Life Insurance Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to life insurance, you’re bound to have many questions. Don’t worry; the life insurance providers also have questions for you.

It’s important to communicate and gain a full understanding of what the insurance provider is asking you, what you need to know about the provider and their coverage, and everything else you need to know to feel confident in your decision.

So, with that in mind, let’s go through the most common questions to look out for.

Important Questions to Ask

Life insurance is simple in concept, but, as with any industry that has existed as a commercialized entity for centuries, it’s full of complexity and intricate details. Asking important questions helps you understand what’s on offer for you, what you can expect from life insurance, and what the details are for the coverage you’re seeking.

Do you really need life insurance coverage?

This one is less of a question for your insurance provider and more of a question for yourself.

So, ask yourself this: is there anyone in your life who depends on your income and savings to survive? Spouses, children, and others are all potential beneficiaries of the benefits you can get from life insurance.

It is, after all, insurance. If you don’t need it, great! You’ve lived a long and healthy life and settled your affairs. On the other hand, if you suffer a tragedy, you can at least rest assured that your loved ones are cared for in your absence.

Certainly, there’s a common myth that life insurance cover is only necessary if you’re already elderly or if you’re infirm or otherwise anticipating an early demise. Truthfully, though, life insurance can benefit anyone who has anyone else in their life to care for.

Consider, as well, any debts and financial obligations you may have. In addition to burial arrangements and the costs associated with funerals, is your mortgage paid off? Do you have debts with co-signers, or will they be paid out of your estate? Any debts or other burdens that would carry over to a dependent or spouse after your passing can be paid off using a life insurance payout instead.

Should you seek a term or a whole life policy?

Term life insurance is often viewed as a gamble. You lock in a low premium for a reasonably high amount of cover for a fixed term, such as 10, 20, or 30 years.

If you pass during that time, your beneficiary can claim your death benefits, and the policy will pay out. You gain no real benefit from it while you’re alive save for peace of mind, and if you outlive your cover, you have nothing to show for it.

Whole life insurance instead lasts as long as you continue to live and pay into it. It usually costs significantly more because it’s all but guaranteed to pay out except in cases of fraud.

Often, it even has an added cash value similar to an investment account that you can access in your golden years, so you gain some benefit from it while you’re alive as well. Many people argue that whole life cover isn’t a good option because the same money in an investment account will bring you more returns, and that may be true, but it depends on doing the math yourself.

Here’s a helpful chart comparing the two:

Factor	Term Life	Whole Life
Duration of cover	Cover for a specific period, usually 10 to 30 years. Designed to protect during high-need periods.	Lifelong cover as long as premiums are paid. Does not expire after a set term.
Cost	Generally more affordable due to limited cover period and no cash value accumulation. Premiums fixed during the term.	Higher premiums due to lifelong cover and cash value component. Premiums remain level for life.
Benefits	Provides a death benefit if the policyholder passes away during the term. No cash value component.	Offers a guaranteed death benefit and the potential to accumulate cash value over time.
Cash Value Accumulation	No cash value component.	Part of the premiums contribute to cash value, which grows tax-deferred. It can be borrowed against or withdrawn.

How are your death benefits paid?

If you pass away, you may be concerned with how many hoops your beneficiary will need to jump through to receive your death benefit. It can be valuable to ask your insurance provider how they pay out your benefits, what the process is, and what your dependents may need to have to be able to make the claim.

One significant question is whether the money is paid out in one lump sum or if it’s taken as an annuity or instalment plan. One may or may not be beneficial over the other, depending on what kinds of debts and what financial situation your dependents are in after your passing.

Another important question relates to taxes. Most of the time, you pay for your policy with post-tax money, so your beneficiary won’t have to pay taxes on your death benefits.

However, in some cases, you can claim your life insurance premiums as a tax write-off, which means it’s pre-tax income effectively, meaning the payment ends up being taxed. This can have a significant impact on how well the policy covers your family after your death, so make sure you’re aware of the implications of opting one way or the other.

Are there limitations, exclusions, or riders on your cover?

Many insurance policies are broad and generalized. If you pass away during your covered term and you’ve kept up with paying your premiums, all your beneficiary needs to do is file the claim, and it will be processed and paid out.

Not all life insurance policies are so easy to manage, however. Sometimes, they may have exclusions or limitations on when they will pay out.

For example, if you sign up for cover and pass away within a few months, your cover may not have kicked in yet and thus won’t pay out. Other policies may have specific causes of death excluded from valid payouts; for example, many have suicide riders, so you can’t sign up for a large policy and then commit suicide to deliver the lump sum to your beneficiary.

