TL;DR
Navigating the world of life insurance can feel daunting, especially as you enter your 50s and beyond. Your priorities shift from covering mortgages and school fees to ensuring you can leave a meaningful legacy, cover final expenses, and protect your loved ones from financial strain. This is where Over-50s Life Insurance comes in—a straightforward and accessible product designed specifically for your needs in later life.
Key takeaways
- Payout Amount (Sum Assured): The maximum cover available.
- Premiums: Affordability and whether they are fixed.
- Waiting Period: The initial term before the full policy pays out for natural causes.
- Value-Added Benefits: Extra features like funeral funding, free will writing services, and wellbeing support.
- Customer Service & Payout Record: A provider's reputation for supporting families when it matters most.
Navigating the world of life insurance can feel daunting, especially as you enter your 50s and beyond. Your priorities shift from covering mortgages and school fees to ensuring you can leave a meaningful legacy, cover final expenses, and protect your loved ones from financial strain. This is where Over-50s Life Insurance comes in—a straightforward and accessible product designed specifically for your needs in later life.
But with so many providers vying for your attention, each with their own promises and perks, how do you choose the right one? The decision can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this definitive guide. As experts in the UK protection market, we'll break down everything you need to know about over-50s cover. We will delve into the details, compare the titans of the industry, and give you the clarity you need to make a confident choice for your future and your family's peace of mind.
WeCovr reviews Legal & General, LV=, OneFamily, National Friendly, and others for later-life cover
Choosing an over-50s plan isn't just about finding the cheapest monthly premium. It's about finding the best value and the most suitable features for your unique circumstances. In this comprehensive review, we'll examine the UK's leading providers, assessing them on the criteria that truly matter:
- Payout Amount (Sum Assured): The maximum cover available.
- Premiums: Affordability and whether they are fixed.
- Waiting Period: The initial term before the full policy pays out for natural causes.
- Value-Added Benefits: Extra features like funeral funding, free will writing services, and wellbeing support.
- Customer Service & Payout Record: A provider's reputation for supporting families when it matters most.
This review will equip you with the knowledge to see past the marketing slogans and understand what each provider truly offers.
What is Over-50s Life Insurance and How Does It Work?
Over-50s life insurance is a specific type of 'whole-of-life' policy. This means it's designed to last for the rest of your life and guarantees to pay out a fixed, tax-free cash lump sum when you die.
Its primary appeal lies in its simplicity and accessibility. Here are the core mechanics:
- Guaranteed Acceptance: If you are a UK resident typically aged between 50 and 80 (some providers go up to 85), your acceptance is guaranteed. There are no medical questions to answer and no need for a medical examination. This makes it an excellent option for those with pre-existing health conditions who might struggle to get traditional life insurance.
- Fixed Premiums: You choose a monthly premium you can afford, and this amount is fixed for the life of the policy. It will never increase, making it easy to budget for. Premiums can start from as little as £5 per month.
- Guaranteed Payout: The policy is guaranteed to pay out the agreed lump sum upon your death, provided you have passed the initial waiting period. This money can be used by your beneficiaries for any purpose, such as covering funeral costs, settling outstanding bills, or as a cash gift.
- The Waiting Period (or 'Moratorium'): This is a critical feature to understand. Over-50s plans have an initial waiting period, which is typically 12 or 24 months.
- If you die from natural causes (such as illness) during this period, the insurer will not pay the full cash sum. Instead, they will refund all the premiums you have paid in. Some providers may add an extra 50% to this refund.
- If you die as a result of an accident at any time, including during the waiting period, the policy will pay out the full cash sum.
The Key Consideration: Could I Pay In More Than is Paid Out?
It's important to be aware of the trade-off for guaranteed acceptance. Because the insurer doesn't know about your health, there's a risk that if you live a long life, you could end up paying more in total premiums than the final cash lump sum.
Example:
- Illustrative estimate: You take out a policy at age 55 with a £15 monthly premium for a £3,500 payout.
- If you live to age 85 (30 years), you will have paid 360 premiums.
- Illustrative estimate: Total paid: 360 x £15 = £5,400.
- Illustrative estimate: This is £1,900 more than the £3,500 payout.
However, many modern policies now include a feature where you stop paying premiums at a certain age (e.g., 90) or after a set number of years, but your cover remains in place for life. This helps to mitigate the risk.
