Best over 50s life insurance in the UK 2026

Find out who our experts rated as the best over 50s life insurance providers in the UK based on an impartial assessment of cover levels, product features and customer service.

Who is the best life over 50s life insurance provider in the UK in 2026?

SunLife is the best-rated over 50s life insurance company in the UK in 2026, earning a myTribe rating of five stars. It has the widest joining ages on the market, a high maximum cover amount of £18,000 and excellent customer service. One Family, Aviva, British Seniors and Shepherds Family also achieved the maximum myTribe five star rating for the quality of their over 50s life insurance products. 

To see which over 50s life insurance provider is best for your situation please request a comparison quote here.

* The product information in this guide is accurate based on our analysis of providers’ websites, policy documents and terms and conditions. You should always carry out your own research or discuss your situation with a broker before buying over 50s life insurance.

Why you can trust our over 50s life insurance reviews

We specialise in life and health insurance in the UK and base our reviews on detailed analysis of each insurer’s policy documents, alongside tens of thousands of verified customer reviews. Our work is independent, data-led and designed to help you understand how life policies really work.

  • Independent and impartial - no commercial ties with insurers
  • 20 over 50s life insurance products and 300+ policy features analysed
  • 30+ years’ insurance experience and CII-qualified experts
How do the top five over 50s life insurance providers compare?Here is how the top five over 50s life insurance providers in myTribe's 2026 ratings compare based on industry ratings, customer reviews, cover details and their standout benefit.
How do the top five over 50s life insurance providers compare?
InsurermyTribe RatingDefaqto RatingTrustPilot ScoreAge rangeFull cover (after)Premiums stopStandout feature
SunLife5 ★5 ★4.849-851 yearAge 95RedArc wellbeing
OneFamily5 ★5 ★4.150-802 yearsAge 90Terminal illness cover
Aviva5 ★5 ★4.350-801 yearAge 90 (or after 30 years)DigiCare+ app
British Seniors5 ★4 ★4.950-801 yearAge 95Joint life cover
Shepherds Friendly5 ★5 ★4.150-802 yearsAge 90 (or after 30 years)Reduce your premium anytime

Top 10 over 50s life insurance providers UK (2026)

Based on independent research of product features and customer satisfaction our experts’ top 10 over 50s life insurance companies for 2026 are:

1. SunLife

myTribe rating: 5.0
Provider review rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Policy reviewed: SunLife Guaranteed Over 50 Plan

Best for: Higher cover amounts, older applicants, customer service, quicker full cover

Sunlife at a glance
Sunlife at a glance
Maximum coverAge RangeWaiting periodPremiumsPremiums stopDefaqto ratingTrustpilotStandout feature
£18,00049-851 year for full cover£4-£100 per monthage 955 stars4.8/5 from 26,004 reviewsFree RedArc nurse-led wellbeing services

The verdict: SunLife earned a five star myTribe rating and is our top-rated pick for over 50s life insurance in 2026, with the broadest joining ages on the market (49–85) and cover up to £18,000. The trade-off is a deliberately basic policy (there’s no joint life, inflation-linked or funeral-benefit options) and premiums that run until age 95.

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Why SunLife’s over 50s life insurance might work for you

  • Cover up to £18,000, a more generous ceiling than many over 50s plans.
  • Premiums from just £4 per month.
  • Widest joining age range available: 49 to 85.
  • Full cover after one year.
  • You can reduce your premium once after the policy starts.
  • Free RedArc nurse-led wellbeing services for you and your household
  • 4.8/5 on Trustpilot from 26,004 reviews; 89% of reviewers rate it five stars.

Why SunLife’s over 50s life insurance might not work for you

  • Premiums payable until the anniversary after your 95th birthday
  • First-year accidental death benefit is only the standard cover amount.
  • It’s a basic policy: there’s no joint life, inflation-linked cover or funeral benefit.

