Compare Aviva Life Insurance: Policies & Expert Advice

A Glimpse into the History of Aviva

Aviva's roots stretch back more than 320 years, making it one of the oldest insurance companies in the UK. The company's journey began in 1696 with the formation of the Hand-in-Hand Fire and Life Insurance Society in London's Tom's Coffee House. Over the centuries, Aviva has grown and evolved through various mergers and acquisitions, with Norwich Union and CGU plc being the most notable predecessors.

The Aviva name came into existence in 2002 after the merger of Norwich Union and CGU plc in 2000. Aviva continued to trade as Norwich Union in the UK until 2009, post which it formally adopted the Aviva brand. Today, Aviva is the UK's largest insurer, serving over 15 million customers, and is also one of the world's top insurance providers.

It's also important to note that Aviva places a high emphasis on promoting a healthy lifestyle. In fact, the company has been the primary supporting entity for British Athletics since 1999.

What Types of Life Insurance Policies Does Aviva Offer?

Aviva's got a smorgasbord of life insurance options. It's like picking your favourite flavour at the ice cream shop - there's something for everyone!

Term Life Insurance

Imagine having a safety net that's there just when you need it. That's term life insurance for you - it's got your back for a specific amount of time.

What's the deal? It's cover for a set period, perfect for those key life stages like paying off your mortgage or seeing the kids through uni.

Policy terms typically range from 5 to 50 years. It's like choosing a coat - pick the one that fits your life stage perfectly!

Whole of Life Policy

Think of whole of life insurance as your lifelong financial companion. It's there for you, come rain or shine, for the rest of your days.

Key features:

Guaranteed pay out - your loved ones will receive a lump sum, no matter when you pop your clogs.
Level premiums throughout life - no nasty surprises as you get older.
Potential for cash value accumulation - your policy could become a valuable asset over time.

Senior Life Insurance

Aviva believes everyone deserves protection, regardless of age. Their senior life insurance is designed with the young at heart in mind.

Benefits for the seniors:

Guaranteed acceptance without medical exams - no need to worry about health niggles.
Fixed premiums - budget with confidence, knowing your payments won't increase.
Immediate cover for accidental death - protection from day one.

What is Critical Illness Cover and Why is It Important?

Life can throw curveballs when we least expect them. critical illness cover is like having a financial safety net for those unexpected health challenges.

Critical Illness Insurance

Conditions typically covered:

Cancer - the big C we all fear
Heart attack - because your ticker deserves a break
Stroke - when every second counts

What's not covered? Be aware of exclusions for pre-existing conditions or lifestyle-related illnesses. It's always best to be honest and upfront when applying.

Children's Critical Illness Benefit

Aviva knows your children are your world. That's why they offer children's critical illness benefit at no extra cost.

What's included?

Cover for child-specific conditions - because kids face unique health challenges
Financial support for family care needs - so you can focus on what really matters
No extra cost when added to an adult policy - it's Aviva's gift to your family

Total Permanent Disability Cover

Sometimes, life can change in an instant. Total permanent disability cover is there to help you adapt and thrive, no matter what.

What it considers:

Your occupation - because your job is a big part of who you are
Daily living activities - for when the simple things become challenging
Mental capacity - because your mind matters too

How Does Aviva's Income Protection Insurance Work?

Life doesn't always go according to plan. That's where income protection insurance comes in - it's like a financial cushion for life's bumpy rides.

Income Protection Policies

Imagine your salary had a bodyguard. That's what income protection policies are - they're there to protect your income when you can't work due to illness or injury.

Who's it for?

Self-employed superstars - because sick pay isn't a given when you're your own boss
Employed folks without substantial sick pay benefits - because statutory sick pay might not cut it
Anyone who relies on their income - so, basically, most of us!

Level of Cover and Length of Time

Choosing income protection is like ordering a bespoke suit - it needs to fit you perfectly.

Things to consider:

Your monthly expenses - because bills don't stop when your income does
Existing benefits - what does your employer already offer?
Waiting period - how long can you manage before payments kick in?
Length of time for cover - short-term cover or protection until retirement?

What Additional Insurance Products Does Aviva Offer?