Over-50s Life Insurance vs. Traditional Life Insurance
Understanding the distinction between these products is key to choosing the right one for you.
| Feature | Over-50s Life Insurance | Traditional Life Insurance (Term or Whole-of-Life) |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Questions | No | Yes, detailed health & lifestyle questions |
| Acceptance | Guaranteed (within age limits) | Based on underwriting; can be declined |
| Sum Assured | Lower (typically up to £25,000) | Higher (can be £500,000+) |
| Main Purpose | Funeral costs, small gift, clearing minor debts | Covering a mortgage, replacing lost income, large legacy |
| Waiting Period | Yes (usually 12 or 24 months for non-accidental death) | No, cover starts immediately for all causes of death |
| Best For | Individuals with health issues or seeking simple, guaranteed cover | Healthier individuals needing significant financial protection |
Ranking the Best Over-50s Life Insurance Providers in the UK for 2025
We've analysed the market to bring you a clear comparison of the top providers. While price is a factor, our ranking also considers the crucial benefits and features that provide real value to you and your family.
Here's a quick overview of the leading contenders:
| Provider | Entry Age Range | Maximum Payout | Waiting Period | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OneFamily | Check eligibility | Varies | Varies | Mutual provider with straightforward over-50s cover |
| LV= (Liverpool Victoria) | 50-80 | £25,000 | 12 months | Protected Payout & Flexible Funeral Benefit |
| Legal & General | 50-80 | £10,000 | 12 months | Optional Increasing Cover to fight inflation |
| Royal London | 50-80 | £10,000 | 12 months | Protected Payout Promise from month 13 |
| Aviva | 50-80 | £25,000 | 12 months | Free Parent Life Cover eligibility |
| National Friendly | Check eligibility | Varies | Varies | Mutual provider with member-focused service |
| Shepherds Friendly | Check eligibility | Varies | Varies | Friendly society with simple later-life cover |
In-Depth Provider Reviews
1. OneFamily - The Mutual Specialist
OneFamily is a member-owned provider with a long heritage in protection. Their over-50s plan focuses on simplicity and guaranteed acceptance within published age limits.
- Key Features:
- Eligibility: Guaranteed acceptance within the insurer's age criteria.
- Waiting Period: Standard waiting period applies for death from natural causes.
- Premium Structure: Fixed monthly premiums designed to be easy to budget for.
- Value-Added Benefits:
- Mutual structure: Member-owned focus on customer value.
- Straightforward application: Simple process aimed at later-life customers.
- WeCovr's Verdict: A strong option for those who want a mutual provider and a straightforward plan without medical questions.
2. LV= (Liverpool Victoria) - The Flexible Contender
LV= is a major mutual insurer, meaning it's owned by its members. They have a strong reputation for customer service and paying claims promptly.
- Key Features:
- Age Range: 50-80 years old.
- Maximum Payout (illustrative): Up to £25,000, one of the highest available.
- Waiting Period: 12 months.
- Premium Promise: You only pay for a maximum of 30 years or until age 90, whichever comes first. Your cover then continues for life.
- Value-Added Benefits:
- Protected Payout: If you can no longer afford premiums after the first year, LV= will provide a reduced cash payout when you die, based on what you've paid. This is a fantastic safety net.
- Flexible Funeral Benefit Option (illustrative): You can choose between a Co-op or Dignity funeral director. LV= pays them directly and contributes £300 towards the costs.
- LV= Doctor Services: Access to a remote GP, prescription services, and second medical opinions for you and your family.
- WeCovr's Verdict (illustrative): LV= stands out for its flexibility and customer-centric features. The Protected Payout offers significant peace of mind against changing financial circumstances. The high maximum payout of £25,000 and the excellent LV= Doctor Services make their plan one of the most comprehensive and valuable on the market.
3. Legal & General - The Inflation Fighter
As one of the UK's largest insurance companies, Legal & General offers a robust and trusted over-50s plan with a unique feature to help your payout keep its value.
- Key Features:
- Age Range: 50-80 years old.
- Maximum Payout (illustrative): Up to £10,000.
- Waiting Period: 12 months.
- Premium Promise: Premiums stop at age 90, but cover is for life.
- Value-Added Benefits:
- Optional Increasing Cover: This is L&G's standout feature. You can choose for your payout to increase by 5% each year to help combat the effects of inflation. Your premiums will also increase, but by a higher rate (8% per year), so this needs careful consideration.
- Full Payout After 1 Year: Once you pass the 12-month waiting period, you're covered for death by any cause.
- 1.5x Premium Refund: If you die from natural causes in the first year, they will pay out 1.5 times the premiums you have paid.
- WeCovr's Verdict: Legal & General's plan is a strong choice for those concerned about inflation eroding the value of their legacy. The optional increasing cover is a powerful tool, though the escalating premiums must be budgeted for. The 1.5x premium refund on early death is also more generous than many competitors. It's a solid, dependable option from a household name.
