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What is term life insurance?

A term life insurance policy insures your life for a fixed period of time and pays out a fixed sum if you die any time during the term of the policy. Being a family person, there's always this hidden concern that in that event that you're not there, how will you love one's cope? A life insurance policy provides them with a lump sum Pay out should the unfortunate happen and you pass away. In essence, you pass away during the term of the policy, your beneficiaries are paid a lump-sum. This leaves the policyholder the peace of mind for a monthly fee that loved ones will be covered for an agreed amount which could go towards funeral expenses and pay household bills for a period, depending on the size of the cover, it could be life-altering. If there is a need for the beneficiaries to be paid regardless when death happens, then that is called Whole of life cover and is more expensive than term level policies but it has no upper age limit or time restrictions.

Understanding the Fundamentals of Level Term Life Insurance

Level term life insurance provides peace of mind with a guaranteed Pay out during a set period. This type of policy offers a fixed sum of money, known as the sum assured, for a specified term, typically between 10 to 30 years. During the term of the policy, the level of cover remains the same, regardless of your circumstances. If you pass away during the term of the policy, your beneficiaries will receive the Pay out which can be used to cover expenses, such as mortgage payments, household bills, or your children's education.

One of the key advantages of level term life insurance is its simplicity. The policy term can be tailored to your specific needs, depending on the length of your financial obligations. For example, if you have a 25-year mortgage, you may choose a level term policy that aligns with the term of your mortgage. This ensures that your loved ones are protected financially, allowing them to continue living in the family home and maintaining their quality of life.

Another benefit of level term life insurance is the cost-effectiveness. Premiums for level term life insurance tend to be lower compared to other types of policies, such as whole life insurance or universal life insurance, which may offer cash value accumulation and investment options. Level term life insurance focuses solely on providing a Pay out to your beneficiaries, making it a simpler and more affordable option for many individuals and families.

However, it's important to consider the drawbacks of level term life insurance as well. If you outlive the term of the policy, the policy expires and there is no Pay out. This means that if you had level term life insurance for 20 years and you pass away after the policy term, your beneficiaries would receive nothing. Additionally, the premiums for level term life insurance may be higher compared to other policies such as decreasing life cover, especially if you opt for additional benefits, such as critical illness cover, that can be included as part of the policy.

Overall, level term life insurance provides financial security at an affordable price. It ensures that your loved ones are protected and can continue to maintain their standard of living, even in your absence. However, it's important to carefully evaluate your financial circumstances and consider the level of cover needed, the term of the policy, and the monthly payments before making a decision.

What is term life insurance

Level Term Life Assurance comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

While level term insurance policies provide a lump sum Pay out to the beneficiaries, the policyholder's loved ones are protected from financial disruption. However, if the policyholder outlives the term, the policy expires with no Pay out. Additionally, premiums for level term life insurance may be higher compared to other policies. Optionally, level term life insurance can offer critical illness cover as an additional benefit.

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Who can benefit from Level Term Life Insurance?

Level term life insurance is suitable for individuals with fixed financial commitments, such as mortgage repayments or dependents who rely on your income. It provides peace of mind, ensuring that your loved ones are financially protected in the event of your passing. If you have financial obligations that span a fixed period of time, level term life insurance can offer the security you need.

Evaluating if Level Term Life Insurance is right for you

Before purchasing a level term life insurance policy, it's important to carefully evaluate your financial circumstances and determine if it is the right fit for you. Here are some key factors to consider:

  1. Level of cover needed: Assess the level of cover needed based on your financial obligations, such as mortgage repayments, household bills, and living expenses. The sum assured should be sufficient to provide financial security for your loved ones.
  2. Term of the policy: Evaluate the length of the policy term based on the duration of your financial commitments. Consider the term of your mortgage, the age of your dependents and when they will no longer rely on your for financial help, and other financial obligations that need to be covered such as loans, credit cards or school fees.
  3. Monthly payments: Evaluate the monthly payments required for level term life insurance. Ensure that the premiums are affordable and fit within your budget while providing the necessary financial security for your loved ones.
  4. Repayment mortgage: If you have a repayment mortgage, consider if the level term life insurance policy will cover the outstanding amount of your mortgage. This can provide peace of mind, knowing that your family will be able to continue living in the family home.
  5. Benefits of level term cover: Compare the benefits of level term cover with your financial needs. Level term life insurance offers a fixed sum assured, ensuring financial security for your loved ones. Consider if this type of policy aligns with your requirements.

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can determine if level term life insurance is the right choice for you and your family. It's important to compare different policies, consider the level of cover, policy term, and monthly payments, and choose the option that best suits your financial needs.

Compare Level Term Life Insurance with other policies

When choosing a life insurance policy, it's important to consider the different options available and compare them to find the right fit for your needs. Let's compare level term life insurance with two other types of policies:

Decreasing Term Life Insurance Vs Level Term Life Insurance

More commonly referred to as mortgage life insurance. It's a policy linked to the payment of a property and as such the prices are typically lower because the Pay out will be reduced each year.

