WeCovr reviews the best later-life policies for UK customers
Planning for the future is one of the most thoughtful things you can do for your loved ones. For many people in their 50s, 60s, and beyond, this means ensuring there’s a financial safety net in place to cover final expenses, clear outstanding bills, or simply leave a legacy for children and grandchildren. This is where over-50s life insurance comes in – a straightforward and accessible way to secure a guaranteed cash sum when you pass away.
In the UK, the over-50s market is dominated by a few household names, with SunLife and LV= (Liverpool Victoria) standing out as two of the most popular and trusted providers. Both have spent decades helping British families secure peace of mind. But while their core offerings might seem similar, there are crucial differences in their policies that could make one a significantly better fit for you than the other.
Choosing the right plan can feel daunting. That’s why we’ve created this definitive guide. As expert insurance specialists, our job at WeCovr is to demystify the options and empower you with the knowledge to make the best decision for your unique circumstances. We’ll delve into the details of the SunLife and LV= over-50s plans, comparing them feature by feature, so you can see exactly what you’re getting for your money.
From premium costs and payout amounts to welcome gifts and funeral benefits, we will leave no stone unturned. This comprehensive comparison will provide you with the clarity needed to choose a policy that aligns perfectly with your goals and budget.
What is Over-50s Life Insurance and How Does It Work?
Before we pit these two giants against each other, let's quickly recap what an over-50s life insurance plan is. In essence, it's a type of whole-of-life insurance policy designed specifically for UK residents aged 50 and over.
The key attraction is its simplicity and accessibility. Here’s how it typically works:
- Guaranteed Acceptance: If you’re within the eligible age range (usually 50 to 80 or 85), your acceptance is guaranteed. There are no medical questions to answer and no health checks or blood tests required. This is a significant benefit for those who may have pre-existing health conditions that could make other types of life insurance difficult or expensive to obtain.
- Fixed Premiums: You choose a monthly premium you’re comfortable with, and this amount is fixed for the life of the policy. It will never increase, making it easy to budget for.
- Guaranteed Cash Payout: In return for your premiums, the policy guarantees to pay out a fixed cash sum upon your death. This lump sum is determined at the start of the policy and depends on your age, your premium amount, and whether you smoke.
- The Waiting Period: Over-50s plans have a 'waiting' or 'qualifying' period, which is typically the first 12 or 24 months of the policy. If you pass away from natural causes during this initial period, the full cash sum isn't paid out. Instead, the insurer will refund the premiums you’ve paid. However, if death is the result of an accident during this time, the full lump sum is usually paid. Once the waiting period is over, you are fully covered for death by any cause.
These plans are most commonly used to cover funeral costs, which, according to SunLife's 2024 Cost of Dying Report, have now reached an average of £4,141 in the UK. The payout can also be used to settle small debts, pay for legal fees, or be left as a final gift to loved ones.
A Head-to-Head Comparison: SunLife vs LV=
Both SunLife and LV= offer popular, highly-rated over-50s plans. On the surface, they share many features, but the devil is in the detail. Understanding these nuances is key to finding the best value.
Here is a side-by-side overview of their core features:
| Feature | SunLife Guaranteed Over 50 Plan | LV= Over 50s Life Cover |
|---|
| Acceptance Age | 49 - 85 | 50 - 80 |
| Guaranteed Acceptance? | Yes, for UK residents in the age range | Yes, for UK residents in the age range |
| Medical Questions? | No | No |
| Minimum Premium | From £3.70 per month | From £5 per month |
| Maximum Premium | Up to £74 per month | Up to £100 per month |
| Waiting Period | 1 year | 1 year |
| Payout in First Year | Refund of 1.5x premiums paid (natural causes) | Refund of all premiums paid (natural causes) |
| Accidental Death Cover | Immediate, full payout | Immediate, full payout |
| Premium Payments Stop | At age 90 or after 30 years of payments | At age 95 or after 30 years of payments |
| Funeral Benefit Option? | Yes, with Dignity Funerals | Yes, with Dignity Funerals |
| Funeral Benefit Bonus | £250 contribution towards your funeral | £300 contribution towards your funeral |
| Welcome Gift | Typically a gift card (e.g., M&S) | Typically a gift card (e.g., M&S or Amazon) |
| Defaqto Rating (2025) | 5 Star | 5 Star |
As the table shows, while both providers offer excellent, 5-star rated products, there are clear differences in their age eligibility, premium refund policy, and funeral benefit contribution. Let's explore these in more detail.
Deep Dive: SunLife Guaranteed Over 50 Plan
SunLife is arguably the most recognised name in the over-50s market, thanks to their extensive advertising and long-standing presence. They have specialised in this type of cover for over 40 years, giving them a deep understanding of their customers' needs.
