Life insurance provides financial protection for your loved ones if you die. This guide compares the best UK life insurance providers to help you find the right cover for your situation.
Best Life Insurance at a Glance
| Provider | Best For | Policy Types | Starting From* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal & General | Overall value | All types | ~£5/month |
| Aviva | Established reliability | All types | ~£6/month |
| Royal London | Mutual insurer | All types | ~£5/month |
| Vitality | Healthy lifestyles | Term, whole of life | ~£8/month |
| LV= | Customer service | All types | ~£6/month |
| Beagle Street | Budget online | Term life | ~£4/month |
| HSBC Life | Bank customers | Term life | ~£5/month |
| Zurich | High cover amounts | All types | ~£7/month |
*Prices are indicative for a healthy 35-year-old non-smoker, £100,000 level term cover for 25 years. Your quote depends on age, health, smoker status, cover amount, and term length.
Types of Life Insurance
Term Life Insurance
Covers you for a fixed period (the “term”).
| Type | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Level term | Fixed payout throughout | Income replacement, family protection |
| Decreasing term | Payout reduces over time | Repayment mortgages |
| Increasing term | Payout rises with inflation | Long-term protection |
Pros: Affordable, simple, covers specific needs Cons: No payout if you outlive the term
Whole of Life Insurance
Covers you for your entire life (guaranteed payout).
Pros: Guaranteed payout, can be used for inheritance planning Cons: Much more expensive, some policies have reviews
Over 50s Plans
No medical questions, acceptance guaranteed (usually).
Pros: Easy to get, no health checks Cons: Low cover amounts, premiums can exceed payout in early years
Family Income Benefit
Pays a regular income rather than a lump sum.
Pros: Easier to budget for recipients, can match income replacement needs Cons: Total payout depends on when you die
Best Life Insurance Providers Reviewed
1. Legal & General
Best for: Overall value and comprehensive options
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Policy types | Term, decreasing, whole of life, family income benefit |
| Online application | ✅ |
| Include critical illness | ✅ (optional) |
| Children’s critical illness | Free with adult CI cover |
| Defaqto rating | 5 Star |
Pros:
- Competitive pricing
- Wide range of policies
- Trusted brand (established 1836)
- Good standard terms
- Children’s CI cover included free
Cons:
- Online process can require phone follow-up
- Some exclusions on pre-existing conditions
Best for: Most people - good balance of price and cover
2. Aviva
Best for: Established provider with flexible options
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Policy types | All types including family income benefit |
| Online application | ✅ |
| Include critical illness | ✅ (optional) |
| Fracture cover | Optional add-on |
| Defaqto rating | 5 Star |
Pros:
- Flexible policy options
- Additional covers available
- Financial strength
- Good claims reputation
- Online management portal
Cons:
- Can be slightly more expensive
- Application can be lengthy
Best for: Those wanting flexibility and additional cover options
3. Royal London
Best for: Mutual insurer with profit-sharing potential
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Policy types | Term, whole of life, family income benefit |
| Mutual status | ✅ (customer-owned) |
| Include critical illness | ✅ (optional) |
| Helping Hand service | Free support service |
| Defaqto rating | 5 Star |
Pros:
- Mutual insurer (no shareholders)
- Helping Hand support service
- Good value pricing
- Comprehensive cover
- Potential bonus additions (whole of life)
Cons:
- Not always cheapest
- Less well-known brand
Best for: Those preferring mutual insurers, those valuing support services
4. Vitality
Best for: Healthy, active lifestyles
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Policy types | Term, whole of life |
| Rewards programme | ✅ (premium discounts) |
| Health tracking | ✅ (Apple Watch, Fitbit) |
| Include critical illness | ✅ (optional) |
| Defaqto rating | 5 Star |
How Vitality rewards work:
- Track steps, activity, and health
- Earn points for healthy behaviour
- Reduce premiums by up to 25%
- Get rewards (cinema tickets, coffee, etc.)
