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Term Life Insurance for Mortgages UK

Term Life Insurance for Mortgages UK 2025

For most people in the UK, a mortgage is the single largest financial commitment they will ever make. It's the key to owning a home, a place to build a life and raise a family. But with this great opportunity comes a significant responsibility. What would happen to your home if you were no longer around to pay the mortgage?

This is a question no one likes to consider, but it's a crucial one. The devastating emotional impact of losing a loved one could be compounded by a severe financial crisis, potentially leading to the loss of the family home. This is where mortgage life insurance, a specific type of term life insurance, provides a vital safety net. It’s designed to ensure that your home is secure for your family, no matter what the future holds.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll demystify term life insurance for mortgages. We'll explore the different types of cover, how to calculate the right amount for your needs, and how other forms of protection like critical illness cover and income protection can create a complete financial shield for you and your loved ones.

Protecting your mortgage repayments with term cover

At its core, term life insurance for a mortgage is a straightforward promise. You pay a regular monthly premium to an insurance company. In return, if you pass away during the policy's term, the insurer pays out a cash lump sum. The primary purpose of this payout is to clear the outstanding mortgage debt, ensuring your family can continue living in their home without the burden of monthly repayments.

Think of it as a financial backstop for your property. According to UK Finance, the outstanding value of all residential mortgage loans was a staggering £1.67 trillion at the end of 2023. The average outstanding mortgage for a UK home is well over £100,000. Without a plan in place, this debt doesn't simply disappear upon death; it becomes the responsibility of your estate, and by extension, your surviving family.

The peace of mind this provides is invaluable. It transforms your mortgage from a potential liability for your family into a secure asset. Your loved ones would be able to grieve and adjust to their new reality without the immediate, crushing pressure of finding hundreds or thousands of pounds each month for the mortgage.

What is Term Life Insurance and How Does It Work for a Mortgage?

Term life insurance is the simplest and most affordable type of life cover. It's called 'term' insurance because it covers you for a fixed period, or 'term' – for example, 25 years, which often coincides with the length of a mortgage.

Here’s the basic mechanism:

  1. You choose the amount of cover you need. For mortgage protection, this is typically the full amount of your mortgage loan.
  2. You choose the length of the term. This should match the remaining term of your mortgage.
  3. You pay a monthly premium. This premium is usually fixed for the entire term, so you always know what you'll be paying.
  4. The policy pays out if you die within the term. The tax-free lump sum goes to your beneficiaries (or a trust) to be used to pay off the mortgage.
  5. If you survive the term, the policy ends. There is no payout, and you stop paying premiums. The policy has no cash-in value at any point; it is purely for protection.

When specifically used for mortgage protection, term life insurance comes in two principal forms: Level Term Assurance and Decreasing Term Assurance. The right choice for you depends almost entirely on the type of mortgage you have.

Level Term vs. Decreasing Term Assurance: Which is Right for Your Mortgage?

Understanding the difference between these two types of cover is the most critical step in choosing the right policy. Your decision will likely be guided by whether you have a repayment mortgage or an interest-only mortgage.

Decreasing Term Assurance (DTA)

Often called 'mortgage life insurance', this is the most common type of cover taken out to protect a standard repayment mortgage.

With a repayment mortgage, every month you pay back a portion of the capital you borrowed plus interest. Over time, the amount you owe the bank decreases. Decreasing Term Assurance is designed to mirror this. The amount of cover reduces over the policy term, staying roughly in line with your decreasing mortgage balance.

  • Pros:

    • Cost-Effective: Because the potential payout reduces over time, the risk to the insurer also reduces. This makes DTA premiums significantly cheaper than level term cover for the same initial sum assured.
    • Tailor-Made for Repayment Mortgages: It's specifically designed for this purpose, ensuring you're not over-insured in the later years of your policy.
  • Cons:

    • Only Covers the Debt: The payout is only ever intended to clear the mortgage. There won't be an additional lump sum left over for your family's other financial needs.
    • Potential for a Small Shortfall: The rate at which the cover decreases is based on a fixed interest rate (set by the insurer, e.g., 8%). If your actual mortgage interest rate rises above this for a sustained period, there could be a small shortfall between the policy payout and the outstanding mortgage. However, this is generally a minor risk.

Level Term Assurance (LTA)

With Level Term Assurance, the amount of cover remains fixed throughout the entire policy term. If you take out a £250,000 policy for 25 years, it will pay out £250,000 whether you die in year 2 or year 24.

This type of cover is ideal for interest-only mortgages, where the capital debt does not decrease until the very end of the mortgage term. It's also a popular choice for families who want to provide an additional financial cushion on top of clearing the mortgage.