4. Royal London - The Payout Protector
Royal London is the UK's largest mutual life, pensions, and investment company. Their focus is on providing long-term value and fairness to their members.
- Key Features:
- Age Range: 50-80 years old.
- Maximum Payout (illustrative): Up to £10,000.
- Waiting Period: 12 months.
- Premium Promise: You stop paying either at age 90 or after 30 years, whichever is earlier.
- Value-Added Benefits:
- Protected Payout Promise: If you stop paying premiums after the first year, your cover doesn't just stop. Royal London guarantees a payout of at least half of your original cover amount when you die. This is an exceptionally strong and unique feature.
- Helping Hand Service: A comprehensive support service providing access to nurses for practical and emotional support following illness or bereavement.
- WeCovr's Verdict: Royal London's Protected Payout Promise is a game-changer, offering an unparalleled safety net if your circumstances change. It directly addresses the fear of losing all your contributions if you can no longer afford the plan. Coupled with the excellent Helping Hand service, this makes their plan a top contender for those seeking maximum security and support.
Other mutual options worth considering include OneFamily, National Friendly, and Shepherds Friendly, which focus on straightforward, later-life cover with clear policy structures.
Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing Your Over-50s Plan
Beyond comparing providers, you need to consider your own personal needs. Ask yourself these questions to find the perfect fit.
1. How Much Cover (Sum Assured) Do I Really Need?
The lump sum is the core of the policy. Think carefully about its purpose.
- Covering a Funeral: The SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2024 revealed the average cost of a basic funeral in the UK is £4,141. However, this varies significantly by location and choices (e.g., burial vs. cremation). A burial is typically more expensive, averaging £5,077. In London, costs can easily exceed £5,000. You need a payout that will comfortably cover these expenses.
- Leaving a Financial Gift: Do you want to leave something for your children or grandchildren? A few thousand pounds could help with a house deposit, university costs, or their first car.
- Clearing Small Debts: You might want to ensure any outstanding credit card balances or small personal loans are cleared, so they don't become a burden on your family.
2. What Monthly Premium Can I Comfortably Afford?
This is a long-term commitment. It is crucial to choose a premium that you can comfortably afford now and in the future, even after you retire. Remember, if you stop paying, the cover will lapse, and you will lose the money you've paid in (unless your policy has a feature like LV='s or Royal London's protected payout).
3. Is the Waiting Period 12 or 24 Months?
Most leading providers now offer a 12-month waiting period, which is preferable. A 24-month period means you have to wait twice as long before you are fully covered for death from any cause. Always check this detail.
4. Should I Use a Funeral Benefit Option?
This option, offered by providers like OneFamily, National Friendly, Shepherds Friendly, and LV=, can be very helpful.
- Pro (illustrative): It simplifies things for your family at a difficult time. The payment goes directly to the funeral director, and there's often an extra contribution (£250-£300) towards the cost.
- Con: It ties you to a specific network of funeral directors (e.g., Dignity or Co-op). If your family wishes to use a different local director, they may not be able to benefit from the extra contribution.
5. How Will Inflation Affect My Payout?
A £10,000 payout today will not have the same purchasing power in 20 years. This is a key weakness of fixed-payout plans. (illustrative estimate)
- Example: With an average inflation rate of 3%, a £10,000 lump sum would only be worth around £5,537 in 20 years.
- Solution: Consider a plan with an increasing cover option, like the one from Legal & General. While your premiums will also rise, it ensures your legacy keeps its value over time.
6. Should I Place My Policy in Trust?
This is arguably one of the most important and overlooked steps. Placing your life insurance policy in a trust is a simple legal arrangement that ensures the payout goes to the right people, quickly and tax-efficiently.
- Avoids Probate: Money in a trust is not part of your estate. This means your beneficiaries do not have to wait for probate (the legal process of sorting out your will), which can take months. The insurance company can pay them directly and quickly.
- Avoids Inheritance Tax (IHT) (illustrative): A life insurance payout can increase the value of your estate, potentially pushing it over the IHT threshold (currently £325,000). Money paid from a trust is generally exempt from IHT.
Most insurers, and brokers like WeCovr, offer a free and simple trust writing service. Our advisers can help you complete the forms, ensuring your wishes are legally watertight.
