A quick overview of life insurance
Life insurance is a type of protection cover that provides a lump sum or regular payments for your loved ones to support them financially when you pass away.
You can read more about how it works in our complete guide to life insurance.
Key features of life insurance
Here is a rundown of the key components of life insurance and the rules around it:
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Can be taken out as a solo or joint policy
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Policyholders pay a monthly premium while the plan is active
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Payouts can either be a lump sum or monthly instalments
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Can be taken out as standalone life cover or join with other types of protection
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Most policies have exclusions (causes of death they won’t pay out for) such as suicide with in the first 12 months of the agreement
Eligibility criteria and other requirements
To qualify for life insurance in the UK you need to be a resident here and hold a UK bank account. You will also need to be over the age of 18, and some policies have an upper age limit of around 70-75 years old at the time of application and around 90 by the end of it.
This table highlights the factors that impact a policy’s cost and likelihood of acceptance.
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Factor |
Impact & Key Insurer Checks |
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Health & BMI |
Insurers check weight and medical history. Issues can lead to higher premiums or specific exclusions. |
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Smoking & Vaping |
Any nicotine use in the last 12 months classifies you as a "smoker," often doubling the cost. |
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Occupation |
High-risk jobs (e.g., offshore, heights, military) may require specialist cover or price increases. |
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Hobbies |
Dangerous sports (e.g., skydiving, racing) may be excluded from valid claims. |
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Lifestyle |
Heavy alcohol consumption or drug history is a common cause for applications being declined. |
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Travel |
Plans to visit high-risk countries can cause applications to be postponed until you return. |
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FAQs
Yes, it is possible to get coverage, though it may cost more. You must disclose any pre-existing conditions (such as diabetes, heart issues, or mental health history) when applying. If you don't, your policy could be voided. In some cases, insurers may offer a policy that excludes death related to that specific condition, or you may need to speak to a specialist broker to find a provider willing to cover you.
Speak to a protection advisor who specialises in life insurance today
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