  • Pros:

    • Fixed Payout: The sum assured never decreases, providing a predictable and substantial payout.
    • Covers More Than the Mortgage: In the later years of a repayment mortgage, the payout will be significantly more than the outstanding debt, leaving a large lump sum for your family to use for living costs, education, or other financial goals.
    • Essential for Interest-Only Mortgages: It's the only way to ensure the full capital balance of an interest-only loan is covered.
  • Cons:

    • More Expensive: Because the level of cover (and the insurer's risk) remains high for the entire term, premiums are more expensive than for a decreasing term policy.

Comparison Table: Level vs. Decreasing Term

FeatureDecreasing Term AssuranceLevel Term Assurance
Payout AmountReduces over the policy termStays the same throughout the term
Primary UseRepayment MortgagesInterest-Only Mortgages, Family Protection
Premium CostLowerHigher
Benefit for FamilyClears the mortgage debt onlyClears the mortgage and provides extra funds
Best ForBudget-conscious homeowners with a repayment mortgageThose with interest-only mortgages or wanting to leave a legacy

How Much Mortgage Life Insurance Do You Really Need?

Calculating the right amount of cover is simpler than you might think. Follow these two golden rules:

  1. The Amount of Cover: Your sum assured should, at a minimum, match your outstanding mortgage balance. If you owe £300,000, you need £300,000 of cover. It's wise to add a little extra to cover potential fluctuations in interest rates or to provide a small buffer, but the starting point is always the loan amount.
  2. The Length of the Term: The policy term should match your mortgage term. If you have a 30-year mortgage, you need a 30-year policy. If you remortgage and extend the term later, you may need to review and adjust your insurance.

While the primary goal is to cover the mortgage, many people use this opportunity to review their family's overall financial security. You might consider increasing the cover amount to also account for:

  • Other outstanding debts (car loans, credit cards)
  • Future education costs for your children
  • Basic family living expenses for a few years
  • Funeral costs (the average UK funeral cost in 2024 is around £4,000-£5,000)

If you opt for this more comprehensive approach, a Level Term policy is often the better choice, as it guarantees a substantial sum for your family regardless of when you pass away.

Single vs. Joint Life Insurance for Couples

If you own a home with a partner, you'll need to decide whether to take out two single policies or one joint policy.

Joint Life Policy

A joint policy covers two people but only pays out once. It is almost always set up on a 'first death' basis. This means the policy pays out when the first person dies, and then the cover ends. The surviving partner is then left with no life insurance from that policy.

  • Main Advantage: Cost. A joint policy is usually cheaper than two separate single policies, often by around 25%.
  • Main Disadvantage: The cover ceases after the first claim. The survivor would need to apply for new cover, at which point they would be older and may have developed health conditions, making insurance more expensive or harder to obtain.

Two Single Policies

With this arrangement, you and your partner each take out your own individual policy.

  • Main Advantage: Flexibility and Comprehensive Cover. If one person dies, their policy pays out (e.g., to clear the mortgage), and the other person's policy remains active. This provides a further financial safety net for the family (e.g., to support children) if the second partner were to pass away later.
  • Main Disadvantage: Cost. Two single policies will typically cost more than one joint policy.

Comparison Table: Single vs. Joint Policies

FeatureJoint Life Policy (First Death)Two Single Policies
Number of PoliciesOne policy covering two peopleTwo separate policies
Payout EventPays out once, on the first death onlyEach policy pays out on the death of the individual
Survivor's CoverNo, the policy ends after the first claimYes, the survivor's policy remains in force
CostCheaperMore expensive
Best ForCouples on a tight budget whose primary goal is just to clear the mortgageCouples wanting comprehensive protection for the whole family, even after one partner is gone

While a joint policy might seem like the obvious choice to save money, the long-term benefit of two single policies is often worth the modest extra cost. A specialist broker, like WeCovr, can provide quotes for both options, allowing you to make an informed decision based on your budget and protection needs.

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The Cost of Mortgage Life Insurance: What Influences Your Premiums?

Insurers are in the business of assessing risk. The higher your perceived risk of dying during the policy term, the higher your monthly premium will be. The key factors that determine your premium include:

  • Age: This is a major factor. The younger you are when you take out the policy, the cheaper your premiums will be.
  • Health: Insurers will ask detailed questions about your medical history, including any pre-existing conditions like diabetes, heart problems, or cancer. They will also ask about your family's medical history.
  • Smoking Status: This is one of the biggest single influences on price. Smokers or users of nicotine products (including vapes) can expect to pay up to double the premium of a non-smoker. You must typically be nicotine-free for at least 12 months to be considered a non-smoker.
  • Lifestyle: Your alcohol consumption, participation in high-risk hobbies (e.g., mountaineering, motorsports), and your occupation all play a part.
  • Cover Details:
    • Amount of Cover: A £500,000 policy will cost more than a £200,000 one.
    • Length of Term: A 30-year term is riskier for the insurer than a 15-year term, so it will cost more.
    • Type of Cover: As discussed, level term is more expensive than decreasing term.