As an example, you've taken out a repayment mortgage, and the mortgage amount is £250,000 over 25 years. The amount the beneficiaries will receive will decline over time, as the money owed to the lender will be lower.

A decreasing term cover is designed to cover mortgage payments in the event of death to the policyholder, in the above example, the policyholder would have to pass away within 25 years of taking out the policy. However, unlike level term life insurance, the sum assured decreases over the term of the policy, usually in line with the outstanding amount of a repayment mortgage. Here are some key differences to consider:

Compare Level Term Life Insurance with other policies
  • Coverage: Level term life insurance offers a fixed sum assured throughout the policy term, providing a consistent level of financial security. On the other hand, decreasing term life insurance provides a decreasing sum assured, which may not align with your long-term financial obligations.
  • Repayment mortgage: If you have a repayment mortgage, level term life insurance can cover the outstanding amount, ensuring that your loved ones can continue living in the family home. Decreasing term life insurance may fall short in providing the necessary financial security, as the sum assured decreases over time.
  • Interest rate implications: While level term life insurance premiums remain the same throughout the policy term, decreasing term life insurance premiums may vary, especially if the policy is tied to the interest rate of the mortgage. This can make the cost of decreasing term life insurance less predictable compared to level term life insurance.

It's important to carefully evaluate the cost-effectiveness and coverage suitability of decreasing term life insurance compared to level term life insurance. Consider your financial obligations, the length of the policy term, and the amount of cover needed to make an informed decision.

Increasing Term Life Insurance Vs Level Term Life Insurance

When considering increasing term life insurance, it's crucial to comprehend its impact on monthly payments and assess suitability based on financial commitments. Compare the living cover with level term insurance and evaluate Pay out differences for optimal financial security.

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Making an Informed Decision on Life Insurance Policies

When considering life insurance, it's essential to thoroughly understand the term of your policy and the level of life cover it provides. As a UK resident, comparing different term policies will help you make an informed decision about the right fit for your needs.

Key considerations before purchasing a life insurance policy

When considering a life insurance policy, it's essential to align the term with your financial obligations. Evaluate the amount of cover needed based on your health, lifestyle, and dependents' financial security. Understanding the impact of inflation on the cash sum Pay out is crucial for long-term financial planning.

Calculating the cost of a level term life insurance policy

To determine the cost of a term-life-insurance policy, consider the policy term and monthly payments. Evaluate the required cover based on household bills and living expenses. Understand how interest rates impact the policy cost and explore joint vs. individual policies. Consider the type of policy best suited for your needs.

Making an Informed Decision on Life Insurance Policies

How to Get the Best Deal on a Term-Life-Insurance Policy?

How to Get the Best Deal on a Term-Life-Insurance Policy

Finding the best deal on a term-life-insurance policy requires careful research and comparison. Start by evaluating your needs, getting multiple quotes from different insurers, and considering factors such as coverage amount, term length, and premiums. Don't forget to read the fine print and ask questions before making a decision. Remember, the best deal is not always the cheapest one, but the one that offers the most comprehensive coverage at an affordable price.

Tips to save on a term-life-insurance policy

When determining your life cover needs, consider the term of your policy and the financial security of your family. Understand the tax implications and inheritance tax impact as a UK resident. Explore various term policies to find the best deal in the UK.

Mistakes to avoid when choosing a term life insurance policy

When choosing a term life insurance policy, it's crucial to avoid underestimating the necessary cover for your family's financial security. Ensure the level cover aligns with your outstanding debts and mortgage while understanding the impact of terminal illness on the level term Pay out. Don't overlook critical illness cover as part of your policy.

Term Life Insurance Pay outs

Understanding the term of your policy is essential; it varies for UK residents. Life cover provided can differ significantly in term policies for a UK resident, ensuring you select the right one.

Understanding how term life insurance Pay outs work

Understanding how term life insurance Pay outs work involves comprehending the financial security provided by the level term Pay out, including the impact of a terminal illness. It's critical to consider the Pay out as part of your estate and evaluate different policy lengths and Pay out options available. This ensures peace of mind and proper estate planning.

Factors affecting the Pay out of term life insurance

Factors impacting the Pay out of term life insurance include the Pay out amount, policyholder's peace of mind, financial disruption alleviation, policy length, monthly payments, lump sum or monthly installments, and cost of living adjustments. Understanding these factors ensures a well-informed decision-making process for your life cover.

Term Life Insurance Pay outs

Professional Advice for Choosing Life Insurance

When considering life insurance, it's essential to analyse the term of your policy and ensure it aligns with your long-term financial goals. As a UK resident, understanding the nuances of life cover and term policies specific to the UK market is crucial for making an informed decision.

Should I consider Level Term Life Insurance as the best option for my needs?

Considering level term insurance can provide financial security for your loved ones and peace of mind for their future. Evaluate the cost of living, household expenses, and desired coverage amount. Discuss with an advisor to understand the Pay out and policy terms before determining if it aligns with your estate planning goals.

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What is level term life insurance and how does it differ from other types of life insurance?