Key Features Explained
- Broad Age Range (49-85): SunLife offers one of the widest acceptance age ranges on the market. Allowing applications from age 49 gives those on the cusp of 50 a head start, while the upper limit of 85 provides an option for those who may have left financial planning until later in life.
- The Payout: The cash sum you can get depends on how much you want to pay each month, your age when the plan starts, and your smoking status. The older you are when you take out the plan, the lower the cash sum will be for the same monthly premium.
- Unique First-Year Payout: This is a key differentiator. If you die from natural causes within the first 12 months, SunLife will not just refund your premiums; they will pay out 1.5 times the total premiums you've paid. For example, if you paid £20 a month for 10 months (£200 total), your family would receive £300. This provides a little extra value if the unexpected happens early on.
- Stopping Premiums: With SunLife, you stop paying your premiums on the policy anniversary after your 90th birthday or after you have paid in for 30 years, whichever comes first. Your cover then continues for the rest of your life at no further cost.
- Funeral Benefit Option: SunLife has a long-standing partnership with Dignity, one of the UK's largest funeral plan providers. If you choose to have the policy payout go directly to Dignity to help pay for your funeral, they will add an extra £250 towards the cost. This can provide both a financial boost and peace of mind for your family, as Dignity can help them with the arrangements.
- Welcome Gift: SunLife is famous for its welcome gift offers, typically a high-street voucher (like M&S), which is a nice introductory perk.
Who is the SunLife Plan Best For?
The SunLife Guaranteed Over 50 Plan is an excellent choice for:
- Individuals at the upper end of the age spectrum (81-85) who have fewer options available elsewhere.
- People who value the brand recognition and long history of a specialist provider.
- Those who are attracted by the 1.5x premium refund if death occurs in the first year.
- Customers looking for a plan with a very low starting premium (from just £3.70 per month).
Deep Dive: LV= Over 50s Life Cover
LV=, or Liverpool Victoria, started as a "friendly society" in 1843. It has a powerful reputation for customer service and has won numerous awards for its products and support. As a mutual, it is owned by its members, which many customers feel aligns the company's interests with their own.
Key Features Explained
- Strong Reputation: LV= is consistently praised for its customer-centric approach. For many, knowing their family will be dealt with compassionately and efficiently during a difficult time is a top priority.
- Higher Maximum Payout: While the payout is still determined by age and premium, LV= allows for higher monthly premiums (up to £100) than SunLife. This means you can potentially secure a larger guaranteed cash sum, up to £25,000 depending on your age.
- First-Year Payout: If you pass away from natural causes during the first 12 months, LV= will refund 100% of the premiums you have paid. While not as generous as SunLife's 1.5x refund, it ensures your family gets your money back.
- Stopping Premiums: With LV=, you stop paying premiums on the policy anniversary following your 95th birthday or after 30 years of payments, whichever is first. The age 95 cap is slightly higher than SunLife's age 90, which could be a consideration for those taking out a policy later in life.
- Generous Funeral Benefit Option: LV= also partners with Dignity Funerals. If your loved ones use the payout for a funeral with Dignity, LV= will add an extra £300 to the sum. This is one of the more generous funeral benefit contributions on the market.
- Member Benefits: As LV= is a mutual, policyholders can sometimes access additional member benefits, such as discounts on other LV= products.
Who is the LV= Plan Best For?
The LV= Over 50s Life Cover is a compelling option for:
- Individuals who prioritise outstanding customer service and a provider with a strong ethical reputation.
- Those looking to secure a larger cash payout, as the higher premium limit allows for this.
- People for whom the more generous £300 funeral benefit contribution is a deciding factor.
- Customers who may hold other LV= products and wish to keep their policies with one trusted provider.
Cost Comparison: Getting a Quote
The only way to know for sure how much cover you can get for your money is to get a personalised quote. The amount of the cash payout is highly sensitive to your age when you start the plan.
To illustrate, here are some example quotes for a non-smoker looking for a policy with SunLife and LV=.
Table: Sample Monthly Premiums for a £4,000 Payout (Non-Smoker, 2025)
| Applicant's Age | SunLife (Approx. Monthly Premium) | LV= (Approx. Monthly Premium) |
|---|
| 55 | £13.50 | £13.20 |
| 65 | £20.80 | £20.50 |
| 75 | £38.00 | £37.50 |
Table: Sample Payout for a £20 Monthly Premium (Non-Smoker, 2025)
| Applicant's Age | SunLife (Approx. Payout) | LV= (Approx. Payout) |
|---|
| 55 | £5,925 | £6,060 |
| 65 | £3,845 | £3,900 |
| 75 | £2,105 | £2,130 |
Disclaimer: These figures are for illustrative purposes only and are based on rates available in late 2024/early 2025. Actual quotes will vary based on your precise age, smoking status, and the rates at the time of application. Rates can and do change.