Illustrative Example: A 30-year-old non-smoker in good health seeking £250,000 of decreasing term cover over 25 years might be quoted around £9 per month. A 40-year-old smoker seeking the exact same cover could be looking at premiums of £30 per month or more. (Note: These are illustrative figures only).

Going Beyond Life Insurance: Critical Illness Cover and Income Protection

A 2024 report from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) showed that their members paid out over £7 billion in protection claims in 2023, with the vast majority of claims being successful. While life insurance is vital, death is not the only event that can jeopardise your ability to pay your mortgage. A serious illness or a long-term inability to work can be just as financially devastating.

This is why it's crucial to consider two other forms of protection:

Critical Illness Cover (CIC)

Critical Illness Cover pays out a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of a list of specific, serious illnesses defined in the policy. The "big three" conditions that make up the bulk of claims are cancer, heart attack, and stroke. However, modern policies can cover 50+ conditions, and some even up to 150 or more.

  • How it helps: The lump sum can be used to pay off the mortgage entirely, adapt your home for new mobility needs, pay for private treatment, or simply replace your lost income while you recover.
  • How to buy it: CIC can be purchased as a standalone policy or, more commonly, as a combined policy with life insurance (Life and Critical Illness Cover). With a combined policy, it typically pays out once – either on diagnosis of a critical illness or on death, whichever comes first.

Income Protection (IP)

Income Protection is arguably the foundation of any financial protection plan. While critical illness cover provides a one-off lump sum for specific conditions, Income Protection provides a regular, ongoing income if you are unable to work due to any illness or injury.

  • How it works: After you've been off work for a pre-agreed amount of time (known as the 'deferment period'), the policy starts paying you a monthly, tax-free income. This can continue until you are able to return to work, or until the end of the policy term (often your planned retirement age).
  • How it helps: This regular income ensures you can keep up with your mortgage repayments, utility bills, and food costs, allowing you to focus on your recovery without financial stress. The deferment period can be set from 1 week to 12 months, and aligning it with any sick pay you receive from your employer is a good way to manage the cost.

Comparison Table: The Three Main Types of Protection

FeatureTerm Life InsuranceCritical Illness CoverIncome Protection
Payout TriggerDeath during the policy termDiagnosis of a specified serious illnessInability to work due to any illness or injury
Payout TypeOne-off lump sumOne-off lump sumRegular monthly income
Primary PurposeClear debts (like a mortgage) for your familyClear debts or cover costs during recoveryReplace lost earnings to cover ongoing bills

Special Considerations for the Self-Employed, Freelancers, and Company Directors

If you work for yourself, you don't have the safety net of an employer's sick pay scheme or death-in-service benefits. This makes personal protection not just a good idea, but an absolute necessity.

For the Self-Employed and Freelancers

  • Income Protection is Essential: This is your replacement for sick pay. Without it, your income stops the moment you are unable to work. It is the most crucial cover for anyone who is self-employed.
  • Personal Sick Pay: For those in manual trades (electricians, builders, plumbers), some insurers offer specific 'Personal Sick Pay' policies. These are a form of short-term income protection, designed to pay out quickly for shorter periods of incapacity, which is common in higher-risk jobs.

For Company Directors

Company directors have access to highly tax-efficient ways of arranging protection through their limited company.

  • Relevant Life Cover: This is a company-paid life insurance policy for an employee (the director). The premiums are typically an allowable business expense for the company, and it does not count as a 'benefit-in-kind' for the director. The payout goes directly to the director's family via a trust, bypassing both the business and Inheritance Tax. It's a fantastic alternative to a personal policy.
  • Executive Income Protection: Similar to Relevant Life Cover, the company pays the premiums for an Income Protection policy for the director. The premiums are usually a business expense. If the director is unable to work, the benefit is paid to the company, which can then continue to pay the director's salary through PAYE.
  • Key Person Insurance: This is different. It protects the business itself. It's a life and/or critical illness policy taken out on a key employee (like a founder or top salesperson) whose loss would cause a significant financial downturn for the company. The payout goes to the business to cover lost profits, recruit a replacement, or clear business debts.

The Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for mortgage life insurance is a structured process.