Pros:
- Rewards healthy behaviour
- Can reduce premiums over time
- Apple Watch offers
- Comprehensive cover
- Encourages healthier living
Cons:
- Higher starting premiums
- Must engage with app to get value
- Not for those who don’t want tracking
Best for: Active people who’ll use the app and tracking features
5. LV= (Liverpool Victoria)
Best for: Customer service and support
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Policy types | Term, whole of life, over 50s |
| Online application | ✅ |
| Include critical illness | ✅ (optional) |
| Doctor services | 24/7 GP access included |
| Defaqto rating | 5 Star |
Pros:
- Excellent customer service
- 24/7 GP service included
- Bereavement support
- Good claims process
- UK call centres
Cons:
- Not always cheapest
- Some add-ons cost extra
Best for: Those valuing service and support benefits
6. Beagle Street
Best for: Budget-conscious online buyers
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Policy types | Term, decreasing term |
| Online only | ✅ |
| Include critical illness | ❌ |
| Quick quotes | ✅ (2 minutes) |
| Underwriter | Legal & General |
Pros:
- Very competitive prices
- Quick, simple online process
- No medical exam for most
- Underwritten by L&G
- Good for straightforward needs
Cons:
- Limited policy types
- No critical illness option
- Online only service
- No extras or benefits
Best for: Those wanting simple, cheap term cover
7. HSBC Life
Best for: HSBC customers and bank integration
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Policy types | Term life |
| Online application | ✅ |
| Bank integration | ✅ |
| Include critical illness | ✅ (optional) |
Pros:
- Easy for HSBC customers
- Integrates with banking app
- Decent cover options
- Straightforward process
Cons:
- Limited to HSBC customers for best experience
- Not always competitive on price
- Fewer policy types
Best for: Existing HSBC customers wanting convenience
8. Zurich
Best for: High cover amounts and complex needs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Policy types | All types |
| High cover limits | Up to £10m+ |
| Business protection | ✅ |
| Include critical illness | ✅ (optional) |
| Defaqto rating | 5 Star |
Pros:
- High cover limits available
- Business protection options
- International reputation
- Comprehensive underwriting
- Good for complex cases
Cons:
- Can be more expensive
- Process may take longer
- Not always best for simple needs
Best for: High earners, business owners, those needing large cover amounts
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?
Quick Calculation Method
| Purpose | Amount to Consider |
|---|---|
| Income replacement | Annual salary × years until retirement (or children independent) |
| Mortgage | Outstanding balance |
| Debts | Total other debts |
| Funeral costs | £4,000-10,000 |
| Childcare | Annual cost × years needed |
| Education | School/university fees if applicable |
Example Calculation
| Need | Amount |
|---|---|
| Income replacement (10 years) | £350,000 |
| Mortgage | £200,000 |
| Other debts | £15,000 |
| Funeral | £6,000 |
| Childcare (5 years) | £50,000 |
| Total | £621,000 |
Most financial advisers suggest 10-15 times your annual salary as a starting point.
How Much Does Life Insurance Cost?
Typical Monthly Premiums
For £100,000 level term cover over 25 years:
| Age | Non-Smoker | Smoker |
|---|---|---|
| 25 | £5-8 | £8-15 |
| 30 | £5-9 | £9-17 |
| 35 | £6-11 | £12-22 |
| 40 | £8-15 | £18-35 |
| 45 | £12-22 | £28-50 |
| 50 | £20-35 | £45-80 |
What Affects Premiums?
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Age | Older = more expensive |
| Smoker status | Smokers pay 2-3x more |
| Health | Pre-existing conditions increase cost |
| Cover amount | Higher cover = higher premium |
| Term length | Longer = more expensive |
| Occupation | Dangerous jobs cost more |
| Hobbies | Extreme sports increase premiums |
| BMI | Very high/low can increase cost |
| Family history | Some conditions affect pricing |
Ways to Reduce Costs
- Buy younger - Premiums increase with age
- Stop smoking - Wait 12 months smoke-free, then reapply
- Improve health - Lose weight, control blood pressure
- Choose decreasing term - Cheaper than level cover
- Increase excess/waiting periods - Where applicable
- Don’t over-insure - Calculate what you actually need
Life Insurance Tips
Buying Tips
- Buy early - Younger and healthier = cheaper
- Be honest - Non-disclosure can void your policy
- Use a broker - They can search the whole market
- Compare directly - Some insurers not on comparison sites
- Consider joint vs single - Joint can be cheaper but only pays once
- Check exclusions - Suicide clauses, dangerous activities
Policy Management
- Write in trust - Avoids inheritance tax and probate delays
- Review regularly - Life changes may need more/different cover
- Don’t cancel old policies - You may not get same price again
- Keep beneficiaries updated - After marriage, divorce, children
Claims Support
Most insurers now offer:
- Bereavement counselling
- Legal and financial guidance
- Practical support services
- Fast-track claims for terminal illness
Life Insurance vs Critical Illness
| Feature | Life Insurance | Critical Illness |
|---|---|---|
| Pays when | You die | You’re diagnosed with specified illness |
| Covers | Death | Cancer, heart attack, stroke, etc. |
| You receive | No (your beneficiaries) | Yes (while alive) |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
Many people get both - life insurance protects family if you die, critical illness helps if you’re seriously ill but survive.
Best Life Insurance by Category
| Category | Recommended Provider |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Legal & General |
| Best customer service | LV= |
| Best for healthy/active | Vitality |
| Best budget | Beagle Street |
| Best mutual | Royal London |
| Best for high cover | Zurich |
| Best for bank customers | HSBC Life |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need life insurance?
What's the difference between term and whole of life insurance?
Should I get joint or single life insurance?
What is writing life insurance in trust?
Do I have to declare I'm a smoker? What about vaping?
What pre-existing conditions do I need to declare?
Prices and cover details correct at time of writing but may change. Life insurance is a long-term commitment - ensure you can maintain payments. This is not financial advice.