More commonly, a policy may allow you to exclude a particular cause of death in exchange for a cheaper premium. That cause is more likely to be a critical illness or ongoing ailment you already suffer. This can vary from provider to provider, so be sure to discuss the topic with them.

How do you know the insurance provider is reputable?

There are many different lists of the best insurance providers in the UK. They often include the same list of names, including companies such as Aviva, Vitality, Zurich, Royal London, Legal & General, AIG, and Direct Line. Others like Aegon, Liverpool Victoria, and AXA are frequently mentioned.

Other than simply using lists of reputable names and going with one of them, you have a few options.

First, you can vet them yourself according to your needs. Follow their application process enough to get a quote and see how it compares to other quotes from other known providers. Look into their history and check if there are complaints or issues with them paying out benefits. Look for complaints against them. Ask them what percentage of claims they pay out.

Another option is to look for organizations that vet and reinforce insurance providers. Groups such as the British Insurance Brokers’ Association, the Association of British Insurers, and others can all have lists and recommendations for reputable, trustworthy insurance providers.

Questions Your Provider May Ask You

Now, let’s reverse the situation and discuss the questions your prospective life insurance provider will ask you and why they’re important.

What is your medical history?

Your medical history is an important part of the calculations an insurance provider does to classify your risk to them.

This will involve basic information like your height and weight, your history with tobacco and various drugs, and any medical diagnoses you’ve received.

You will also likely need to disclose any pending tests you’ve performed, any prescriptions you’re currently on, any planned treatments, and any procedures you’ve done in the past. You’ll also need to disclose your history with issues like strokes or diabetes.

All of this is important so the insurance provider knows how risky it is to extend coverage to you and what price point makes financial sense for them to do so. However, some information is protected, and your insurance provider can’t ask about it. This includes genetic testing for non-diagnostic purposes.

It’s also essential that you are honest with all of these answers. If you try to hide something from your provider or lie to them about something you’re aware of, it can get your claims denied if you do end up passing away and they discover the fraud.

They will also generally cross-check the answers you give them with your medical records, so they’ll be able to spot some lies or omissions right away.

Do you have occupational risk factors?

Chances are, you will have a whole section of the application for life insurance coverage that goes into detail about your occupation and the risk factors you may experience in it.

These can include questions such as:

• Do you often engage in dangerous tasks at work?
• What is the typical environment in which you’re working?
• Do you regularly need and use personal protective equipment?
• Do you work with dangerous or hazardous chemicals?
• Do you work with dangerous or hazardous machinery?

These and other questions are all part of an overall analysis to determine if you have any job-related risk factors. Someone who drives a lorry for a living, works in a quarry or a mine, or works with toxic chemicals will all have higher risk factors than someone who works in an office building or as a sales clerk.

As with any other question your insurance provider asks you, it’s all about classifying your risk levels.

Similarly, you will generally be asked about your lifestyle and the risk factors that may come from the things you do as hobbies or for entertainment. Someone who likes to skydive, climb mountains, go scuba diving, or race motorcycles is going to have a higher risk than someone whose hobbies include reading, bird-watching, and jigsaw puzzles.

Are there concerning elements in your family history?

Your family history can be a direct risk factor for a variety of genetic and hereditary ailments. People who have a family history of cancer are more likely to develop cancer than people whose families don’t seem to develop cancer as often.

The same goes for many diseases, such as kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, asthma, anaemia, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, epilepsy, dementia, autoimmune diseases, and more.

There are certainly many reasons why you might not develop the same ailments as others in your family. It’s also possible that you don’t know your family history. People who never knew their parents, who were adopted, or whose family has passed before it could be discussed all may have spotty or non-existent family histories.

While you can pursue genetic testing to evaluate your own risk factors, you don’t necessarily need to disclose the results of those tests. The insurance provider will generally not ask for the results of genetic testing, nor will they demand a genetic test, with certain rare exceptions.

It’s worth noting, however, that if you independently pursue genetic tests and find that you do not have the same risk factors that your family history would imply, you can also intentionally inform your insurance provider. Generally, they will take such positive information and adjust your risk profile to mitigate the effects of the negative family history.

Where Can You Get the Best Life Insurance in the UK?

Finding good life insurance coverage is easier now than it ever has been in the past. You no longer have to identify and reach out to every insurance provider individually, navigating all of their application processes, filling out the same forms over and over, and spending all that time seeking a quote. Instead, all you need to do is fill out one simple form.

When you fill out our quote form – or even call us so our agents can do it for you – we send it to the UK’s best insurance providers on your behalf.

All you need to do is wait, and they’ll send you quotes for cover in no time. From there, it’s just a matter of comparing the best quotes you receive and picking the one that best suits your needs. It’s fast, easy, simple, and more effective than ever before.