2. OneFamily

myTribe rating: 5.0
Provider review rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Policy reviewed: OneFamily Over 50s Life Cover

Best for: Higher cover amounts, shorter premium payment period, terminal illness benefit

OneFamily at a glance
OneFamily at a glance
Age rangeWaiting periodPremiumsPremiums stopDefaqto ratingTrustpilotStandout feature
50-802 years for full cover£10-£75 per monthage 905 stars4.1/5 from 4,397 reviewsTerminal illness cover is included as standard

The verdict: OneFamily received a five star myTribe rating for the breadth of its benefits package, layering in extras like terminal illness cover where rivals keep things stripped back. It's a well-rounded proposition, though the full payout only applies after a two-year waiting period.

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Why OneFamily’s over 50s life insurance might work for you

  • Maximum guaranteed lump sum of £20,000 for those aged 60+.
  • Premiums stop at age 90.
  • Terminal illness cover so you claim the full benefit early on diagnosis.
  • Accidental death benefit of 3× your cover (up to £48,000) in the first two years.
  • £300 funeral contribution via Golden Charter.
  • Free RedArc personal support for you and your immediate family.

Why OneFamily’s over 50s life insurance might not work for you

  • Cover is capped at £10,000 if you're aged 50–59.
  • Full payout is only available after two years.
  • Premium reductions are only allowed after four years.
  • No joint life or inflation-linked cover.

3. Aviva

myTribe rating: 5.0
Provider review rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Policy reviewed: Aviva Over 50s Life Insurance

Best for: Higher cover amounts, quicker full cover, shorter premium payment period, health and wellbeing perks

Aviva at a glance
Aviva at a glance
Age rangeWaiting periodPremiumsPremiums stopDefaqto ratingTrustpilotStandout feature
50-801 year for full coverfrom £5 per month, max £100 per monthage 90, or after 30 years5 stars4.3/5 from 61,205 reviews (all products)DigiCare+ health and wellbeing app

The verdict: Aviva earned a myTribe rating of five stars for its Over 50s life insurance, combining quick access to full cover with a relatively short premium payment period. This makes it a strong choice for those who want certainty sooner. Cover scales with your monthly premium, giving you control over the payout amount.

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Why Aviva’s over 50s life insurance might work for you

  • High maximum premium of £100/month enables larger cover amounts than many rivals.
  • Premiums stop after 30 years or at age 90, whichever is first.
  • Full cover after 12 months.
  • Access to health and wellbeing services via DigiCare+ app, including annual health check, mental health support, nutrition advice, second opinions, Bupa Anytime HealthLine..

Why Aviva’s over 50s life insurance might not work for you

  • No flexibility once in place, you can't reduce premiums.
  • First-year accidental death pays only the standard cover amount.
  • No funeral benefit, joint life or inflation-linked option.

4. British Seniors

myTribe rating: 5.0
Provider review rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Policy reviewed: British Seniors Over 50s Life Insurance

Best for: Couples, inflation-linked cover, customer service, quicker full cover

British Seniors at a glance
British Seniors at a glance
Age rangeWaiting periodPremiumsPremiums stopDefaqto ratingTrustpilotStandout feature
50–801 year for full coverfrom £4.52 per monthage 954 stars4.9/5 from 33,576 reviewsJoint life option

The verdict: British Seniors earned a myTribe rating of five stars, trading some of the usual over-50s simplicity for genuine flexibility, letting you tailor cover to your priorities. That depth is the main reason it scored so well, though it means spending a little more time choosing the right options.

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Why British Seniors' over 50s life insurance might work for you

  • Full cover after one year, among the shortest waiting periods.
  • Accidental death benefit of double your cover in the first year.
  • The only top-10 provider that lets you increase cover after the policy starts.
  • One of the few offering a joint life option for couples
  • Increasing benefit option (cover rises 3% a year).
  • £300 funeral benefit via Willowbrook Funeral Services.
  • Free will kit plus Medipartner health and wellbeing services.
  • Joint highest Trustpilot score of 4.9/5.

Why British Seniors' over 50s life insurance might not work for you

  • Premiums payable until age 95.
  • Maximum cover drops to £6,000 if you're aged 75-80.

