Whole of life
Cover for the rest of your life, so it always pays out.
Suits: Leaving an inheritance, or paying Inheritance Tax
No health questions. Just one about your age
Over 50s life insurance
A fixed payout when you die, to help with the funeral or leave a little behind. If you’re in the age range, you’re accepted: no medical questions.
A few minutes online. No sales calls, and no fee from us.
Other kinds of life insurance.
If you’re healthy, a plan with health questions may give you more cover for the money. Worth a look first.
Who can apply? Usually anyone living in the UK aged 50 to 80, though the exact ages depend on the insurer. There are no health questions and no medical, so a condition won’t stop you. Not sure? Ask us.
Level term
The same payout, whenever you claim during the term.
Suits: Families, and interest-only mortgages
Decreasing term
The payout shrinks over time, and so does the price.
Suits: A repayment mortgage
Joint life
One policy for two people, paying out once.
Suits: Couples sharing a mortgage or bills
Family income benefit
A monthly income until the end of the term, not a lump sum.
Suits: Young families on a budget
Life insurance for smokers
The same cover, priced for nicotine. Honesty keeps it paying.
Suits: Smokers, vapers and nicotine users
Why choose an over 50s plan?
Guaranteed acceptance. No health questions and no medical, whatever your health.
A fixed payout. You know the amount from the start, and so does your family.
Fixed premiums. On most plans, the monthly price doesn’t go up as you get older.
An honest comparison. We’ll tell you if another kind of cover would give you more for your money.
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
- Death from any cause, once the first year or two has passed
- Accidental death, usually from day one
- Cover for the rest of your life, while you keep paying
Usually not covered
- Death from natural causes in the first 1–2 years: most plans pay back your premiums instead
- Anything, once you stop paying: the cover ends and you get nothing back
- Rises in prices: the payout usually stays the same
Live a long time, and you may pay in more than the plan pays out. Some plans stop taking premiums at a set age, such as 90. Check before you buy.
How it works.
Three steps, online, with a person on the phone if you want one.
Step 1Choose a monthly amount.
The price you pay sets the payout, which depends on your age when you start.
Step 2Compare the plans.
See the payouts, the waiting periods and whether premiums stop at an age, side by side.
Step 3You’re accepted.
No medical and no health questions. Cover starts once your first payment is made.
Over 50s questions.
Short answers to what people ask most, before they buy.
What happens if I die in the first two years?
If it’s from natural causes, most plans pay back what you’ve paid in, sometimes with a little extra, rather than the full payout. Accidental death is usually covered in full from the start.
Could I pay in more than the payout?
Yes. If you live long enough, your premiums can add up to more than the plan pays out. Work out when that would happen before you buy.
Will it cover a whole funeral?
Maybe not. Funeral costs rise over time, and the payout usually doesn’t. It’s a contribution, not a guarantee.
How is it different from a funeral plan?
An over 50s plan pays money to your family. A funeral plan pays for a funeral in advance, with a funeral provider. Funeral plans have been regulated by the FCA since July 2022.
What if I stop paying?
The cover ends and you usually get nothing back, however long you’ve paid. If money is tight, ask the insurer about your options before you stop.
I’m healthy. Is this the right cover?
Perhaps not. Cover with health questions, such as whole of life, can give a healthy person a bigger payout for the same money. We’ll compare both.
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
- The details of the executor, or whoever is arranging the funeral
- 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
Funeral plans
Paying for the funeral itself in advance is a different product. See funeral plans.
Independent guidance
MoneyHelper explains over 50s plans and funeral costs, free and impartially. See moneyhelper.org.uk.
Changing your mind
You have 30 days after your policy starts to cancel for a full refund of anything you’ve paid.
Still need support?
Want to know if an over 50s plan is right for you, or for a parent? Ask a real person, with no sales pitch and no fee from us.
Monday–Thursday 9am–7pm, Friday 9am–3pm