Level term
The same payout, whenever you claim during the term.
Suits: Families, and interest-only mortgages
One policy, two of you
Joint life insurance
Cover for a couple on a single policy. If one of you dies during the term, the other gets the payout.
A few minutes online. No sales calls, and no fee from us.
Other kinds of life insurance.
Joint cover can be level, decreasing or whole of life. Here’s what each of those means.
Who can apply? Any two people with a shared financial life: married, in a civil partnership, living together, or sharing a mortgage. You’ll each answer the health questions, and the price reflects you both. Not sure? Ask us.
Decreasing term
The payout shrinks over time, and so does the price.
Suits: A repayment mortgage
Family income benefit
A monthly income until the end of the term, not a lump sum.
Suits: Young families on a budget
Whole of life
Cover for the rest of your life, so it always pays out.
Suits: Leaving an inheritance, or paying Inheritance Tax
Over 50s
A fixed payout, guaranteed acceptance and no health questions.
Suits: Funeral costs, from 50 to 80
Life insurance for smokers
The same cover, priced for nicotine. Honesty keeps it paying.
Suits: Smokers, vapers and nicotine users
Why choose joint life?
Simple to run. One policy, one premium, one renewal date to forget about.
Usually cheaper than two. It pays out once, so it often costs less than two single policies for the same amount.
Made for shared debts. A joint mortgage or shared bills, cleared if one of you dies.
We compare both ways. We’ll show you joint and single quotes side by side, so you can see the difference.
Cover from names you know.
Compare a panel of recognised UK insurers through one clear, straightforward application.
What’s covered, and what isn’t.
The short version. Your policy documents have every detail, and we’ll go through them with you.
Usually covered
- The first death of the two of you, during the term
- A terminal illness for either of you, if expected to live less than 12 months
- Anywhere in the world, on most policies
Usually not covered
- The second death: the policy ends after the first payout
- Death after the policy ends
- Suicide in the first 12 months
- Anything either of you didn’t tell the insurer
After a claim, the surviving partner has no cover left, and a new policy may cost more by then. Two single policies avoid that, and could pay out twice.
How it works.
Three steps, online, with a person on the phone if you want one.
- Step 1
Tell us about you both.
Your ages, your health and the cover you want. It takes a few minutes, online.
Step 2Compare joint and single.
See the prices side by side, and choose the one that suits the two of you.
Step 3Apply, and you’re covered.
The insurer checks both sets of answers, sometimes with your doctors. Cover starts the day they accept you.
Joint life questions.
Short answers to what people ask most, before they buy.
Is joint or single cover better?
Joint is usually cheaper and simpler. Two single policies cost a little more, but could pay out twice and leave the survivor still covered. It depends what you need the money for.
What happens if we split up?
A joint policy usually can’t be divided. Some insurers offer a separation option to swap it for two single policies without new health questions; otherwise one of you keeps it, or you cancel and start again.
Do we have to be married?
No. Most insurers only need you to have a shared financial interest, like a home or bills together.
What if one of us has a health condition?
The price reflects you both. Sometimes two single policies work out better, so the healthier partner isn’t paying for the other’s risk. We’ll show you both.
What is a joint life, second death policy?
A whole of life policy that pays out when the second of you dies. It’s often used to help pay Inheritance Tax, and is usually written in trust.
Already have a policy?
Claims and changes are handled by your insurer: their number is on your policy documents. If you arranged it through us, call us on 01302 590 852 and we’ll help you find the policy and the right people.
For a claim, it helps to have:
- The policy number
- A death certificate, or the doctor’s report for a terminal illness
- The details of the executor or the trustees
- Bank details for the payment
Claim through the insurer
Their claims number and online form are in the policy documents. Most claims start with one call, and they’ll guide you from there.
Ask us to help
Can’t find the policy, or the insurer? Call us on 01302 590 852 and we’ll find it with you.
Useful information
Changing your mind
You have 30 days after your policy starts to cancel for a full refund of anything you’ve paid.
If an insurer fails
Life insurance is protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), which covers 100% of a claim if an insurer can’t pay. See fscs.org.uk.
Wills for couples
Cover sorts the money; a will sorts who gets what. See mirror wills.
Still need support?
Can’t decide between joint and two singles? Ask a real person, with no sales pitch and no fee from us.
Monday–Thursday 9am–7pm, Friday 9am–3pm
