Guaranteed acceptance options for ages 50–85
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Leave your loved ones a cash lump sum with a straightforward application and no medical checks required. Compare policies from trusted UK insurers and find cover that fits your budget.
Policies for the over 50s vary more than most people realise. Two plans with similar names can differ significantly in monthly cost, payout amount, waiting period, and the age at which premiums stop.
Without comparing, you can risk paying more than you need to, or choosing a policy that doesn't suit your situation. Comparing involves speaking with a specialist who can talk you through your options, so you can make a decision you feel confident about.
Before you compare policies, it helps to understand how this type of cover works, and where the important differences lie. Here are three things worth knowing before you start.
Most over 50s life insurance plans offer guaranteed acceptance within a set age range, (typically 50 to 85) with no medical examination required. That's reassuring if you have existing health conditions or a history that might complicate a standard application.
However as with all types of insurance policies, guaranteed acceptance usually comes with a waiting period often one to two years from the start of your policy. If you die from natural causes during this time, your insurer may return the premiums paid rather than the full sum assured. It's important to check this before you commit.
Over 50s life insurance pays a fixed cash sum when you die. It doesn't grow with inflation, and it doesn't replace income. Some people use it to help cover funeral costs — which in the UK can run to more than £4,000, or to leave a small sum for a spouse, children, or grandchildren.
If you want a larger payout to replace income or clear a mortgage, this type of cover may not be the right fit. An advisor will help you understand your options so you can choose what works for your needs.
If you're in your early 50s and in reasonable health, a standard term life insurance policy may offer a higher payout for a lower monthly premium. Over 50s plans are designed for 50-85 year olds who want guaranteed acceptance and simplicity, not necessarily the largest payout. An advisor will help you compare your options honestly, so you can decide what's right for you.
We've made the process as straightforward as possible. Here's how it works.
Tell us a few details about yourself and the cover you're looking for.
With your permission, your details are passed through to an FCA-authorised broker, who will contact you to talk through your options.
There's no obligation to proceed. You'll talk through your options with a qualified broker to find the policy that's right for you.
The cost of over 50s life insurance depends on several factors. Premiums are generally fixed once your policy starts, so you'll know exactly what you're paying each month.
Your age when you apply — the older you are, the higher the monthly premium is likely to be
The payout amount you choose — a larger lump sum means a higher monthly cost
Whether you smoke — smokers typically pay more than non-smokers
The insurer and policy type — different providers price the same cover differently
Not sure where to start? Our guides cover the key questions in plain, straightforward language.
A few straightforward steps can make a real difference to the value you get from your policy.
Monthly premiums increase with age. Applying at 55 will generally cost less per month than applying at 65 for the same level of cover. If you're thinking about it, it's worth comparing sooner rather than putting it off.
Some people take out over 50s cover primarily to help with funeral costs. In the UK, a basic funeral can cost £4,000 or more. Rather than choosing the highest available payout, think about what your family would actually need and match your cover to that.
If you're in your early 50s and in reasonable health, it's worth checking term life insurance quotes alongside over 50s plans. You may find you can get a higher payout for a similar or lower monthly cost.
As with all types of insurance policies, over 50s plans can include a waiting period (typically one to two years) during which the full payout may not apply for death from natural causes. During this time, insurers usually return the premiums paid. Check this carefully and make sure you understand what your policy covers from day one.
If you have left getting life insurance until later in life, over 50s life insurance can be taken out between the ages of 50 and 85 and can financially protect your loved ones if you die. As long as you pay your premiums, the insurance will pay out a lump sum and usually offer guaranteed acceptance regardless of your health or lifestyle.
Liz Hunter
Commercial Director
MoneyExpert has been helping customers compare and save since 2003. We connect you with a broker, who can help you find the right cover from a panel of trusted UK insurers.
Over 50s life insurance is a type of whole of life policy designed for people aged between 50 and 85. It pays a fixed cash lump sum to your family when you die. Most plans offer guaranteed acceptance with no medical examination required.
Most over 50s plans offer guaranteed acceptance within the eligible age range which is typically 50 to 85. You won't be asked about your health or medical history. As long as you fall within the age limits, you'll be accepted.
A waiting period is a set time at the start of your policy (usually one to two years) during which the full payout may not apply if you die from natural causes. If this happens, most insurers will return the premiums you've paid. After the waiting period ends, the full sum assured is payable.
Yes, this is possible. Because premiums continue for life (or until a set age), if you live for many years after taking out the policy, your total payments could exceed the lump sum. This is a known trade-off with over 50s plans. It doesn't mean the cover isn't worth having, but it's worth factoring into your decision.
If you stop paying, your cover will usually end and you won't receive a payout. Most policies don't have a cash-in value. Before you apply, it's worth making sure the monthly premium is affordable on your current budget and that it will remain so in the future.
No. A funeral plan lets you pay for your funeral in advance, locking in today's prices. Over 50s life insurance pays a cash lump sum to your family, which they can use however they choose including towards funeral costs. The two products work differently and suit different needs.
That depends on what you want the money to do. If your main concern is helping your family with funeral costs, a payout of around £4,000 or more is a common starting point. If you want to leave a larger sum, you'll need to weigh that against the monthly premium.
Yes, in most cases you can hold more than one over 50s life insurance policy. Some people do this to increase the total payout. However, it also increases your total monthly outgoings, so it's worth checking whether a single policy with a higher sum assured might be more cost-effective.