5. Shepherds Friendly

myTribe rating: 5.0
Provider review rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Policy reviewed: Shepherds Friendly Over 50s Life Insurance

What it's good for: Flexibility, shorter premium payment period

Shepherds Friendly at a glance
Shepherds Friendly at a glance
Age rangeWaiting periodPremiumsPremiums stopDefaqto ratingTrustpilotStandout feature
50-802 years for full coverup to £50/month (£10 minimum)age 90, or after 30 years5 stars4.1/5 from 935 reviewsReduce your premium at any time

The verdict: Shepherds Friendly earned the maximum five stars in myTribe's review of the best over 50s life insurance providers. As a mutual with no shareholders, it builds its plan around giving policyholders control, most notably letting you cut your monthly premium at any time. That flexibility is rare in a market where many policies are locked in from day one.

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Why Shepherds Friendly’s over 50s life insurance might work for you

  • Premiums payable for 30 years, or until age 90, whichever is first.
  • Reduce your premium at any time (down to the £10 minimum).
  • Optional funeral benefit: £250 off a funeral with Co-op Funeralcare.
  • Free access to the National Bereavement Service for your family.

Why Shepherds Friendly’s over 50s life insurance might not work for you

  • Full cover only after two years.
  • First-two-years accidental death equals your cover amount (no enhancement).
  • No joint life or inflation-linked cover.
myTribe rating: 4.5
Provider review rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Policy reviewed: Legal & General Over 50s Fixed Life Insurance

Best for: Quicker full cover, shorter premium payment period

The verdict: Legal & General received a myTribe rating of four-and-a-half stars for a straightforward, no-frills policy that focuses on the basics - quick full cover and an early premium-ceasing age - rather than loading up on extras. The trade-off for that simplicity is a relatively low £10,000 maximum payout.

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Why Legal & General's over 50s life insurance might work for you

  • Full cover after one year, or sooner if death is accidental.
  • Premiums stop at age 90, earlier than several competitors.
  • Reduce premiums once you've held the policy a year.
  • RedArc support plus Care Concierge for later-life care guidance.

Why Legal & General's over 50s life insurance might not work for you

  • £10,000 maximum cover is lower than some rivals.
  • No enhanced first-year accidental death benefit.
  • No joint life or inflation-linked option.

7. Post Office

myTribe rating: 4.5
Provider review rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Policy reviewed: Post Office Over 50s Life Cover

Best for: Quicker full cover, couples, inflation-linked cover, protected benefit

Post Office at a glance
Post Office at a glance
Age rangeWaiting periodPremiumsPremiums stopDefaqto ratingTrustpilotStandout feature
50-801 year for full coverbased on chosen benefit levelage 954 stars1.8/5 from 3,797 reviewsProtected Benefit

The verdict: Post Office over 50s life cover earned a four-and-a-half-star myTribe rating. Underwritten by Aviva but structured quite differently, it offers a well-rounded plan with standout reassurance features like a Protected Benefit if you can't see the policy through.

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Why Post Office's over 50s life insurance might work for you

  • Full cover after one year.
  • Double the cover amount for first-year accidental death.
  • Joint life cover available for couples.
  • Increasing benefit option: cover rises 3% a year (premiums +4.5%).
  • Reduce premiums as long as cover stays above £1,000.
  • Protected Benefit: stop premiums halfway and loved ones still get half the payout.
  • Online/phone GP services plus Medipartner support.
  • £250 funeral benefit via Co-op Funeralcare.

Why Post Office's over 50s life insurance might not work for you

  • The maximum benefit is limited to £10,000, dropping to £6,000 for ages 75-80.
  • Premiums payable until age 95.

8. Sainsbury’s Bank

myTribe rating: 4.5
Provider review rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Policy reviewed: Sainsbury’s Bank Over 50s Life Insurance

Best for: Quicker full cover, shorter premium payment period, inflation-linked cover

Sainsbury’s Bank at a glance
Sainsbury’s Bank at a glance
Age rangeWaiting periodPremiumsPremiums stopDefaqto ratingTrustpilotStandout feature
50-801 year for full cover£5-£75 per monthage 905 stars4.2/5 from 17,316 reviewsfixed or RPI-linked increasing plan

The verdict: Sainsbury's Bank ranked eighth in myTribe's over 50s life insurance review, earning a four-and-a-half-star rating. Underwritten by Legal & General, it pairs a quick route to full cover with a shorter premium payment commitment than many insurers, appealing to those who want certainty sooner. The main drawback is a lower cover ceiling than some competitors offer.