  1. Get Quotes: The first step is to understand the costs. Using an independent broker like WeCovr is invaluable here. We can source quotes from across the entire UK market, ensuring you see the most competitive prices from leading insurers like Aviva, Legal & General, Zurich, and Royal London.
  2. Complete the Application Form: This is a detailed questionnaire about your health, lifestyle, occupation, and medical history. You must be completely honest. This is your 'duty of disclosure'. Any inaccuracies, even if unintentional, could give the insurer grounds to reject a future claim – the very moment your family needs it most.
  3. Underwriting: This is the insurer's risk assessment process. For most young, healthy applicants, the policy will be accepted based on the application form alone. In some cases, the insurer may:
    • Write to your GP for a medical report (a GPR).
    • Ask you to attend a mini-medical screening with a nurse (e.g., to check your height, weight, blood pressure, and take a cotinine test for smoking).
    • Apply a 'loading' (increase the premium) or an 'exclusion' (exclude a specific condition) if you have a health issue.
  4. Receive Your Offer: Once underwriting is complete, you'll receive your policy documents with the final terms and premium. Review these carefully, sign, and set up your direct debit. Your cover starts from the date specified in the policy.

Placing Your Policy in Trust: Why It's a Smart Move

This is one of the most important yet often overlooked aspects of life insurance. Placing your policy 'in trust' is a simple legal step that ensures the policy payout goes to the right people, at the right time, in the right way. And best of all, it's usually free to do when you take out your policy.

What are the benefits?

  1. Speed: A trust bypasses the lengthy legal process of probate. When you die, your assets are frozen and form your 'estate', which must go through probate before being distributed – a process that can take many months, or even years. Mortgage payments can't wait that long. A policy in trust pays out directly to your chosen 'trustees' (e.g., your partner, a sibling) within a few weeks of the death certificate being issued.
  2. Inheritance Tax (IHT) Efficiency: The payout from a policy in trust does not normally form part of your legal estate. This means it isn't subject to the 40% Inheritance Tax, ensuring your family receives the full amount.
  3. Control: The trust deed legally specifies who your 'beneficiaries' are (e.g., your spouse and children), ensuring your wishes are carried out precisely.

Setting up a trust is straightforward, and most insurers provide standard trust forms. A good adviser will guide you through this process as a matter of course.

Wellness, Health, and Your Premiums: Proactive Steps to Save Money

Your health has a direct impact on your insurance premiums. By taking proactive steps to improve your wellness, you can not only feel better but also secure much cheaper cover.

  • Quit Smoking: This is the number one thing you can do to reduce your premiums. If you can stay nicotine-free for 12 months or more, you can re-apply for cover as a non-smoker and potentially halve your costs.
  • Manage Your Weight: Insurers use your Body Mass Index (BMI) as a key health indicator. A high BMI can lead to increased premiums. Taking control of your diet and nutrition can make a real difference. At WeCovr, we believe in supporting our clients' long-term health, which is why we provide complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie tracking app, CalorieHero, to help you on your wellness journey.
  • Moderate Alcohol Consumption: Be honest about your weekly unit intake. Sticking within the NHS-recommended guidelines (currently 14 units per week for both men and women) will help you secure standard rates.
  • Stay Active: Regular exercise helps manage weight, blood pressure, and mental health, all of which are positive factors for an insurer.
  • Know Your Numbers: Get regular check-ups and know your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Well-managed conditions are viewed more favourably by insurers than unmonitored ones.

Some insurers now actively reward healthy living with premium discounts, gift vouchers, and other perks, so living a healthier lifestyle can have a direct and ongoing financial benefit.

Why Use a Specialist Broker Like WeCovr?

In a world of online comparison sites, you might wonder why you need a broker. The reality is that for a decision as important as protecting your home, expert advice is indispensable.

  • Whole-of-Market Advice: We aren't tied to any single insurer. We compare policies and prices from all the major UK providers to find the most suitable solution for your unique circumstances.
  • Expert Guidance: A simple price comparison won't tell you whether joint or single policies are better for you, or explain the critical differences between income protection and critical illness cover. We do.
  • Help with Complex Cases: If you have a pre-existing medical condition or a high-risk job, a standard online application will likely be declined or referred. We have the expertise to approach the right insurers who are most likely to offer you favourable terms.
  • Trusts and Administration: We handle the paperwork and guide you through essential steps like placing your policy in trust, ensuring your cover is set up correctly from day one.

Our job is to simplify the complex and give you the confidence that your family and home are properly protected.

Is mortgage life insurance compulsory in the UK?

No, it is not a legal requirement to have life insurance to get a mortgage in the UK. However, most mortgage lenders and financial advisers will strongly recommend that you take out a policy. It is considered a fundamental part of responsible financial planning to ensure your debt is covered and your family is not left at risk of losing their home.

What happens to my policy if I move house and get a new mortgage?

You have a few options. If your new mortgage is for the same amount and term, you may be able to keep your existing policy. If you increase your borrowing, you can often take out a new, larger policy to replace the old one, or simply take out a 'top-up' policy to cover the extra amount. It's a good opportunity to review your cover with an adviser to ensure it still meets your needs. Most policies are portable and not tied to a specific property.

