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Protect your loved ones for 12 months

Compare Short Term Life Insurance

  • Apply in minutes to get quotes

  • Free quote, with providers regulated by the FCA

  • Life insurance for one year or less

Affordable cover for the years that matter most

If you're temporarily exposed to more risk, or need cover for a short-term financial commitment, short term life insurance can offer protection for that specific period. We connect you with trusted UK providers, clearly, quickly, and without pressure.

Why compare short term life insurance?

Premiums for the same level of cover can vary significantly between providers. Without comparing, you could end up paying more than you need to, or choosing a policy that doesn't suit your situation.

Comparing also helps you look beyond the monthly cost. Two policies priced similarly can behave very differently when it comes to renewal terms, conversion options, or what happens if your circumstances change. We help you see the full picture before you decide.

Save money

Rates differ between insurers based on your age, health, and the level of cover you need. Comparing means you find the rate that is the right fit for your profile.

Get the right cover

A shorter policy term doesn’t necessarily suit your circumstances better. We help you match the term to your requirements.

Avoid costly mistakes

The lowest-priced quote isn't always the right fit. We show you what matters beyond price, including renewal structure, conversion rights, and insurer reliability.

Save time

Instead of visiting multiple insurer websites, you can speak with an advisor who can talk you through your options.

Short term life insurance: key things to know

Before you compare, it helps to understand what you're looking at. Here are three things that could make a real difference when choosing short term cover.

What "short term" actually means

Short term life insurance is a one-year or less policy designed for situations where you need temporary protection. Available to UK residents aged 18 to 70, it covers you for a fixed 12-month period and can be renewed annually if you need cover beyond the initial year.

It's not a replacement for a long-term policy, but it can be a practical solution when your circumstances call for short-term cover. Common reasons could include protecting against a bridging loan, covering a period of increased risk such as working abroad or in a more dangerous occupation, or bridging a gap between longer-term policies.

Cover is available at four fixed levels: £50,000, £100,000, £150,000, and £200,000.

What happens when the term ends

When your policy term ends, cover stops. Some policies offer the option to renew or convert to a longer-term or permanent policy.

How to compare short term life insurance through MoneyExpert

We've made the process as straightforward as possible. Here's how it works.

Fill in a simple form to get started

Tell us a few details about yourself and the cover you're looking for.

Speak with a broker

With your permission, your details are passed through to an FCA-authorised broker, who will contact you to talk through your options.

Find the right policy for you

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.

How much does short term life insurance cost?

The right figure for you depends on several factors. Here's what affects your premium.

What affects the price you pay

  • Your age- Younger applicants generally pay lower premiums. The cost of cover rises as you get older, so applying sooner typically means a better rate.

  • Smoking status- Smokers typically pay significantly more than non-smokers for the same level of cover.

  • The amount of cover- A higher sum assured means a higher premium. It's worth thinking carefully about how much cover you actually need — not just the maximum available.

  • The insurer- Rates vary between providers for the same level of cover and the same applicant profile. This is exactly why comparing matters.

Short term life insurance guides and resources

Want to understand more before you compare? These guides cover the topics our short term life insurance customers find most useful.

Tips for getting the right short term life insurance policy for your needs

A few straightforward steps can make a real difference to the cost and quality of suitable cover. 

Applying sooner rather than later

Life insurance premiums increase with age. A 35-year-old will typically pay less for the same cover than a 45-year-old. If you know you need cover, there's a long term financial benefit to sorting it out now rather than putting it off.

Being accurate on your application

It's important to answer all health and lifestyle questions honestly. Providing inaccurate information can result in a claim being declined which defeats the purpose of having cover in the first place.

If you're unsure how to answer a question, it's worth speaking to an advisor before you apply. This will give you the opportunity to have any doubts clarified and talk through anything you’re unsure about.

Looking beyond the monthly premium

The lowest-priced quote isn't always the best policy for your needs. Before you decide, check whether the premium is fixed for the full term, whether the policy can be renewed or converted, and how the insurer performs on claims.

Why use MoneyExpert?

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.    

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Short term life insurance: frequently asked questions

Will my premium stay the same throughout the term?

Yes. Your premium is fixed for the 12 months of your policy. If you choose to renew afterwards, it's treated as a new policy, so your rate may change based on your age and circumstances at that time.


What happens if I outlive my policy?

If you're still alive when the policy ends, cover simply stops and no payout is made. Some policies include a conversion option, which allows you to extend or convert to a different type of policy. If this matters to you, look for this feature when you compare.


Is it worth comparing short term life insurance quotes?

Yes. Premiums for the same level of cover can vary considerably between insurers, depending on how each one assesses risk. Comparing quotes means you can see the range of options available to you and choose based on price, policy features, and insurer reliability rather than going with the first quote you find.

How long does it take to get covered?

For many applicants, cover can be arranged within a few days of completing an application. The timeline depends on the insurer and the level of cover.