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Why Sainsbury’s Bank’s over 50s life insurance might work for you

  • Full life cover after just one year.
  • Premiums stop at age 90.
  • Increasing plan option keeps your payout in line with the Retail Prices Index (RPI).
  • Flexibility to lower your premiums after a year.
  • Extra benefits include access to Legal & General’s wellbeing services, mental health support and second medical opinions and Care Concierge.

Why Sainsbury’s Bank’s over 50s life insurance might not work for you

  • £10,000 maximum may be too low for larger payouts.
  • First-year accidental death equals full cover amount only.
  • No joint life option.

9. Scottish Friendly

myTribe rating: 4.0
Provider review rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Policy reviewed: Scottish Friendly My Mutual Guaranteed Over 50s Plan

Best for: Reduced cash benefit, shorter premium payment period

Scottish Friendly at a glance
Scottish Friendly at a glance
Age rangeWaiting periodPremiumsPremiums stopDefaqto ratingTrustpilotStandout feature
50-742 years for full cover£7-£50 per monthage 90, potentially earlier (investment-linked)1 star3.8/5 from 3,154 reviewswith-profits element may end premiums early

The verdict: Scottish Friendly earned four stars in the myTribe Over 50s life insurance ratings, reflecting its different approach. Part of each premium is invested into its with-profits fund, which, depending on performance, could let you stop paying premiums before age 90. This gives you a genuine chance of a shorter payment commitment than most over 50s policies.

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Why Scottish Friendly's over 50s life insurance might work for you

  • Maximum cover of £20,000, is more generous than many plans.
  • Reduced cash benefit: stop after 5 years and beneficiaries still get a proportion.
  • With-profits performance may let you stop premiums before age 90.
  • Annual statements from age 80 showing projected premium end date.

Why Scottish Friendly's over 50s life insurance might not work for you

  • Two-year qualifying period before full benefit.
  • Tighter joining age limit - eligibility ends at 74.
  • No funeral benefit or wellbeing extras
  • You can’t change your cover or premiums once in place.
  • Trustpilot score of 3.8/5, one of the lowest in our guide.

10. Cover Today

myTribe rating: 4.0
Provider review rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Policy reviewed: Cover Today Over 50s Life Insurance

Best for: Immediate full cover, customer service, higher cover amounts, inflation-linked cover

Cover Today at a glance
Cover Today at a glance
Age rangeWaiting periodPremiumsPremiums stopDefaqto ratingTrustpilotStandout feature
50-80none (immediate full cover)from £4.52 per monthage 95not rated4.9/5 from 7,003 reviewsfull cover from day one

The verdict: Cover Today ranked tenth in myTribe's over 50s life insurance review, earning four stars. The main strength of Cover Today’s Over 50s Life Insurance plan is the ability to be fully covered from day one, without the usual waiting period that other providers insist on. However, you will need to answer a few simple health questions, a requirement which stands in contrast to the other insurers in our top ten.

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Why Cover Today's over 50s life insurance might work for you

  • Immediate full life cover once accepted, there’s no waiting period.
  • Up to £22,000 if you are aged 50 to 69, the highest in our guide.
  • Increasing cover option to guard against inflation.
  • Double cover amount for accidental death.
  • £300 funeral benefit option.
  • Access to MediPartner services (virtual GP, nutrition, physio triage) plus free will kit.
  • Trustpilot score of 4.9/5, the joint-highest in our guide.

Why NatWest's over 50s life insurance might not work for you

  • You must successfully answer some health questions, no guaranteed acceptance.
  • Premiums payable until age 95.
  • The maximum cover level drops to £13,000 at ages 75-80.
  • No joint life option.

Which other providers offer over 50s life insurance?