Life insurance doesn’t have to be tedious or stressful to obtain. Whether you’re freshly graduated from university and want to ensure the future of a new family, or you’re reaching your golden years and want to leave something behind, we find the right policy for you.

Why should I have life insurance anyway? Here are some further answers to commonly asked questions

Most insurance policies are designed to protect the property of the insured. Life insurance is designed to protect dependents from the financial impact of your serious illness or death.

Some mortgage lenders require homeowners to have life insurance. This assures that the mortgage balance will be repaid if the homeowner dies before the mortgage loan is satisfied.

Should people without mortgages purchase life insurance?

Yes, because a life insurance policy can be used for various purposes. Basic term insurance can run for the duration of the mortgage. Decreasing term insurance features coverage that decreases over time.

If I am young and healthy, do I need life insurance?

The main factor when considering whether life insurance is worthwhile is whether another person will suffer a financial loss upon your death. Will family members be able to make mortgage payments and pay household expenses?

If you have a joint mortgage with a partner, does that person depend on your income to help repay the mortgage? Regardless of age, purchasing a life insurance policy is wise if someone relies on you for financial support.

What happens if I stop paying my premiums?

If you discontinue paying your premiums, the coverage provided by your life insurance policy will cease. In the unfortunate event of your passing after this point, your family or dependents will not receive any monetary benefit, and you will not be entitled to a refund of the premiums you had previously paid.

Before committing to a life insurance policy, it is imperative to carefully assess your financial situation and ensure that you can consistently meet the premium payments.

Selecting an affordable policy is crucial to ensure continuity of coverage and provide financial protection for your loved ones.

What illnesses or health conditions are not covered by life Insurance companies?

Several factors must be considered when it comes to illnesses or conditions not covered by Life Insurance. While specific exclusions can vary between policies, certain elements commonly apply across the board.

One common exclusion is related to deaths caused by substance abuse, such as drugs or alcohol, as well as deaths resulting from suicide. These are typically not covered by most life insurance policies.

Additionally, those who work in high-risk occupations, such as those in the armed forces or the oil industry, may face complications when applying for life insurance.

Engaging in dangerous sports or activities is another factor that might lead to a rejected life insurance application. For example, people involved in motorbike racing or mountaineering might find it more challenging to secure coverage.

It is important to note that the specific exclusions can vary depending on the policy and insurance provider. Therefore, it is advisable to thoroughly review and understand the terms and conditions of any life insurance policy to determine what illnesses or conditions may not be covered.

Can I get Life Insurance at work?

Yes, it is possible to obtain life insurance coverage through your employer. This type of life insurance, often called death in service benefit, provides a lump sum payment to your beneficiaries in the event of your death while employed by the company.

However, it is important to note that relying solely on this coverage may not be sufficient for everyone.

You might consider supplementing your employer’s life insurance with additional coverage for a few reasons.

Firstly, if there is uncertainty about the longevity of your employment with the company, having your life insurance policy ensures uninterrupted coverage regardless of your employment situation.

When evaluating the adequacy of your employer’s life insurance offer, you should consider factors such as your outstanding mortgage, any other debts you may have, and the daily living expenses of your dependents.

It is essential to thoroughly assess whether the coverage amount will be sufficient to meet these financial obligations and provide your loved ones with the necessary financial security in the event of your death.

If I already have life insurance, can I still save money?

During the past decade, life insurance premiums have drastically declined. If you purchased coverage several years ago, you will probably find the same level of coverage now offered at a reduced cost. However, this may require switching to a new insurer.

To find the best deal, a thorough market search is necessary; we do this for you at no charge.

Will a life insurance policy always pay a benefit?

Many policies feature payout exclusions, including suicide. Insurers also may not payout due to a situation the insurer has not been informed about.

For example, a life insurance policy would be voided for an individual claiming to be a non-smoker who begins smoking after being insured but does not notify the insurance company.

Does the policy have to be paid out all at once?

No, the policy does not always have to pay out the money all at once. Family income benefit is an option, where your dependents receive the payout in regular monthly instalments.

This ensures that your family does not have to worry about managing too much money at once. Individuals who prefer a steady income stream for their loved ones often choose this option.

Additionally, family income benefit policies usually have lower premiums than other types of life insurance, resulting in a lower payout amount.

Can I take out a joint life Insurance policy with my partner?

Yes, you can indeed take out Joint Life Insurance with your partner. Joint life insurance is a type of policy specifically designed for couples. It provides coverage for both individuals under a single policy. In the event of one partner’s death, the insurance company will pay out a lump sum to the surviving partner.

However, it’s essential to understand that joint life insurance policies typically have some specific considerations. Firstly, the policy will only pay out once when one partner dies. This means that after the payout, the surviving partner will no longer have coverage under the same policy.