As you can see, the quotes are often very competitive, with LV= sometimes offering slightly more cover for the same premium. However, the differences can be small. This is why using an independent broker like WeCovr is so valuable. We can instantly compare quotes from not just SunLife and LV=, but a whole panel of leading UK insurers, ensuring you find the absolute best value available on the market.
The Fine Print: What to Watch Out For with Over-50s Plans
While simple, these plans have important considerations that you must understand before signing up.
- Inflation is the Silent Thief: The cash payout is fixed. This means that a £5,000 payout agreed today will have less purchasing power in 10, 20, or 30 years due to inflation. According to the Bank of England's inflation calculator, an item that cost £4,000 in 2004 would cost over £7,000 in 2024. The cash sum that seems adequate for a funeral today might fall short in the future.
- The Risk of Paying in More Than the Payout: This is a crucial point. If you take out a policy at a younger age (e.g., in your 50s) and live a long life, you could end up paying more in total premiums than the policy will ever pay out.
- Example: A 55-year-old man takes a policy with a £20 monthly premium for a £5,925 payout. If he lives to be 86, he will have paid premiums for 31 years. Total paid: £20 x 12 months x 31 years = £7,440. He has paid in over £1,500 more than his family will receive.
This is the fundamental trade-off of a guaranteed acceptance plan. It's protection against dying "too soon," not an investment for living "too long."
- Missed Payments Have Consequences: If you stop paying your monthly premiums, your cover will cease, and you won't get any of the money you've paid in back. It's vital to choose a premium that you are confident you can afford for the long term.
- No Cash-In Value: These are protection policies, not savings plans. You cannot 'cash in' the policy at any time to get your money back. The only payout is upon death.
The Smart Solution: Placing Your Policy in Trust
This is one of the most important yet often overlooked aspects of any life insurance policy. When a policy pays out, the money automatically forms part of your legal 'estate'. This can lead to two major problems:
- Inheritance Tax (IHT): If the total value of your estate (including property, savings, and the insurance payout) is above the current threshold (£325,000 in 2025), the excess could be subject to 40% Inheritance Tax. This means a chunk of the money intended for your family could go to the taxman.
- Probate Delays: Before your estate can be distributed, your executors need to get a legal document called a Grant of Probate. This process can take months, sometimes even longer. Your family may need the money immediately to pay for the funeral, but it could be tied up in legal administration.
The solution is simple and, in most cases, free: placing your policy in trust.
Writing your policy in trust is a legal arrangement that separates the policy payout from your estate. You appoint 'trustees' (e.g., trusted adult children or a solicitor) who manage the policy. When you pass away, the insurance company pays the money directly to the trustees, who then distribute it to your chosen 'beneficiaries'.
The benefits are immense:
- Avoids Probate: The payout is made quickly, often within a few weeks of the insurer receiving the death certificate.
- Avoids Inheritance Tax: The money isn't part of your estate, so it isn't assessed for IHT.
- Gives You Control: You decide exactly who gets the money.
Both SunLife and LV= make this process very easy and provide the necessary forms and guidance. At WeCovr, our expert advisers always discuss writing a policy in trust with our clients, as it's a critical step to ensure your loved ones get the full benefit of your forethought.
Are There Alternatives to Over-50s Life Insurance?
An over-50s plan is a great solution for many, but it's not the only option. It's worth considering alternatives, especially if you are in good health.
- Term Life Insurance: This covers you for a fixed period (the 'term'), for example, until you reach age 80. It requires medical underwriting, so you'll be asked health and lifestyle questions. If you are healthy, you can often get a much larger amount of cover for a lower premium compared to an over-50s plan. However, acceptance isn't guaranteed, and if you outlive the term, the policy ends, and there's no payout.
- Whole-of-Life Insurance: Similar to an over-50s plan, this covers you for your entire life. However, it is fully medically underwritten. Again, if you are in good health, it can provide significantly better value than a guaranteed acceptance plan, offering a much higher payout for your premiums.
- Savings or Investments: You could simply save money in a dedicated account. This gives you flexibility and access to the cash. However, it requires discipline, and if you pass away sooner than expected, you may not have saved enough to cover costs.
- Pre-paid Funeral Plans: These allow you to pay for your funeral director's services at today's prices, protecting you from future cost inflation. However, they are less flexible than a cash payout and may not cover all costs, such as the wake or headstone.
A Note for Business Owners and the Self-Employed
If you run your own business or are self-employed, your financial planning needs are more complex. An over-50s plan is a personal safety net, but you should also consider your business and income resilience.