In addition to the top 10 providers in our best over 50s life insurance guide, some other companies offer similar cover that you may want to consider. These include:

  • Co-operative Insurance
  • Forever Assured
  • National Friendly
  • National Assurance
  • NatWest
  • TSB
  • Santander
  • Royal Bank of Scotland
  • Ulster Bank

How we choose the best over 50s life insurance

The myTribe 2026 over 50s life insurance ratings explore the strengths and weaknesses of each product based on our expert analysis of five key metrics. We assess:

  • Cover Levels examines the core features of an over 50s life insurance product. This includes payout types, cover amounts, waiting periods for full cover, premium ceasing ages and accidental death cover.
  • Additional Benefits & Options looks at the full range of benefits that come as standard with the product or can be added, so you can personalise your over 50s life policy. Examples include terminal illness cover, funeral benefit, protected payout benefits and value-added services such as wellbeing support.
  • Eligibility & Accessibility considers how well each over 50s life provider caters to the needs of different older applicants, including age limits, entry criteria, joint life options and how consumers can buy the policy.
  • Customer Reviews & Clarity measures independent customer feedback on service standards using Trustpilot reviews and ratings. Our research team also examines how clearly providers communicate product information in their terms and conditions.
  • Policy Flexibility assesses how easy it is to make changes once an over 50s life policy is in place. This includes whether a policyholder can adjust cover levels and options, or reduce their premiums if their financial situation changes.

We weighted each category based on its importance to over 50s life insurance customers, then combined the results in each area to give an overall score that determines the final star rating.

What is over 50s life insurance?

Over 50s life insurance is a type of whole of life policy designed specifically for people aged between 50 and 85. It’s a more straightforward option than traditional life insurance, with fewer hoops to jump through. The two main attractions of over 50s life insurance are:

  • Guaranteed acceptance: Often advertised as "no medical" cover, this means you can usually take out an over 50s policy without answering any health questions or undergoing a medical examination. You just need to meet the provider’s age criteria and be a permanent UK resident. There's no medical underwriting to assess your risk, so even if you're in poor health you won't be turned away or charged extra. By contrast, traditional life insurance can be prohibitively expensive or unavailable for older applicants in poor health or with a history of medical issues.
  • Guaranteed payout:  As long as you continue to pay the monthly premiums, your loved ones will receive a cash lump sum when you pass away. There’s usually a short waiting period before the full cover kicks in, but once you have gone beyond this you’ll have peace of mind that your loved ones will be guaranteed a payout whenever you die. That’s a key difference from term life insurance, which only pays out if you die within a set timeframe.

While an over 50s life insurance payout can be used however your loved ones choose, it's most commonly put towards funeral costs or left as a modest financial gift. According to Swiss Re’s Term & Health Watch 2026, the average over 50s life cover amount is £4,364, which is roughly in line with the average cost of a simple attended funeral, which stands at £4,758 (source: SunLife Cost of Dying 2026 Report).

How does over 50s life insurance work?

Over 50s life insurance is pretty easy to purchase and manage. Here's a step-by-step explanation of how it works:

  • Check if you’re eligible. You have to be aged between 50 and 85 years to take out an over 50s life insurance policy. You’ll also need to be a UK resident.
  • Compare your options to find the insurance provider and policy that's most suitable for your needs. Many insurance companies offer slightly different over-50s life insurance policies, so examine the options and features carefully.
  • Choose a provider. Ensure you strike a balance between the amount of cover you want and a monthly premium that you can afford to pay now and into your later years. Don't worry about answering questions about your health as acceptance is guaranteed.
  • You're covered. Once your policy starts you can relax and enjoy the peace of mind that over 50s life insurance brings. Most policies include a short waiting period before the full payout applies, but accidental death is usually covered immediately. Remember, if you stop paying premiums, your cover will stop too.
  • Tell your loved ones that you have an over 50s life insurance plan and share your policy documents with them. When you pass away, they will need to call your insurer to make the claim.
  • Your loved ones receive their lump sum payout from the provider. They can use this payout to pay funeral costs, settle unpaid bills, or use it for any other purpose they choose.