Is Over-50s Life Insurance Always the Best Option? Exploring Alternatives
While over-50s plans are excellent for their intended purpose, they aren't a one-size-fits-all solution. It's wise to consider the alternatives.
| Option | Best For | Key Pro | Key Con |
|---|---|---|---|
| Over-50s Plan | Guaranteed acceptance, covering funeral costs or leaving a small gift. | Simple and accessible with no medical questions. | Payout is relatively low and fixed, risking value loss to inflation. |
| Traditional Whole-of-Life | Healthier individuals over 50 needing a larger, guaranteed payout. | Can secure a much higher sum assured for your premium. | Requires full medical underwriting and can be declined. |
| Term Life Insurance | Covering a specific debt or need over a set period (e.g., until retirement). | The cheapest form of life cover for a high payout amount. | Only pays out if you die within the agreed term. |
| Pre-Paid Funeral Plan | Those who want to lock in the cost of specific funeral director services. | Protects against rising funeral costs. | Inflexible; only covers listed items. May not cover all costs. |
| Savings & Investments | Disciplined savers who want flexible access to their money. | You retain control and can access the funds if needed. | You might not save enough if death occurs unexpectedly. |
If you are in relatively good health, you should always get a quote for a medically underwritten whole-of-life policy. You may be surprised to find you can get significantly more cover for the same monthly premium. An expert adviser can provide quotes for both types of plan, allowing you to make a true comparison.
Special Considerations for Business Owners and Directors Over 50
If you run your own business, your financial protection needs are more complex. While a personal over-50s plan is valuable, you should also consider business-specific protection.
- Relevant Life Cover: This is a highly tax-efficient way for a limited company to provide 'death-in-service' benefits for an employee, including a director.
- How it works: The company pays the premiums, which are typically an allowable business expense.
- The benefit: If the director dies, a tax-free lump sum is paid to their family via a trust. It does not form part of their lifetime pension allowance. It's essentially private death-in-service cover.
- Key Person Insurance: What would happen to your business if you or another crucial employee were to die or be diagnosed with a critical illness? Key Person Insurance pays a lump sum to the business to help it survive, covering costs like lost profits, recruiting a replacement, or clearing loans.
- Executive Income Protection: This is another tax-efficient policy paid for by the business. It provides a monthly income to an executive or director if they are unable to work due to long-term illness or injury, protecting both the individual and the business.
Navigating these options requires specialist advice. The team at WeCovr has deep expertise in structuring these policies to be as tax-efficient as possible for company directors, freelancers, and the self-employed.
Navigating the Application Process with WeCovr
We believe that getting the right protection should be a simple and reassuring process. We're here to cut through the jargon and find a plan that fits you perfectly.
- Free, No-Obligation Consultation: It starts with a conversation. We'll listen to your needs—what you want to achieve, your budget, and your priorities.
- Whole-of-Market Comparison: We are not tied to a single insurer. We use our expertise and technology to compare plans from most of the UK's leading providers, including those reviewed here and many others.
- Clear, Expert Advice: We'll present you with the best options and explain the pros and cons of each in plain English. We'll answer all your questions so you can make a fully informed decision.
- Hassle-Free Application: The application for an over-50s plan is quick and simple. We can handle the entire process for you over the phone in minutes.
- Free Trust Service: We'll help you place your policy in trust, ensuring your loved ones get the money quickly and tax-efficiently, at no extra cost.
As a WeCovr client, you also get complimentary access to our exclusive AI-powered wellness app, CalorieHero, helping you stay on top of your health and nutrition goals. It's another way we invest in our clients' long-term wellbeing.
Conclusion: Securing Peace of Mind in Your Later Years
Over-50s life insurance is a valuable tool for anyone looking to secure a small but meaningful financial legacy. Its guaranteed acceptance and simple structure provide a straightforward way to cover final expenses, leave a gift for family, or simply tie up loose ends, offering invaluable peace of mind.
However, the best provider for your neighbour may not be the best provider for you. Factors like your budget, the amount of cover you need, and whether you value features like inflation protection or payout guarantees will all influence your decision.
The key is not to go it alone. By comparing the whole market and seeking expert advice, you can be confident you are not just buying a policy, but investing in the right protection for your family's future. Making this small arrangement today can make a world of difference tomorrow.
Can I have more than one over-50s life insurance policy?
What happens if I stop paying my premiums?
Will the payout from my over-50s plan be taxed?
Do I have to pay premiums for the rest of my life?
Is an over-50s plan the same as a funeral plan?
Is the money from an over-50s plan guaranteed to cover my funeral?
Sources
- Office for National Statistics (ONS): Mortality, earnings, and household statistics.
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): Insurance and consumer protection guidance.
- Association of British Insurers (ABI): Life insurance and protection market publications.
- HMRC: Tax treatment guidance for relevant protection and benefits products.