- Relevant Life Insurance: As a company director, you can have your business pay the premiums for your personal life insurance. This is treated as a legitimate business expense, making it highly tax-efficient. The payout goes directly to your family, tax-free.
- Key Person Insurance: What would happen to your business if you, or another vital employee, were to pass away or become critically ill? Key Person cover provides a lump sum to the business to manage the financial impact, such as covering lost profits or recruiting a replacement.
- Income Protection: For the self-employed, this is arguably the most important insurance of all. An over-50s plan pays out when you die, but what if a serious illness or injury means you can't work for months or even years? Income Protection pays you a regular, tax-free monthly income to replace your lost earnings, allowing you to pay your mortgage and bills while you recover.
An expert broker can help you explore these business and personal protection solutions to build a comprehensive financial shield.
Health & Wellness: Protecting Your Most Important Asset
While insurance provides financial protection, your health is your greatest asset. Taking proactive steps to maintain your wellbeing in your 50s and beyond can dramatically improve your quality and length of life.
- Stay Active: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week. This could be brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or even vigorous gardening. Regular exercise reduces the risk of major illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limiting processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight and cardiovascular system.
- Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Good sleep is vital for cognitive function, mood regulation, and physical repair.
- Stay Socially Connected: Maintaining strong social ties with friends, family, and community groups is proven to boost mental health and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
At WeCovr, we believe in a holistic approach to your wellbeing. We want to help you live a long and healthy life. That's why, in addition to finding you the right insurance policy, we provide our customers with complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero. It’s a simple tool to help you make informed choices and stay on top of your health goals, showing our commitment to supporting you beyond just the policy.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Peace of Mind
So, SunLife or LV=? As we've seen, there's no single "best" plan. The right choice depends entirely on your personal priorities.
- Choose SunLife if: You are aged between 81 and 85, you are attracted by the 1.5x premium refund in the first year, or you value the reputation of the UK's most well-known over-50s specialist.
- Choose LV= if: You prioritise outstanding customer service, you want the option of a higher maximum payout, or the more generous £300 funeral benefit contribution is important to you.
Both providers offer excellent, 5-star rated products that will deliver on their promise to provide a guaranteed cash sum for your loved ones. However, the over-50s market is broader than just these two giants. Other providers like Royal London, Legal & General, and OneFamily also offer competitive plans with their own unique features.
The most effective and efficient way to navigate this landscape is to seek independent advice. An expert broker can compare the entire market for you in minutes, highlighting the policy that offers the very best value for your specific age and budget.
At WeCovr, we are dedicated to providing clear, impartial advice. We'll help you compare all the leading plans, explain the pros and cons of each, and guide you through the simple but essential process of placing your policy in trust. Our goal is to ensure you secure not just a policy, but genuine peace of mind for the years ahead.
Can I have more than one over-50s life insurance policy?
Yes, you absolutely can. There is no legal limit to how many over-50s plans you can hold. Some people choose to take out multiple smaller policies with different providers over time to build up their desired level of cover. However, you should always ensure that the total monthly premium for all policies remains affordable for you.
What happens if I stop paying my premiums?
If you stop paying your monthly premiums, your policy will 'lapse'. This means your cover will end, and your family will not receive a payout when you pass away. Crucially, you will not get back any of the premiums you have already paid. This is why it is vital to choose a premium amount you are confident you can afford for the long term.
Is the payout from an over-50s plan taxable?
The payout itself is not subject to income tax or capital gains tax. However, the cash sum is typically paid into your estate. If the total value of your estate exceeds the Inheritance Tax (IHT) threshold (£325,000 for 2024/25), the payout could be subject to a 40% tax. This can be easily and completely avoided by writing your policy in trust, which is a simple process that most insurers offer for free.
Do I need a medical exam for a SunLife or LV= over-50s plan?
No. Both SunLife and LV= offer guaranteed acceptance for UK residents within their eligible age ranges. You will not be asked any questions about your health or lifestyle, and you will not need to undergo a medical examination or have any blood tests. Your acceptance is guaranteed.
Is an over-50s plan the same as a pre-paid funeral plan?
No, they are different products. An over-50s plan pays out a fixed cash sum to your loved ones, which they can use for any purpose, including but not limited to funeral costs. A pre-paid funeral plan is a contract where you pay for your funeral director's services in advance, at today's prices. A cash plan offers more flexibility, while a funeral plan offers protection against the rising cost of the specific services included.
Why should I use an insurance broker like WeCovr?
Using an independent broker like WeCovr gives you a significant advantage. Instead of going to just one insurer, we compare policies from all the UK's leading providers, including SunLife and LV=. This ensures you find the best possible value and the right features for your needs. We also provide expert, impartial advice on complex issues like placing your policy in trust, saving you time, money, and giving you confidence in your choice.