Navigating the world of life insurance can feel complex, especially as we get older. You've worked hard, built a life, and now you're thinking about the legacy you'll leave behind. For many people over 50, the priority is ensuring their loved ones aren't left with unexpected costs, such as funeral expenses or outstanding bills.
This is where Over 50s Life Insurance comes in. It’s a specific type of policy designed to provide a guaranteed cash lump sum when you die, with one standout feature: you are guaranteed to be accepted, with no medical questions asked.
But with so many providers vying for your attention, how do you choose the right one? This definitive guide for 2025 will walk you through everything you need to know. We'll rank the UK's top providers, explain the intricate details of how these plans work, and help you decide if it's the right financial tool for your peace of mind.
A ranking of the top insurers offering over 50s cover
Choosing an insurer is a significant decision. To help you, we’ve analysed the market and ranked the leading UK providers for 2025 based on their product features, customer feedback, and overall value.
Provider | Guaranteed Acceptance Age | Maximum Payout | Full Cover Waiting Period | Key Features | Defaqto Rating (2024) |
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Royal London | 50-80 | £10,000 | 12 Months | Funeral Benefit Option, pays out after 1 year, Protected Payout promise. | 5 Star |
Aviva | 50-80 | £25,000 | 12 Months | Funeral Benefit Option, fixed premiums, high max payout. | 5 Star |
Legal & General | 50-80 | £10,000 | 12 Months | Gift card offer, Funeral Benefit Option, payments stop at 90. | 5 Star |
SunLife | 49-85 | £18,000 | 12 Months | Specialist provider, Funeral Benefit Option, welcome gift. | 5 Star |
Post Office Money | 50-80 | £7,000 | 12 Months | Backed by Royal London, payments stop at 90. | 5 Star |
In-Depth Provider Reviews
Let's delve deeper into what makes each of these providers a strong contender.
1. Royal London
As the UK's largest mutual life, pensions and investment company, Royal London is owned by its members, not shareholders. This structure often translates into better value for customers.
- Key Strengths: Their Over 50s plan has a waiting period of just 12 months for full cover. After this, the full cash sum is paid out for death by any cause. A standout feature is their 'Protected Payout' promise. If you have to stop paying your premiums, as long as you are at least halfway through your premium payment term, Royal London will still provide a partial payout on death. They also offer a Funeral Benefit Option with a contribution towards funeral costs when using their nominated funeral director.
2. Aviva
One of the UK's biggest and most recognisable insurance brands, Aviva offers a robust and reliable Over 50s plan.
- Key Strengths: Aviva's plan also has a 12-month waiting period. They provide a generous maximum payout limit compared to some competitors, which can be beneficial for those wanting to leave a more substantial gift. Their policy is straightforward, and they have a strong reputation for customer service and claims handling, which provides invaluable peace of mind.
3. Legal & General
A household name in UK insurance, Legal & General's offering is competitive, simple, and backed by a trusted brand.
- Key Strengths: Like the other leaders, their waiting period is just 12 months. A significant benefit is that premium payments stop on your 90th birthday, but your cover continues for the rest of your life. This feature prevents the common issue of paying more in premiums than the plan will pay out if you live a very long life. They frequently run promotions offering a gift card upon taking out a policy.
4. SunLife
SunLife is arguably the company most associated with Over 50s cover, having specialised in this market for decades. Their campaigns are a familiar sight on British television.
- Key Strengths: SunLife offers guaranteed acceptance to a wider age range, up to 85. Their ‘Guaranteed Funeral
Offer’ provides a significant contribution towards funeral costs when using a Co-op Funeralcare or Dignity funeral director. Their extensive experience means they have a highly streamlined and simple application process.
5. Post Office Money
Leveraging one of the UK's most trusted brand names, Post Office Money's Over 50s Life Cover is actually provided and underwritten by Royal London.
- Key Strengths: This plan benefits from the same core features as Royal London's direct offering, including premiums that stop at age 90 and the 12-month waiting period. For many, the familiarity and accessibility of the Post Office brand are major draws.
What is Over 50s Life Insurance and How Does it Work?
Before you sign on the dotted line, it's crucial to understand the mechanics of an Over 50s plan. It’s simpler than many other insurance products, which is a large part of its appeal.