How to compare over 50s life insurance

When you're ready to compare life insurance for over 50s, it's worth knowing that not all policies are the same. While they share some core features, there are a few important differences between providers that could affect how well a policy suits you. Some of the main features to look out for are:

Waiting period: There’s usually a waiting or qualifying period before your full over 50s payout is guaranteed. This varies between providers but is usually either one or two years. The shorter the waiting period, the sooner you're fully covered. If you pass away from natural causes during this time, your insurer will usually refund the premiums you've paid rather than pay out the full cover amount.

Accidental death benefit: Over 50s life insurance includes an accidental death benefit, which means if you die because of an accident during the waiting period, the full payout will still be made. Some insurers go a step further, offering double or even triple the cover amount if death is caused by an accident. It's worth checking how generous each provider is with this benefit.

Premium ceasing age: Most over-50s life insurance policies specify an age at which you will stop paying premiums. This is typically when you reach 90 or 95, or after a fixed period, such as 30 years of continuous payments, whichever comes first. However, not all insurers offer this type of structure. Some policies require you to keep paying premiums indefinitely, right up until you pass away. This can make your cover much more expensive over the long term, especially if you live well into your 90s or beyond. All the top 10 over 50s life providers in our guide have a built-in premium stop date, so you won’t be left paying premiums for life.

Funeral benefit option: Some over 50s life insurance policies offer a funeral benefit option, which allows your payout to be paid directly to a specified funeral provider when you pass away. In return, the provider will contribute an additional amount, typically a few hundred pounds, towards your funeral costs. This can ease the financial burden on your loved ones and ensure your payout goes towards covering funeral expenses. Check if this option is included automatically or if you need to opt in.

Protected benefits: Although it’s a relatively rare feature, a few insurers include a protected benefit to provide a safety net if you need to end your policy early. If you’ve paid at least half of your total premiums and then cancel the policy, it will still pay out a portion, usually at least half, of your original cover amount when you pass away. It offers peace of mind that your payments haven’t gone entirely to waste if you can’t keep up your premiums in later years.

You can compare the UK's leading life insurance providers and get expert help from an experienced insurance specialist by clicking here.

What are the drawbacks of over 50s life cover?

Over 50s life cover can offer a range of benefits, but there are also some drawbacks you must consider too. If you're thinking about over 50s life insurance, be sure to watch out for these potential pitfalls.

  • black cross icon
    Inflation can reduce the buying power of your payout. Most over 50s life insurance plans provide a fixed cover amount, so the real value of your payout is likely to erode over time due to inflation. As a result, the amount of cover you choose at the outset may not be enough to cover future funeral costs. To safeguard against the impact of inflation you could consider an over 50s life plan that has an increasing benefit.
  • black cross icon
    Payouts are low. Compared to traditional life insurance policies, payouts from over 50s plans are relatively modest, making them unsuitable if you need a more substantial financial safety net for your family or need to pay off a large debt like a mortgage.
  • black cross icon
    You’ll need to get through the waiting period. Insurers won't cover you for the full amount of over 50s life insurance until you have passed a set period, usually either one or two years. If you die before then, the payout is usually only a return of your premiums.
  • black cross icon
    The cost could prove a false economy. If you live a long time, you could pay more in premiums than your loved ones receive, see how long it takes for premiums to exceed the payout for the figures by age.
  • black cross icon
    Joint policies are rare. Unlike traditional life insurance, joint over 50s life cover can be more challenging to find. Only two of the top ten providers in our best over 50s life insurance guide offer a joint life option. This means that you and your partner or spouse may both need to take out separate policies to receive cover.
  • black cross icon
    There’s limited flexibility to make future changes. There’s not much scope to change your premiums or cover once an over 50s life policy starts. Some insurers may allow changes, but often this is only after you have held your policy for a specific period, or is limited to a one-time adjustment. Furthermore, if you want to increase your cover you’ll often need to take out an additional over 50s life policy.

How much does over 50s life insurance cost?

The average monthly cost of over 50s life insurance is £29.45 for cover of £4,285 (traditionally enough to pay for the average cost of a simple attended funeral). The average non-smoker over 50s life insurance premium is £24.42 and is £35.41 for a smoker.