Health Insurance

Think of health insurance as a fast-pass ticket to feeling better.

What's on offer?

Quick access to private treatment - say goodbye to long waiting lists
Choice of hospitals and specialists - because it's nice to have options
Coverage for serious medical conditions - for those ongoing health niggles

Travel Insurance

Whether you're a beach bum or an adventure junkie, travel insurance is a must-have in your suitcase.

Why it's important:

Medical emergencies abroad - because foreign hospital bills can be scarier than any horror movie
Trip cancellations or delays - for when life throws a spanner in your travel works
Lost or stolen belongings - because sometimes things go walkabout

Public Liability Insurance

Running a business is exciting, but it comes with risks. Public liability insurance is like a safety net for those 'oops' moments.

What's covered?

Injury claims from customers or the public - for when someone takes a tumble in your shop
Property damage caused by your business - spilt coffee on a client's laptop? No worries!
Legal fees associated with claims - because lawyers don't come cheap

Pet Insurance

Our pets are family, and the family deserves protection. pet insurance is like a security blanket for your four-legged friends.

How it helps:

Veterinary bills for illness or injury - because pet healthcare can cost a pretty penny
Third-party liability (for dogs) - for when Fido gets a bit too friendly with the neighbour's prized petunias
Loss or theft of your pet - because the thought of losing them is unbearable

Personal Accident Insurance

Life can be unpredictable. Personal accident insurance is like having a financial first aid kit always at the ready.

What's included:

Lump sum for permanent disabilities - helping you adapt to a new way of life
Weekly benefits for temporary disabilities - keeping you afloat while you recover
Worldwide cover - because accidents don't just happen at home

What Are the Key Features of Aviva Insurance Policies?

Lump Sum Payments

When and how are lump sum payments made?

Upon death for life insurance policies
Upon diagnosis of a critical illness for critical illness cover
For permanent disabilities in personal accident insurance

Monthly Premiums and Payments

What should you know about the cost structure and payment options?

Direct debit options available for easy budgeting
Potential for premium reviews on some policies
Flexibility to increase or decrease cover (and premiums) on some policies

Policy Conditions and Terms

How can you understand the details of your policy?

Policy documents outline all terms and conditions
Aviva's customer service team can explain complex terms
Regular policy reviews help ensure your cover remains suitable

Why is Equity Release a Beneficial Option?

Understanding Equity Release

How does equity release work, and who can benefit from it?

Allows homeowners aged 55+ to access the value of their property
Can provide a lump sum or regular payments
No need to move out of your home

Risks and Considerations

What are the potential risks and considerations associated with equity release?

It may affect your entitlement to means-tested benefits
It will reduce the value of your estate
Interest rates are typically higher than standard mortgages

What Should You Know About Your Policy Details?

Policy Documents and Policy Number

Why are policy documents and numbers important?

They contain all the details of your cover
You'll need your policy number when contacting Aviva
Keep them safe but accessible for when you need them

Joint Policy and Joint Protection

What are the benefits of joint policies for couples?

Can be more cost-effective than two single policies
Covers both lives under one policy
Simplifies admin and paperwork

How to Manage Your Aviva Insurance Policy

Updating Your Policy for Personal Circumstances

How do life changes affect your insurance cover?

Marriage, divorce, or new partnerships may require policy updates
Having children might mean you need more cover
Changing jobs could affect income protection policies

End of the Policy Term

What happens at the end of the policy term?

Term life policies typically expire without a pay out if you're still alive
Some policies offer the option to renew or convert to a different type of cover
Whole of life policies continue until a claim is made

How Does Life Insurance Help with Inheritance Tax?

What strategies can life insurance provide for inheritance tax planning?

Policies can be written in trust to potentially avoid inheritance tax
The pay out can help beneficiaries cover any inheritance tax bill
It can be a way to leave a tax-efficient legacy

How to Choose the Right Amount of Cover?

Assessing Your Needs

What factors should you consider for adequate coverage?

Outstanding debts, including mortgages
Future financial goals, like children's education
Ongoing living expenses for your dependents

The Cost of Living and Its Impact on Coverage

How does the cost of living affect your insurance needs?