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

Generally, yes. It is often possible to get cover, but the process may be more involved. You will need to provide detailed information about your condition, its treatment, and its stability. Depending on the condition, the insurer might offer cover at standard rates, increase the premium (a 'loading'), or apply an exclusion related to that condition. Using an experienced broker is vital in this situation, as they will know which insurers are more sympathetic to certain conditions.

What is Family Income Benefit?

Family Income Benefit is a type of term life insurance that pays out a regular, tax-free income upon death, rather than a single lump sum. The income is paid for the remainder of the policy term. It's often used to replace a lost salary to cover ongoing family living costs, and can be a very cost-effective alternative or addition to a lump-sum policy.

Does term life insurance have a cash-in value?

No. Term life insurance is a pure protection product. It has no investment element and therefore no surrender or cash-in value at any point. If you stop paying your premiums, the cover will lapse and you will get no money back. The value lies entirely in the large payout it provides to your loved ones if you pass away during the term.

What is Gift Inter Vivos insurance?

Gift Inter Vivos (GIV) insurance is a specialist life insurance policy used for Inheritance Tax (IHT) planning. When you gift a large sum of money or an asset, it may still be considered part of your estate for IHT purposes if you die within seven years of making the gift (this is known as a Potentially Exempt Transfer). A GIV policy is a 7-year term life insurance plan designed to pay out a lump sum that can be used to cover the potential IHT bill on that gift if you die within the 7-year window.

Your home is more than just bricks and mortar; it's the heart of your family's life. Protecting it is one of the most profound and responsible financial decisions you can make. Term life insurance offers a simple, affordable, and powerful way to secure your family's future, ensuring that your legacy is one of security and peace of mind, not debt and worry. Taking the time to understand your options and put the right cover in place is a gift to your loved ones that is truly priceless.


Why life insurance and how does it work?

What is Life Insurance?

Life insurance is an insurance policy that can provide financial support for your loved ones when you or your joint policy holder passes away. It can help clear any outstanding debts, such as a mortgage, and cover your family's living and other expenses such costs of education, so your family can continue to pay bills and living expenses. In addition to life insurance, insurance providers offer related products such as income protection and critical illness, which we will touch upon below.

How does it work?

Life insurance pays out if you die. The payout can be in the form of a lump sum payment or can be paid as a replacement for a regular income. It's your decision how much cover you'd like to take based on your financial resources and how much you'd like to leave to your family to help them deal with any outstanding debts and living expenses. Your premium depends on a number of factors, including your occupation, health and other criteria.

The payout amount can change over time or can be fixed. A level term or whole of life policy offers a fixed payout. A decreasing term policy offers a payout that decreases over the term of the cover.

With critical illness policies, a payout is made if you’re diagnosed with a terminal illness with a remaining life expectancy of less than 12 months. While income protection policies ensure you can continue to meet your financial commitments if you are forced to take an extended break from work. If you can’t work because you’ve had an accident, fallen sick, or lost your job through no fault of your own, income protection insurance pays you an agreed portion of your salary each month.

Income protection is particularly helpful for people in dangerous occupations who want to be sure their mortgage will always be covered. Income protection only covers events beyond your control: you’re much less likely to be covered if you’re fired from your job or if you injure yourself deliberately.

Questions to ask yourself regarding life insurance

Just ask yourself:
👉 Who would pay your mortgage or rent if you were to pass away or fall seriously ill?
👉 Who would pay for your family’s food, clothing, study fees or lifestyle?
👉 Who would provide for the costs of your funeral or clear your debts?
👉 Who would pay for your costs if you're unable to work due to serious illness or disability?

Many families don’t realise that life, income protection and critical illness insurance is one of the most effective ways to protect their finances. A great insurance policy can cover costs, protect a family from inheriting debts and even pay off a mortgage.

Many would think that the costs for all the benefits provided by life insurance, income protection insurance or critical illness insurance are too high, but the great news is in the current market policies are actually very inexpensive.

Benefits offered by income protection, life and critical illness insurance

Life insurance, income protection and critical illness insurance are indispensable for every family because a child loses a parent every 22 minutes in the UK, while every single day tragically 60 people suffer major injuries on the UK roads. Some people become unable to work because of sickness or disability.

Life insurance cover pays out a lump sum to your family, loved ones or whomever you choose to get the money. This can be used to secure the financial future of your loved ones meaning they would not have to struggle financially in the event of your death.

If it's a critical illness cover, the payout happens sooner - upon diagnosis of a serious illness, disability or medical condition, easing the financial hardship such an event inevitably brings.

Income protection insurance can be very important for anyone who relies on a pay check to cover their living costs, but it's especially important if you’re self-employed or own a small business, where your employment and income is a bit less stable. It pays a regular income if you can't work because of sickness or disability and continues until you return to paid work or you retire.

In a world where 1 in 4 of us would struggle financially after just four weeks without work, the stark reality hits hard – a mere 7% of UK adults possess the vital shield of income protection. The urgency of safeguarding our financial well-being has never been more palpable.

