, and Your Premiums
Insurers are fundamentally in the business of risk. A healthier lifestyle translates directly to lower risk, and therefore, lower premiums. Taking steps to improve your health is not only good for your wellbeing but also for your wallet.
How Insurers View Health:
During the application, you'll be asked a series of health and lifestyle questions. It is vital that you answer these with 100% honesty. Failure to disclose a past medical condition or your smoking habits is known as 'non-disclosure' and could lead to a future claim being denied, rendering your policy worthless.
Actionable Tips to Potentially Lower Premiums:
- Stop Smoking: Being smoke-free (and vape-free) for at least 12 months will classify you as a non-smoker with most insurers, which can cut your premium by up to half.
- Maintain a Healthy BMI: Insurers look at your height-to-weight ratio. A high BMI can indicate a higher risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease, leading to higher premiums. A balanced diet and regular exercise can have a direct impact.
- Reduce Alcohol Intake: Insurers ask about your weekly unit consumption. Keeping your intake within the recommended NHS guidelines (currently 14 units per week) will be viewed favourably.
- Manage Existing Conditions: If you have a chronic condition like high blood pressure or diabetes, demonstrating that it is well-managed with regular check-ups and medication can result in a more favourable premium.
At WeCovr, we believe in supporting our clients' long-term health, not just their financial protection. That's why, in addition to finding you the best policy, we provide our customers with complimentary access to our very own AI-powered calorie tracking app, CalorieHero. It’s our way of going the extra mile, helping you on your wellness journey which can, in turn, contribute to a healthier life and more affordable insurance.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Future Together
Choosing between joint and single life insurance is one of the most important financial decisions you will make as a couple.
- A joint policy offers simplicity and lower cost, making it a viable option for those on a strict budget whose primary aim is to cover a joint debt like a mortgage.
- Two single policies, while costing slightly more, offer vastly superior protection. The double payout potential, the flexibility to tailor cover to individual needs, and the crucial fact that the survivor remains insured, make it the more robust and secure option for the vast majority of couples, especially those with children.
Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best decision is the one that aligns with your specific needs, your budget, and your shared vision for the future. It’s about understanding the trade-offs between cost and coverage and choosing the path that lets you both sleep soundly at night.
Making this decision can feel daunting, but you don't have to do it alone. Speaking to an expert adviser can provide clarity and confidence. We can run detailed quotes for both scenarios, talk through your family's specific needs, and help you navigate the options to find the protection that gives you and your partner true, lasting peace of mind.
Can we get life insurance as a couple if we're not married?
Absolutely. Insurers offer life insurance to all couples, whether they are married, in a civil partnership, or cohabiting (living together). The key requirement is an 'insurable interest', which simply means that the other person would suffer a financial loss if you were to pass away. A shared mortgage or joint financial commitments is clear evidence of this.
What happens to a joint life insurance policy if we split up?
This can be complicated. You generally have three options: 1) Cancel the policy, leaving both of you without cover. 2) Continue the policy as is, which may not be desirable. 3) One person takes over the policy, removing the other from any benefit. Some modern policies include a 'separation option' which allows you to split the joint policy into two single ones without further medical questions, but this is not standard. This is a major reason why two single policies are often recommended for their simplicity in the event of a relationship breakdown.
Is it definitely cheaper to get a joint policy?
Generally, yes. A single joint policy premium is usually less than the combined cost of two separate single policies. However, the difference can sometimes be surprisingly small. It is always worth getting quotes for both options. Often, the small extra monthly cost for two single policies is excellent value considering it provides twice the potential payout and leaves the survivor with their own cover intact.
Can we have different cover amounts on a joint policy?
No, a joint policy has one single sum assured that applies to both individuals. If you and your partner have different protection needs (for example, if one earns much more than the other), you can only achieve this by taking out two single policies with different cover amounts. This is a key element of the flexibility offered by single policies.
Do we need a medical exam to get life insurance?
Not always. For many people, especially if you are young, healthy, and seeking a moderate amount of cover, the policy can be approved based solely on the answers you provide in the application questionnaire. However, insurers may request a medical exam, a nurse screening, or a report from your GP if you are older, requesting a very large amount of cover, or have pre-existing medical conditions.
How often should we review our life insurance cover?
It is wise to review your protection needs every few years, and especially after any major life event. Key triggers for a review include: getting married, having a child, moving to a bigger house with a larger mortgage, receiving a significant pay rise, or starting a business. Your needs change over time, and your cover should evolve to match them.