At its core, an Over 50s plan is a type of whole-of-life insurance policy. This means it's designed to pay out whenever you die, not just within a specific timeframe.
Here are the defining characteristics:
- Guaranteed Acceptance: If you are a UK resident within the eligible age bracket (typically 50-80 or 85), you are guaranteed to be accepted. There are no medical questionnaires to fill out or GP reports to request. This is the primary benefit for individuals with pre-existing health conditions who may struggle to get other types of cover.
- Fixed Monthly Premiums: The premium you agree to pay at the start of the policy will never change. This makes it easy to budget for, as you'll always know exactly how much is going out each month.
- Fixed Cash Payout: The lump sum your beneficiaries will receive (the 'sum assured') is also fixed from the outset. This amount depends on your age, your monthly premium, and in some cases, your smoking status.
- The Waiting Period: This is a critical detail. Over 50s plans have an initial waiting period, usually 12 or 24 months.
- If you die from natural causes (e.g., illness) during this period, the full cash sum will not be paid. Instead, the insurer will refund the premiums you've paid in, often with a small amount of extra interest (e.g., 1.5x the premiums paid).
- If you die as a result of an accident at any time, even on the first day of the policy, the full cash sum is typically paid out. Some insurers may even pay out double or triple the sum assured for accidental death.
The primary purpose of the waiting period is to protect the insurer from 'adverse selection' – where individuals who know they are very unwell take out a policy with a guaranteed payout in mind. This allows insurers to offer the 'guaranteed acceptance' feature to everyone.
The Pros and Cons of Over 50s Life Insurance
No financial product is perfect for everyone. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages is key to making an informed decision.
Pros (Advantages) | Cons (Disadvantages) |
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Guaranteed Acceptance | Potential to Pay In More Than the Payout |
Simple and Fast Application | Inflation Erodes the Payout's Value |
Fixed, Budget-Friendly Premiums | The Initial Waiting Period |
Provides Peace of Mind | Lower Payouts than Underwritten Cover |
Can Be Written in Trust | No Cash-In Value |
The Advantages Explained
- Guaranteed Acceptance: This is the headline benefit. For those with chronic health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or a history of cancer, finding affordable life insurance can be impossible. Over 50s plans remove this barrier entirely.
- Simple and Fast Application: The process takes minutes, not weeks. With no medicals or lengthy forms, you can secure cover quickly online or over the phone.
- Fixed Premiums: Your monthly payment is locked in for life (or until a set age like 90), protecting you from future price hikes and making household budgeting predictable.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a plan in place to cover funeral costs or leave a small gift can provide immense emotional relief for both you and your family. The average cost of a basic funeral in the UK is now over £4,100, according to the SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2024, a significant sum to find at short notice.
The Disadvantages Explained
- Cost vs. Payout: This is the most significant drawback. Because the insurer takes on unknown risk, the value isn't as good as medically underwritten cover. You could end up paying more in premiums than the plan pays out.
- Example: A 60-year-old pays £25 per month for a £4,000 payout. Over 14 years, they will have paid £4,200 in premiums. If they live longer than 14 years from starting the policy, they will have paid more than their family receives.
- Inflation: A £5,000 payout might cover a funeral today, but what about in 20 years? With inflation, the real-terms value of the fixed lump sum will decrease over time.
- The Waiting Period: If you were to pass away from an illness within the first 12-24 months, your family would only get back the premiums you've paid, not the full lump sum they might be expecting.
- Lower Payouts: The sums assured are designed to cover final expenses or a small legacy. They are not large enough to cover a mortgage or provide a long-term income for a dependent partner.
Is Over 50s Life Insurance the Right Choice for Me?
This type of cover serves a specific purpose for a specific group of people. It's an excellent solution for some, but not the best option for others.
An Over 50s Plan could be a great fit if:
- You have pre-existing health conditions: This is the number one reason people choose these plans. If you've been declined for other life insurance or quoted prohibitively high premiums, guaranteed acceptance is a lifeline.
- You want to cover your funeral costs: Your primary goal is to ensure your funeral is paid for without burdening your children or partner. The payout amounts are well-suited for this.
- You want a simple, no-fuss process: You value speed and simplicity and don't want to undergo a medical examination.
- You have no major debts like a mortgage: You don't need a large payout, just a modest sum to tie up loose ends and leave a small gift.
