Over 50s Protection
Straightforward life insurance designed for your life stage
Who this is for
- You're over 50 and want simple life cover without medical exams
- You want to leave money for funeral costs or to help your family
- You've been declined for standard life insurance due to health issues
- You prefer fixed, predictable premiums that won't increase with age
- You want guaranteed acceptance without intrusive questions or underwriting
What this cover helps with
Over 50s life insurance is designed to be simple and accessible. It typically offers guaranteed acceptance, fixed premiums, and a payout to cover funeral costs or leave a legacy for loved ones.
Key outcomes:
- Your family receives a lump sum to cover funeral expenses
- No medical exams or complex health questions required
- Premiums are fixed and won't increase as you get older
- Guaranteed acceptance regardless of your health (with most plans)
- Peace of mind that your family won't face financial strain during bereavement
Common cover types and options
Over 50s Life Insurance (Guaranteed Acceptance)
No medical questions, no exams. Premiums are fixed, but there's often a waiting period (12-24 months) where only premiums are returned if you die from natural causes. Accidental death is usually covered from day one.
Whole-of-Life Insurance
Covers you for your entire life, not just a fixed term. Pays out whenever you die. More comprehensive than over 50s plans, but requires underwriting and health questions.
Term Life Insurance
Covers you for a fixed period (e.g., 10 or 20 years). Usually cheaper than whole-of-life, but requires health questions and medical history. May not be available if you have significant health issues.
Funeral Plans
Not insurance, but a pre-paid funeral arrangement. You pay a lump sum or monthly instalments, and the funeral is arranged when you die. Costs are fixed, but there's no cash payout to your family.
Critical Illness Cover for Over 50s
Some insurers offer critical illness cover for older applicants, though it's less common and more expensive. Pays out on diagnosis of serious conditions, not just death.
Joint vs Single Policies
Joint policies cover two people (usually spouses) but typically only pay out once. Single policies cover one person independently, so both lives can be insured separately if needed.
Pros and considerations of Over 50s standalone non-medical life insurance cover
Benefits
- Guaranteed acceptance with most over 50s plans, regardless of health
- No medical exams, blood tests, or intrusive health questionnaires
- Fixed premiums that never increase with age or health changes
- Simple application process, often completed in minutes
- Provides funds for funeral costs, typically £3,000 - £25,000
- Some plans offer immediate accidental death cover from day one
Considerations
- Most plans have a waiting period (12-24 months) for natural causes of death
- Premiums can be expensive compared to the eventual payout, especially if you live a long time
- You may end up paying more in premiums than your family receives in payout
- Cover amounts are typically lower than standard life insurance
- Policies don't usually increase with inflation, so the value erodes over time
- If you're in good health, standard term or whole-of-life insurance may offer better value
What affects cost and acceptance
Several factors influence both the price of your cover and whether insurers will accept your application:
Insurers and options
I compare leading UK insurers that offer over 50s life insurance, whole-of-life cover, and term insurance for older applicants. Some offer guaranteed acceptance, while others require health questions but may provide better value. I'll help you choose the most suitable option.
Important: Availability and suitability vary based on your individual circumstances, health, and requirements. I'll recommend what fits you best after understanding your specific situation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the waiting period and how does it work?
Most over 50s plans have a 12-24 month waiting period. If you die from natural causes during this time, your family receives only the premiums back, not the full payout. Accidental death is usually covered from day one. After the waiting period, full cover applies.
Can I be declined for over 50s life insurance?
Most guaranteed acceptance plans won't decline you, regardless of health. However, if you choose a policy with health questions (which may offer better value), you could be declined or have exclusions applied.
Is over 50s life insurance good value for money?
It depends. If you have health issues and can't get standard cover, it's a valuable option. But if you're healthy, standard term or whole-of-life insurance may offer better value, as you won't pay for guaranteed acceptance features you don't need.
What happens if I stop paying premiums?
If you stop paying, the policy usually cancels and you get nothing back. Some policies offer a paid-up option where a reduced payout is retained, but this isn't standard. It's important to choose affordable premiums you can maintain.
How much cover do I need?
The average UK funeral costs £4,000-£5,000, but can be higher depending on location and preferences. Many people choose £5,000-£10,000 to cover funeral costs and leave something extra for loved ones.
Can I increase my cover later if I want more?
Usually no. Most over 50s plans don't allow increases. If you want more cover, you'd need to take out a second policy, which would be priced at your older age.
Should I choose a joint or single policy?
Joint policies are cheaper than two single policies, but they typically only pay out once. If you want both lives covered independently (so the survivor still has cover), two single policies are better.
What's the difference between over 50s insurance and a funeral plan?
Over 50s insurance pays a cash lump sum to your family when you die. A funeral plan is a pre-paid arrangement with a funeral director. Insurance is more flexible (the money can be used for anything), but funeral plans lock in costs and guarantee the service.
Let's make sure you're covered properly
I'll search the whole market, explain your options in plain English, and help you make an informed decision. No pressure, no jargon.
Please note: The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute personal advice. Your individual circumstances, health, and requirements will determine what cover is suitable and available to you.
The Right Broker Ltd is an Appointed Representative of The Right Mortgage Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. (FCA number 715860).