Level term life insurance is a type of life insurance that provides coverage for a specific term, usually 10, 20, or 30 years, with a level premium and death benefit. Unlike other types of life insurance, such as whole life or universal life insurance, level term life insurance does not accumulate cash value.

Can you convert a level term life insurance policy to a permanent policy later on?

Yes, most level term life insurance policies offer the option to convert to a permanent policy later on. This allows you to extend coverage beyond the initial term without having to go through the underwriting process again. It's important to review your policy's terms and conditions for specific details.

When Should You Review Your Life Cover During the Term?

Regularly reviewing your life cover is essential to ensure it still meets your needs:

  • Major life events like marriage, having children, or buying a home often necessitate a review
  • Changes in your financial situation might require adjusting your cover
  • It's wise to review your policy every 3-5 years, even without significant life changes

Tip: Use a life insurance calculator during your review to reassess how much cover you need based on your current circumstances.

How Can You Add Critical Illness Cover to Level Term Life Insurance?

Adding critical illness cover to your existing level term life insurance can provide extra financial protection:

  • Many life insurance providers offer this as an add-on to existing policies
  • It typically increases your monthly premiums but provides a lump sum payment if you're diagnosed with a specified serious illness
  • The amount of cover and conditions included can vary, so compare options carefully

Remember, you can also purchase critical illness cover as a separate policy if your current insurer doesn't offer it as an add-on.

What Are the Challenges of Managing Life Insurance with Pre-existing Health Conditions?

Having pre-existing medical conditions can complicate getting life insurance, but it's not impossible:

  • Be honest about your medical history during application - non-disclosure can invalidate your policy
  • Some insurers specialise in covering people with specific medical conditions
  • You may face higher premiums or exclusions related to your condition
  • A health check might be required as part of the application process

Why is Whole of Life Insurance Important for Lifelong Coverage?

Whole of life insurance offers coverage that lasts your entire lifetime:

  • It provides a guaranteed pay out upon the policyholder's death, regardless of when that occurs
  • It can be used to cover funeral costs or leave an inheritance
  • Some policies offer an investment component, potentially increasing the worth of cover over time

While often more expensive than term life cover, it provides peace of mind for lifelong financial protection.

How Do You Handle Premium Payments and Missed Payments?

Managing your life insurance payments is crucial to keeping your cover active:

  • Most policies offer various payment frequencies: monthly, quarterly, or annually
  • Setting up a direct debit can help ensure you don't miss payments
  • If you miss a payment, many insurers offer a grace period (typically 30 days) to make up the payment
  • Consistently missed payments can lead to your policy being cancelled

If you're struggling with payments, contact your insurer - they may offer options to reduce your cover or premiums temporarily.

What Are the Tax Implications on Life Insurance Pay outs?

Understanding the tax implications of life insurance can help with estate planning:

  • In the UK, life insurance pay outs are generally tax-free
  • However, they may be subject to inheritance tax if your total estate exceeds the threshold (£325,000 as of 2024)
  • Writing your policy 'in trust' can help avoid inheritance tax on the pay out

Term Life Insurance Frequently Asked Questions

A level term cover is an insurance policy that pays a fixed lump sum to the beneficiaries should the policyholder pass away within the life term of the policy.

The meaning of level in insurance is a policy which pays out a fixed amount when the policyholder dies within the duration of the policy.

A level cover policy will pay out a fixed amount during the course of the policy. A decreasing cover policy (more commonly referred to as mortgage life insurance) will pay out a decreasing amount as the policy ages. It's usually taken with a repayment mortgage because its prime purpose is to pay-off the mortgage.

5-year policies are rare but available but 10 is more common and could be cheaper

Yes, there is. It's called joint life cover, and it will pay out when the first partner passes away within the term period of the policy.

Life insurance is not subject to income tax or capital gains tax; however, you may be asked to pay inheritance tax.

It's a tax-efficient scheme which legally allows the beneficiaries to avoid paying inheritance tax because it paid directly to them and not part of your legal estate.

Depending on what the illness is, it will vary between insurance providers. It's likely to be more expensive than people with no ailments as the risks are higher to the insurance provider. Some companies will stipulate a clause that will exempt Pay out if the policyholder passes away due to illness linked to pre-existing conditions.

Yes, as a person gets older the risk increases and so the premiums will be higher for life insurance. However, this might be mitigated by a shorter and smaller cover which will bring the cost of the premiums down.

There is a policy designed for the over 50s which pays out a lump-sum often used to cover funeral expenses

Whole of life cover does just that. It will pay beneficiaries a lump sum upon the death of the policyholder, even if the policyholder dies over the age of 100.

Some employers will offer their employees a policy defined in the industry as death-in-service benefit. The beneficiaries will receive a lump sum which normally equates to 4 times the annual salary of the late employee.

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*Life Insurance: £5 per month based on a 30-year-old non-smoker taking out £100,000 level term cover over 20 years (Aviva) - Prices correct as of January 2020

Page last updated on: 07/06/2024

Page reviewed by: Shay Ramani

4000+ reviews