How to compare life insurance in the UK
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Quick answer: Compare life insurance on cover amount, term length, joint vs single policies, and whether you need decreasing cover for a mortgage. Level term is cheapest for pure family protection — whole-of-life is for inheritance planning, not day-to-day cover.
Life insurance pays out if you die during the policy term. Most families need level or decreasing term cover — not investment-linked whole-of-life. Compare like-for-like sums assured and check trust wording for faster payouts.
Last reviewed:
Read the full insurance guide →Quick answer: Decreasing term life insurance →Primary source: www.gov.uk/life-insurance
How much cover
Common rule of thumb: 10× annual income for families with dependants — adjust for debts, childcare years and existing cover from employers.
Common questions
Does life insurance pay on terminal illness?
Many term policies include terminal illness benefit at no extra cost — check the policy summary.