However, you should explore other options if:
- You are in good health: If you don't have any significant health issues, you will almost certainly get a much larger amount of cover for the same monthly premium with a Term Life Insurance or medically underwritten Whole-of-Life policy.
- You need to cover a mortgage or protect dependents: An Over 50s plan payout is far too small for this. You should be looking at Level Term Insurance or Family Income Benefit.
- You are primarily looking to save: An Over 50s plan is an insurance policy, not a savings account. If you stop paying, the cover lapses and you get nothing back. If your goal is just to save for a funeral, a dedicated savings account might be another option, though it won't benefit from the immediate cover for accidental death.
An expert broker, like our team at WeCovr, can be invaluable here. We can quickly assess your health and financial situation to determine which type of policy offers you the best value. We don't just sell one product; we compare plans from across the entire market to find the right fit for you.
Key Features to Compare When Choosing an Over 50s Plan
When you're comparing policies, don't just look at the monthly premium. The details in the small print can make a huge difference.
- The Waiting Period: Most leading providers now offer a 12-month waiting period, but some still operate on a 24-month basis. A shorter period is always better, as it means your full cover kicks in sooner.
- Payment Cease Age: Does the policy require you to pay premiums for the rest of your life, or do they stop at a certain age, like 90? A plan where payments cease is highly advantageous as it caps your total potential outlay.
- Funeral Benefit Option: This is a popular feature where the insurer partners with a national funeral director (like Co-op or Dignity). If you agree for the payout to be paid directly to them to go towards your funeral, the insurer will often add a bonus to your sum assured (typically £250-£350). This can be a smart way to maximise the value of your policy if your primary goal is funeral funding.
- Accidental Death Cover: Check the definition of 'accidental death' and the payout multiple. Most insurers pay the full sum from day one for accidental death, and some even pay 2x or 3x the cover amount.
- Welcome Gifts: Many providers offer a welcome gift, such as a £100 Amazon or M&S voucher. While this is a nice perk, it should never be the main reason you choose a policy. A plan with better long-term features (like a shorter waiting period or a payment cap) is far more valuable than a one-off gift.
Over 50s Life Insurance vs. Other Protection Policies
It's easy to get confused by the different products available. Here’s a simple table to clarify how an Over 50s plan compares to the main alternatives.
Policy Type | Medical Questions? | Payout Size | Main Purpose | Best For... |
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Over 50s Plan | No | Small (£1k - £25k) | Funeral costs, small legacy | People with health issues needing guaranteed cover. |
Term Life Insurance | Yes | Large (£100k+) | Mortgage, family protection | Healthy individuals needing large cover for a fixed period. |
Whole of Life | Yes | Large (£50k+) | Inheritance tax planning, legacy | Wealthier individuals wanting a guaranteed large payout. |
Funeral Plan | No | N/A (covers services) | Pre-paying funeral director services | Those wanting to lock in the price of a funeral today. |
A funeral plan is often confused with an Over 50s plan. The key difference is that a funeral plan pays for the services of a chosen funeral director, whereas an Over 50s plan provides a cash lump sum to your beneficiaries to use as they see fit.
Important Considerations for Business Owners and the Self-Employed
If you run your own business or are a freelancer, your financial protection needs are often more complex. While an Over 50s plan can be a valuable part of your personal financial planning, it does not protect your business.
It’s vital to consider business-specific protection:
- Key Person Insurance: What would happen to your business if you, a co-director, or a top salesperson were to pass away or become critically ill? Key Person Insurance provides the business with a cash injection to cover lost profits, recruit a replacement, or clear debts.
- Relevant Life Cover: This is a highly tax-efficient way for a limited company to provide death-in-service benefits for its employees, including directors. The premiums are typically an allowable business expense, and the benefit does not form part of the employee’s lifetime pension allowance.
- Executive Income Protection: If you are unable to work due to illness or injury, how would you continue to draw an income? Executive Income Protection pays a monthly benefit to your company, which can then be paid out to you, allowing you to focus on recovery without financial stress.
Thinking about your business's financial resilience is just as important as your personal legacy.
Wellness & Health Tips for the Over 50s
Taking out a life insurance policy is about preparing for the future, but living a long, healthy life is the ultimate goal. Maintaining your health and wellness after 50 is paramount.