Secondly, it’s worth noting that the surviving partner may face challenges in obtaining life insurance coverage again.

This is because the surviving partner will now be older than when they initially applied for the joint policy. As age is a factor in determining life insurance premiums, it may be more difficult or expensive to secure independent coverage in the future.

Should I make amendments to my existing Life Insurance policy?

Regarding your Life Insurance policy, it is crucial to regularly assess whether it aligns with your evolving life circumstances and needs.

Changes happen over time; you may get married, buy a new home, or have children, which can significantly impact what you seek from your life insurance coverage.

Regularly assessing your life insurance can identify gaps or areas where adjustments may be necessary.

For instance, if you have recently married, you might want to consider adjusting your policy to include coverage for your spouse.

Similarly, if you have become a homeowner, assessing whether your coverage is sufficient to protect your mortgage or other financial obligations associated with homeownership is wise. If you have had children, you may want to increase your coverage to provide financial security for their future.

Remember to keep your insurer informed about any significant changes in your life. While making amendments to your policy based on these changes is crucial, it’s essential to understand that it might result in higher premiums.

However, overlooking necessary updates or failing to adjust your coverage to your current needs could leave you underinsured or without adequate protection.

Can I structure a life insurance policy to make continuous monthly payments instead of a lump sum?

Yes, this is typically done by purchasing a family income benefit policy. This coverage makes a monthly payment to beneficiaries, designed to replace the wages of the deceased (or possibly critically ill) insured.

A family income benefit policy usually costs less than one that pays a lump sum because the insurance company does not fund the entire benefit at once.

What if I require my Life Insurance plan to cover me until I die?

If you intend to have life insurance coverage until the end of your life, whole-of-life insurance would be a suitable option.

Unlike term insurance, this plan guarantees a payout regardless of when you pass away, providing you and your family financial security.

It is important to note that whole-of-life insurance tends to be more expensive than term insurance because the payout is practically assured. Nevertheless, the benefit is that it ensures that your loved ones will be fully taken care of after you pass away.

When determining life insurance policy benefits, should funeral arrangements be considered?

Pre-paid funeral plans can be purchased separately, but these can be expensive. Adding funeral arrangement costs to the coverage level for a life insurance policy can be less costly.

What are the main types of life insurance?

Term life insurance provides only protection, while whole of life insurance is also an investment. Our website provides detailed information regarding each type of policy.

What is critical illness cover?

Critical Illness Cover, also known as critical illness insurance, is an optional add-on to regular life insurance that provides additional financial protection in case of a severe illness or disability diagnosis.

Unlike traditional life insurance, which pays out a lump sum to your loved ones upon your death, critical illness cover pays out a lump sum directly if you are diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition during the coverage period.

This type of insurance is particularly beneficial if you rely on your salary to support yourself and your dependents.

Suppose you are diagnosed with a critical illness or disability. In that case, the lump sum payout can alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with medical treatments, loss of income, or any other expenses that may arise during this challenging time.

It’s important to carefully review the medical conditions covered by your critical illness policy before purchasing. Our comprehensive critical illness list will hopefully be a helpful guide and is regularly updated.

Policies may differ in the number and types of illnesses, disabilities, or medical conditions they cover. Additionally, it’s worth noting that some policies may restrict the number of times they will pay out.

For instance, specific policies only provide a one-time lump sum payment upon diagnosis. If you receive this payment during a critical illness, your loved ones will not receive any benefits upon your death.

By choosing critical illness cover, you can find reassurance in knowing that you have an extra layer of financial protection in place should you experience a serious medical condition.

Why do some companies refer to term insurance as temporary insurance?

This wording is used because term insurance provides coverage for a specific timeframe, referred to as the term, not the lifetime.

What are increasable term and increasing term life insurance, and how do they differ?

Both policies accommodate increased costs that an insured may want to cover during a policy period. An increasable term policy offers the ability to increase premiums at specific times, like the policy anniversary date or when a particular event occurs.

With an increasing term policy, the premium is automatically increased by a pre-determined amount such as a fixed percentage per year or based on current inflation levels.

As the premiums increase on each policy, the coverage amount also increases. For example, if a £100,000 policy features a five percent premium increase, the coverage will increase by the same amount, resulting in £105,000 worth of coverage.

What is decreasing term life insurance, and when is it appropriate?

With a decreasing term life policy, premiums and coverage decline over time. A person who wants life insurance coverage that protects mortgage payments typically selects a decreasing term policy because the amount owed to the building society or bank decreases each month throughout the policy term.

A lender may refuse to provide a mortgage without proof of life insurance, but a lender may not force an individual to purchase its life coverage.