Inflation can erode the value of a fixed pay out over time
Some policies offer the option to increase cover in line with inflation
Regular policy reviews can help ensure your cover remains adequate

How to Apply for Aviva Life Insurance

Online Form and Application Process

What are the steps and necessary information for applying online?

Basic personal details including age and health information
Choice of policy type and level of cover
Payment details for setting up premiums

What Special Considerations Should You Be Aware Of?

Medical Conditions and Eligibility

How do medical conditions impact your policy eligibility?

Some conditions may lead to higher premiums
Serious conditions might result in exclusions or declined applications
Being honest about your health is crucial for valid cover

Policy Summary and Definitions

Why is it important to understand your policy's terms and definitions?

Ensures you know exactly what you're covered for
Helps avoid misunderstandings at claim time
Allows you to compare policies accurately

What Support and Resources Are Available for Policyholders?

Customer Support and Contact Information

What are Aviva's customer support hours and contact details?

Phone support available Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm
Saturday support from 9am to 5pm
24/7 online account management

How Does Aviva's Life Cover Support You During Difficult Times?

Aviva's life cover is designed to help you through unexpected twists in life. Whether you're facing a terminal illness or going through financial difficulties, our life insurance plan offers various support schemes to help you and your loved ones.

Terminal Illness Benefit

If you're diagnosed with a terminal illness, you can access your cover amount early, providing financial support when you need it most.

Financial Advice Support

Aviva offers access to financial advisers who can help you make informed decisions about your policy and overall financial planning.

What Makes Aviva's Customer Support Stand Out?

Extensive Telephone Support

Our customer support is available via UK landlines, with extended opening hours to suit your schedule.

Norwich BCC Support Centre

Our dedicated support centre in Norwich provides comprehensive assistance for all your policy-related queries.

How Does Aviva Help with Mortgage Protection?

Tailored Cover for Mortgage Repayments

Our term policies can be aligned with your mortgage term, ensuring your repayments are covered if the unexpected happens.

Flexible Cover Amount

You can adjust your cover amount to match your outstanding mortgage balance, ensuring you're not paying for more cover than you need.

What Should You Know About Policy Increases?

Maximum Annual Increase

Aviva offers the option to increase your cover annually, with a maximum annual increase to help your policy keep pace with inflation.

Month Period for Increases

You typically have a set month period each year during which you can opt to increase your cover without additional underwriting.

How Much Does Aviva Life Insurance Cost?

The cost of Aviva life insurance varies depending on several factors, including your age, health status, lifestyle, and the amount of cover you choose. Here's a breakdown of monthly premiums for different coverage amounts across various ages:

Age	£50K Cover	£100K Cover	£200K Cover	£500K Cover
20	£5	£5	£5	£8.23
25	£5	£5	£5.18	£12.31
30	£5	£5	£6.56	£15.59
35	£5	£5.69	£10.4	£23.38
40	£5	£9.44	£15.6	£34.01
45	£6.45	£11.01	£23.28	£51.9
50	£11.66	£20.72	£36.19	£83.35
60	£20.34	£39.87	£69.66	£155.1

Prices are based on a non-smoking male, in good health, drinking 16 units of alcohol a week and living in TW7 4EY with no family history of illness or disease. Prices correct as of 7th August 2023.

As you can see, premiums generally increase with age and the amount of cover. For younger individuals, even substantial cover can be quite affordable, with premiums starting as low as £5 per month for up to £100,000 of cover for those in their 20s and early 30s.

Frequently Asked Questions About Aviva Life Insurance

Term life insurance covers you for a specific period, while whole of life insurance covers you for the rest of your life.

Consider it if you have dependents, a repayment mortgage, or limited sick pay from your employer.

Many policies allow you to increase or decrease cover, subject to terms and conditions.

Age, health, lifestyle, cover amount, and policy type all play a role.

Contact Aviva's claims department via telephone calls and provide your policy number and claim details.

Aviva typically offers a grace period, but missed payments could affect your life cover.

Pay outs are usually tax-free, but may be subject to inheritance tax rules in some cases.

Yes, you can hold multiple policies, even with different providers.

It varies by policy type, but many are available up to your 90th birthday or even beyond.

Compare Aviva Life Insurance