- Nourish Your Body: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. Calcium and Vitamin D become increasingly important for bone health. According to the NHS, adults need 10 micrograms of vitamin D a day.
- Stay Active: The official recommendation is for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week. This could be a brisk 30-minute walk five days a week. It's also crucial to incorporate strength exercises twice a week to maintain muscle mass and bone density.
- Prioritise Sleep: Many people find their sleep patterns change as they age. Aim for 7-9 hours per night. Establish a regular routine, create a restful environment, and avoid caffeine and heavy meals late at night.
- Connect and Engage: Social connection is a powerful component of mental and cognitive health. Make time for friends and family, join a club, or volunteer. Keeping your mind active with hobbies, reading, or learning a new skill is just as important as physical exercise.
At WeCovr, we believe in supporting our clients' overall wellbeing. That's why we provide our customers with complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. It's a simple, effective tool to help you make mindful choices about your diet, empowering you to stay healthier for longer. It's our way of showing we care about you, not just your policy.
How to Get the Best Over 50s Life Insurance Quote
Follow these simple steps to ensure you get the right cover at the best price.
- Assess Your Needs: First, decide what you want the money for. Is it purely for a funeral? The average cost is around £4,100, but it can be more depending on location and choices. Do you want to leave a small gift for grandchildren or clear a few credit card bills? Having a figure in mind will help you determine the level of cover you need.
- Compare the Entire Market: Never accept the first quote you see. Prices and features vary significantly between insurers. Using a comparison tool or an independent broker is the only way to get a comprehensive view of what's available.
- Read the Key Features Document: Before committing, carefully read the policy's terms. Pay close attention to the waiting period, the accidental death definition, and whether premiums stop at a certain age.
- Consider Speaking to an Expert Broker: A specialist broker like WeCovr can provide a level of service you won't get from a simple comparison site. We can:
- Offer impartial advice on whether an Over 50s plan is truly your best option or if a medically underwritten policy could offer better value.
- Help you compare not just price but all the crucial features.
- Assist with the application and explain the importance of writing the policy in trust to avoid potential inheritance tax.
Getting it right provides peace of mind. Getting it wrong can be a costly mistake. A short conversation with an expert can make all the difference.
Can I have more than one Over 50s life insurance plan?
Yes, you can hold multiple Over 50s plans with different providers. However, most insurers have a maximum total amount of cover they will offer to a single individual across all their policies. For example, if an insurer's limit is £10,000, you couldn't take out two £7,000 policies with them.
What happens if I stop paying my premiums?
Generally, if you stop paying the monthly premiums for an Over 50s plan, your cover will lapse, and the policy will be cancelled. You will not get any of the money you've paid in back. This is a key difference compared to a savings account. Some providers, like Royal London, may offer a 'protected payout' if you've paid in for a certain length of time, which would mean a reduced lump sum is still paid on death.
Is the payout from an over 50s plan taxable?
The cash lump sum itself is paid out free of income tax and capital gains tax. However, the payout will form part of your legal estate when you die. If the total value of your estate (including property, savings, and the life insurance payout) exceeds the inheritance tax (IHT) threshold (currently £325,000), the amount over this threshold could be subject to 40% tax.
How can I avoid my life insurance payout being subject to Inheritance Tax?
The most common way to ensure your life insurance payout goes directly to your beneficiaries without being counted as part of your estate is to write the policy 'in trust'. A trust is a simple legal arrangement that separates the ownership of the policy from the person whose life is insured. This means the payout goes straight to your chosen beneficiaries, avoiding both probate delays and potential inheritance tax. Most insurers offer this for free when you take out the policy, and a good broker can help you with the paperwork.
Do I need a medical to get over 50s cover?
No, you do not need a medical examination. The defining feature of Over 50s life insurance is that acceptance is guaranteed for UK residents within the specified age range (usually 50-80). Insurers will not ask you any questions about your health, medical history, or lifestyle.
Is Over 50s life insurance the same as a funeral plan?
No, they are different products. An Over 50s plan provides a fixed cash lump sum to your loved ones when you die, which they can use for any purpose (including, but not limited to, funeral costs). A funeral plan is a pre-payment contract where you pay for your funeral director's services in advance at today's prices. A funeral plan covers specific services, whereas an Over 50s plan provides cash.