The average cost of over 50s life insurance by age and smoker status
The average cost of over 50s life insurance by age and smoker status
Age Average non-smoker cost Average smoker cost
50 years £14.87 £20.64
55 years £17.65 £25.53
60 years £20.22 £31.97
65 years £24.36 £40.25
70 years £32.41 £52.18
75 years £44.60 £76.66
Source: myTribe Insurance Experts

The cost of over 50s life insurance will ultimately depend on your own situation, based on four main factors:

  1. Your age: The older you are when you take out an over 50s life insurance plan the more expensive your premiums. For example, the average cost of over 50s life insurance increases from £14.87 for a non-smoker aged 50 years to £44.60 for someone aged 75 years (based on a sum assured of £4,285).
  2. How much cover you need: Leaving a larger cash sum for your beneficiaries means you’ll pay a higher premium. 
  3. Whether you smoke: If you smoke (or have only recently stopped smoking) you’ll pay more for your over 50s life plan. Our research found that on average smokers typically pay between 39% and 72% more for over 50s life insurance compared to non-smokers. The difference gets larger with age, reflecting the higher risk associated with smoking as people get older.
  4. Your provider: Every over 50s life insurance product is different, with variations in the features on offer, such as funeral benefits or protected payouts. Each policy will be priced to reflect the range of options available, so make sure you choose the life insurance policy that is right for you and avoid paying for features you don't need.

You can compare prices from the leading over 50s life insurance providers based on your situation, by requesting a personalised quote through one of our partner brokers.

How long does it take for over 50s life insurance premiums to exceed the payout?

One of the biggest disadvantages of over 50s life insurance is that the total premiums you pay over the life of the policy can exceed the final payout. So how long does it take before that happens?

As the table below shows, the speed at which your premiums will exceed the total benefit amount will vary depending on your age and whether you smoke.

Average time for total over 50s life insurance premiums to exceed policy value
Average time for total over 50s life insurance premiums to exceed policy value
AgeTime taken to exceed policy value (non-smoker)Time taken to exceed policy value (smoker)
50 years24.0 years17.3 years
55 years20.2 years14.0 years
60 years17.7 years11.2 years
65 years14.7 years8.9 years
70 years11.0 years6.8 years
75 years8.0 years4.7 years
Overall average15.9 years10.5 years
Figures are based on fixed average monthly premiums and a sum assured of £4,285.
Source: myTribe Insurance Experts

The older you are when you take out a policy, the sooner you'll reach the point where you've paid more in premiums than the policy will eventually pay out. Smokers hit that point significantly sooner than non-smokers due to the higher premiums they pay. On average, it takes 12.1 years (or 145 months) for an over 50s life insurance policyholder to pay more than they’ll get back, based on an average monthly premium of £29.45 for life cover worth £4,285.

Can you still get traditional life insurance cover in your 50s?

Just because you're over 50, you're not necessarily limited to buying specialist over 50s life cover. Many insurance providers offer you traditional life insurance for over 50s, including term life insurance or whole of life cover.

All the disadvantages of over 50s life insurance we explained previously can be overcome by traditional term life insurance. Payouts are generally higher, policies tend to be more flexible, joint life policies are more common, and there are more options for increasing payouts to counter the effects of inflation. Of course, you will need to keep in mind that traditional life insurance can be more expensive once you get to the age of 50 and older, particularly if you have developed any health conditions.

The table below compares over 50s life insurance and term life insurance. It can help you understand the key differences, enabling you to decide which type of life insurance best suits your situation.

Over 50s life insurance vs term life insurance
Over 50s life insurance vs term life insurance
FeatureOver 50s life insuranceTerm life insurance
Age range50-85 years17-84 years
UnderwritingGuaranteed acceptance. No medical exams or health questionsAcceptance and premiums depends on health, lifestyle and medical underwriting
Policy durationCover lasts the rest of your lifeCover lasts for a specified term
Cover amountLow payout amounts, usually up to £20,000 maximumPotential for much higher cover amounts
CostPremiums vary depending on cover level, age and smoking statusPremiums vary depending on age, health, lifestyle, cover level and term
Waiting period for full cover12 or 24 months. If death occurs in that time from non‑accidental causes, the payout is limited to a refund of premiumsCover starts immediately
Best suited forCovering funeral costs or leaving a small legacyLarger financial commitments such as a mortgage or future family expenses
Source: myTribe Insurance Experts

How long does an over 50s life insurance payout take?