Let's face it – relying on savings isn't a solution for everyone. Almost 25% of people have no savings at all, and a whopping 50% have £1,000 or less tucked away. Even more concerning, 51% of Brits – that's a huge 27 million people – wouldn't last more than one month living off their savings. That's a 10% increase from 2022.

And don't even think about state benefits being a safety net. The maximum you can expect from statutory sick pay is a mere £109.40 per week for up to 28 weeks. Not exactly a financial lifeline, right?

Now, let's tackle a common objection: "But I have critical illness insurance. I don't need income protection too." Here's the deal – the two policies apply to very different situations. In a nutshell:

  • Critical illness insurance pays a single lump sum if you're diagnosed with or undergo surgery for a specified potentially life-threatening illness. It's great for handling big one-off expenses or debts.
  • Income protection, on the other hand, pays a percentage of your salary as a regular payment if you can't work due to illness or injury. It's the superhero that tackles those relentless monthly bills.

Types of life insurance policies

Common reasons for getting a life insurance policy are to:
✅ Leave behind an amount of money to keep your family comfortable
✅ Protect the family home and pay off the mortgage in full or in part
✅ Pay for funeral costs

Starting from as little as a couple of pounds per week, you can do all that with a Life Policy.

Level Term Life Insurance
One of the simplest forms of life insurance, level term life insurance works by selecting a length of time for which you would want to be covered and then deciding how much you would like your loved ones to receive should the worst happen. Should your life insurance policy pay out to your family, it would be in a lump sum amount that can be used in whatever way the beneficiary may wish.

Decreasing Term Life Insurance
Decreasing term life insurance works in the same way as level term, except the lump sum payment amount upon death decreases with time. The common use for decreasing term life cover is to protect against mortgage repayment as the lump sum decreases along with the principal of the mortgage itself.

Increasing Term Life Insurance
Increasing term life insurance aims to pay out a cash sum growing each year if the worst happens while covered by the policy. With increasing term life cover amount insured increases annually by a fixed amount for the length of the policy. This can protect your policy's value against inflation, which could be advantageous if you’re looking to maintain your loved ones’ living standards, continue paying off your mortgage in line with its repayment schedule and cover your children’s education fees.

Whole of Life Insurance
Whereas term life insurance policies only pay out if you pass away during their term, whole of life insurance pays out to your beneficiaries whenever this should happen. The most common uses for whole life insurance are to cover the costs of a funeral or as a vehicle for your family's inheritance tax planning.

Family Income Benefit
Family income benefit is a somewhat lesser-known product in the family of life insurance products. Paying out a set amount every month of year to your beneficiaries, it is the most cost-effective way of maintaining your family's living standards to an age where you'd expect them to be able to support themselves financially. The most common use would be for a family with children who are not working yet so are unable to take care of themselves financially.

Relevant Life Insurance
Relevant Life Insurance is a tax-efficient policy for a director or single employee. A simple level term life insurance product, it is placed in a specific trust to ensure its tax efficiency. The premiums are tax deductible and any benefit payable should a claim arise is also paid out tax free, which makes it an attractive product for entrepreneurs and their businesses.

Important Fact!

There is no need to wait until the renewal of your current policy.
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!

Why is it important to get life insurance early?

👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their life, income protection, and critical illness insurance cover in place before running into some serious issues. Critical illness and income protection insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.

👉 We insure our cars, houses, bicycles and even bags! Yet our life and health are the most precious things we have.

Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy life, income protection, critical illness and private medical health insurance can be made much simpler with the help of FCA-authorised advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of life insurance policies available in the market, including income protection, critical illness and other types of policies most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.

It certainly won't do any harm if you speak with one of our experienced FCA-authorised insurance partner experts who are passionate about advising people on financial matters related to life insurance and are keen to provide you with a free consultation.

You can discuss with them in detail what affordable life, income protection, critical illness or private medical health insurance plan for the necessary peace of mind they would recommend! WeCovr works with some of the best advisers in the market.

By tapping the button below, you can book a free call with them in less than 30 seconds right now:

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Life, income protection, and/or critical illness insurance are safety nets, very important at a difficult time. If anything happened to you before your cover ends, your life or critical illness insurance would pay a lump sum to your family and/or you (if you took a critical illness or income protection cover) to help cover the losses. Being diagnosed with a critical illness can be devastating, and it won't help matters to be also worrying about how you would cope financially. With a life, income protection, or critical illness policy, you can choose how much cover you need, how you want the policy to pay out, and whether you want cover for both you and your partner. Income protection insurance pays you a regular income if you can't work because of sickness or disability and continues until you return to paid work or you retire. Also known as permanent health insurance, it is quite important for anyone who relies on a paycheck to cover their living costs, but it's particularly important if you're self-employed or own a small business, where your income might be a bit less stable.

Life, income protection, and critical illness insurance pay out millions to families every day. Your expert will explain to you that you need to be honest and open when applying for your insurance.

If you're single with no dependants then it may be that you don't need life assurance. However, if you were to become seriously ill and unable to work, you may benefit from a critical illness or income protection policy. They can help you keep up to date with your rent, bills, food, and other expenses.

It's free to use WeCovr to find life, income protection, and critical illness insurance - we never charge you for quotes. Critical illness, income protection, and life insurance is an investment that pays many times over for you and/or your loved ones.

Life, income protection, and critical illness insurance are important financial products that insurance companies take a lot of care and diligence, so speaking to real human beings ensures that they understand your requirements fully so that you can get the right cover.

All of our partners are carefully vetted and authorised by the FCA, which means they are held to the highest standards that the FCA expects from them and treat all customers fairly!

Our insurance partners give us a few pounds when you take out a policy with one of their experts.

The cost of life insurance depends on several factors, including your age, occupation, health status, and the level of coverage you choose. Your life insurance policy is tailored to your needs, and the cost can vary based on the sum assured, policy term, and other factors.

Some life insurance policies offer an option to add critical illness cover as a rider or as a separate policy. This provides a lump sum payment if you are diagnosed with a critical illness covered by your policy, offering financial support during a difficult time.

Yes, life insurance is available to self-employed individuals to provide financial protection for their loved ones in the event of their death. It ensures that your family can maintain their standard of living and cover expenses such as mortgage payments, bills, and education costs.

If you outlive your life insurance policy and it expires without a claim, you will not receive any payout. Term life insurance policies are designed to provide coverage for a specific period, and once that period ends, the policy terminates without any residual value. However, you can typically renew or purchase a new policy if you still need coverage.

Critical illness insurance provides a lump sum payment if you're diagnosed with a serious illness covered by your policy, offering financial support during a difficult time. It can help cover medical expenses, mortgage payments, and other financial obligations while you focus on recovery.

Critical illness insurance covers a range of serious illnesses and medical conditions specified in your policy, such as cancer, heart attack, stroke, and organ failure. The lump sum payment can be used to cover medical treatment, ongoing care, and living expenses during your recovery.

The cost of critical illness insurance varies depending on factors such as your age, health status, lifestyle, and the level of coverage you choose. Our experts can provide personalised quotes to help you find affordable coverage.

Yes, you can have critical illness insurance alongside your health insurance coverage. Critical illness insurance provides additional financial protection specifically for serious illnesses, complementing your health insurance benefits.

Critical illness insurance policies typically have exclusions for pre-existing conditions and certain medical conditions not covered by the policy. It's essential to review the terms and conditions of your policy to understand what is and isn't covered.

Some critical illness insurance policies may provide coverage for recurring illnesses, while others may not. It's crucial to review the policy terms and understand the specific conditions under which you can make additional claims for recurring illnesses. Your insurer can provide more details on their coverage for recurring critical illnesses.

Yes, you can customise your life insurance policy to suit your individual needs and circumstances. Options may include choosing the sum assured, policy term, premium payment frequency, and additional riders for enhanced coverage.

If you miss a premium payment for your life insurance policy, your coverage may lapse, and your policy could be terminated. However, many insurers offer a grace period during which you can make the payment to keep your policy active. It's essential to contact your insurer to discuss your options if you're unable to make a payment.

Yes, you can typically change the beneficiary of your life insurance policy at any time by completing a beneficiary change form provided by your insurer. It's essential to keep your beneficiary designation up to date to ensure that the proceeds are distributed according to your wishes.

Term life insurance provides cover for a fixed period, such as 10, 20 or 30 years, and pays out a lump sum if you die during that time. It’s often chosen to protect a mortgage or to provide financial support while dependants still rely on your income. Whole-of-life insurance is designed to last for the rest of your life and guarantees a payout whenever you die, as long as premiums are maintained. It’s usually more expensive than term insurance and is sometimes used to help with inheritance tax planning or to leave a guaranteed legacy.

Some term life insurance policies offer the option to convert to a whole life insurance policy without the need for a medical exam or new underwriting. This conversion feature allows you to maintain coverage beyond the term of your policy and provides lifelong protection.

Some life insurance policies offer accelerated death benefits or living benefits that allow you to access a portion of the death benefit if you are diagnosed with a terminal illness. This feature provides financial assistance to help cover medical expenses and other costs during your final months.

While having savings can provide a financial cushion during tough times, income protection insurance offers additional security by replacing a portion of your income if you're unable to work due to illness or disability. It ensures that you can maintain your standard of living and cover essential expenses even if your savings are depleted.