According to FCA research, around half of the firms it surveyed paid over-50s claims within 20 days on average, compared to between 53 and 122 days for term life insurance claims.

Claims for over 50s life insurance are usually quicker to pay out than traditional life insurance payouts because the policies are much simpler in structure and require less investigation at the claims stage. There's no need for the insurer to review medical records or investigate the cause of death in detail, especially if the claim is made after the qualifying period.

Most over 50s life insurance providers aim to pay out the lump sum within a few working days, as long as they receive all the required documents promptly. To avoid delays, let your loved ones know where the policy documents are kept and which insurer you’re with.

Is over 50s life insurance worth it?

Whether over 50s life insurance is worth it really depends on your personal circumstances and what you want your policy to achieve.

If you’re in poor health and would struggle to get accepted for traditional life insurance, or if the cost of that cover is too high, then over 50s life insurance can be a solution. It's most likely to appeal to those who want a guaranteed payout which can be used to cover funeral costs or provide a financial gift.

However, it’s important to weigh up the potential downsides. The main one is value for money: if you live a long time you could pay in more than the policy pays out (see the break-even figures by age). Make sure you’re comfortable with that potential long-term cost before you commit.

It’s always worth comparing options and considering alternatives, such as prepaid funeral plans or saving into a dedicated account, to ensure you choose the best option for your needs. 

For specialist guidance on the right type of life insurance policy for your personal circumstances, talk to a life insurance broker. They'll show you what’s available and help you choose the best option for you. You can discuss your own situation with an experienced life insurance broker by completing our form.

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Disclaimer: This information is general, and what is best for you will depend on your personal circumstances. Please speak with a financial adviser or do your own research before making a decision. Not all of our insurer broker partners offer an advised service. The brokers we work with provide a comparison service from a panel of some of the UK’s top insurers, such as Aviva, L&G, LV and Zurich. Not every broker works with all the insurers listed in our guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the No 1 Over 50s life insurance provider in the UK?

SunLife is the No. 1 over 50s life insurance company in the UK for 2026, with its Guaranteed Over 50 Plan rated as the top product in myTribe's independent assessment of the leading providers. It's the best known and biggest seller of over 50s life insurance plans in the UK, with an excellent customer service rating to match its reputation.

Will my over 50s life insurance be taxed?

You won’t have to pay UK income tax or capital gains tax on an over 50s life insurance payout. However, it may form part of your estate when you pass away, so it may be subject to inheritance tax.

Is over 50s life insurance subject to inheritance tax?

Insurance policies are normally included in the value of your estate when you pass away. If this value exceeds the current inheritance tax threshold, your estate will be subject to inheritance tax.

You can write your life insurance policy 'in trust', which stops it from being included as part of your estate. It's wise to talk to your financial adviser or solicitor to ensure that any trust is set up correctly.

What happens if I stop paying my over 50s life premiums?

The answer to this depends on the exact terms and conditions set out in your policy documents. Missing even one payment could void your policy, leaving you without life cover and no refund. However, most insurance providers will give you a grace period to make up your payments without losing your cover.

Can I cash in my over 50s life cover plan?

No. Over 50s insurance plans don’t have a cash in value. You can cancel your policy at any time, but you won’t receive any of the money you have previously paid in.

Rather than find yourself in a situation where you want to cash in your policy, make sure you research the over 50s life cover marketplace thoroughly before you make a purchase. Talk to an insurance broker for bespoke help.

Can I have more than one over 50s life insurance policy?

Yes, you can take out multiple over 50s life insurance policies. However, most insurance providers will cap the total amount of cover you can have with them. So even if you buy more than one policy from the same provider, you won’t be able to exceed their maximum payout limit.

If you’re looking for a higher level of cover than one insurer will allow, you can take out additional policies with different providers. Just keep in mind that each policy has its own monthly premium, so make sure the combined cost is affordable in the long term.