Yes, self-employed individuals can claim income protection insurance if they're unable to work due to illness or disability. Income protection provides a regular income stream to replace lost earnings, helping self-employed individuals cover their living expenses and business costs during periods of incapacity.

The waiting period, also known as the elimination period, is the length of time you must wait after becoming unable to work due to illness or disability before you can start receiving benefits from your income protection insurance policy. Waiting periods typically range from 30 to 90 days, but longer waiting periods may result in lower premiums.

Income protection insurance is designed to provide financial support if you're unable to work due to illness or disability, not for redundancy. However, some policies may offer optional redundancy cover or unemployment cover as an additional benefit, providing a lump sum or monthly payments if you're made redundant.

The tax treatment of income protection insurance benefits depends on whether the premiums were paid with pre-tax or after-tax dollars. Benefits from policies funded with after-tax dollars are typically tax-free, while benefits from policies funded with pre-tax dollars may be subject to income tax. It's essential to consult with a tax advisor to understand the tax implications of your income protection insurance benefits.

Income protection insurance provides a regular income stream if you're unable to work due to illness or disability, while critical illness insurance provides a lump sum payment if you're diagnosed with a covered critical illness, such as cancer, heart attack, or stroke. Critical illness insurance offers financial support to cover medical expenses, living costs, or other obligations during your recovery.

Income protection insurance policies typically have a waiting period (also known as an elimination period) during which you do not receive benefits. If you become unable to work before this waiting period ends, you will not receive any income protection benefits until the waiting period has elapsed. It's important to have sufficient savings or other financial resources to cover your expenses during this initial period.

Many income protection insurance policies allow you to increase your coverage amount if your income rises, without the need for additional underwriting or medical examinations. This feature, sometimes called a 'guaranteed insurability option,' ensures that your coverage keeps pace with your increasing income and financial obligations.

The maximum age to purchase critical illness insurance varies depending on the insurer and the specific policy. While some insurers may offer critical illness insurance up to age 70 or beyond, others may have lower age limits. It's essential to check with insurers to determine their age eligibility criteria for purchasing critical illness insurance.

Whether you can get critical illness insurance if you have pre-existing conditions depends on the insurer's underwriting guidelines and the specific medical conditions. Some insurers may offer coverage with exclusions for pre-existing conditions, while others may decline coverage altogether. It's essential to disclose any pre-existing conditions when applying for critical illness insurance and discuss your options with insurers.

While health insurance provides coverage for medical expenses, critical illness insurance offers financial protection for broader expenses associated with a serious illness, such as lost income, household bills, and lifestyle changes. Critical illness insurance complements health insurance by providing additional financial support during a challenging time, ensuring that you can focus on recovery without worrying about financial burdens.

If you don't make a claim on your critical illness insurance during the policy term, you won't receive a benefit payout. However, having critical illness insurance provides peace of mind knowing that you're financially protected if you're diagnosed with a covered critical illness during the policy term. It's a form of financial preparation for unexpected events and offers valuable protection for you and your family.

If you outlive your critical illness insurance policy and don't make a claim for a covered critical illness during the policy term, the coverage will expire, and you won't receive a benefit payout. Critical illness insurance provides financial protection for a specific period, typically until a specified age or policy term, and offers peace of mind knowing that you're prepared for the unexpected.

Yes, many insurers offer optional riders or add-ons that you can add to your critical illness insurance policy for enhanced coverage. Common riders may include waiver of premium, which waives future premium payments if you become disabled, or return of premium, which refunds a portion of your premiums if you don't make a claim during the policy term. It's essential to review available riders with insurers to customise your coverage to meet your specific needs.

To make a claim on your critical illness insurance policy, you'll need to notify your insurer of your diagnosis and submit a claim form along with any required medical documentation, such as medical reports, test results, and physician statements. Once your claim is reviewed and approved by the insurer, you'll receive the lump sum benefit payment, which you can use to cover medical expenses, living costs, or other financial needs during your recovery.

As we age, the likelihood of encountering health complications increases for us all. In the event that you develop a severe medical condition, critical illness protection can assist with the expenses of crucial bills – enabling you to concentrate on recuperation or adjusting to your new health circumstance.

The typical expense of a Critical Illness protection policy will fluctuate based on aspects such as your age and medical background. As per our investigation, you can secure a policy starting from as low as £8 (for a non-smoking 21-year-old individual).

The most prevalent critical illnesses in the UK are cancer, cardiac arrest, and cerebrovascular accident (stroke).

Cancer is one of the primary causes for critical illness insurance claims in the UK. Cancer constitutes over 80% of critical illness cover claims for females and about 45% of critical illness claims for males.


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Since 2011, WeCovr has helped thousands of individuals, families, and businesses protect what matters most. We make it easy to get quotes for life insurance, critical illness cover, private medical insurance, and a wide range of other insurance types. We also provide embedded insurance solutions tailored for business partners and platforms.

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