Life Insurance for Over 40s. Get Cover Today In 2023

When you reach 40 and over, your responsibilities have likely changed considerably.

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When you reach 40 and over, your responsibilities have likely changed considerably. Most will have families, mortgages and debt, which makes life-insurance an attractive option to ensure financial protection should the unthinkable happen.

Here, we delve into everything you need to know about getting life insurance when you’re over 40 and why you should consider taking out a policy.

Reasons why you might consider getting life insurance in your 40s

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As mentioned before, most people’s responsibilities reach an all-time high by the time they hit 40. As a result, there are various reasons why getting life insurance makes sense from 40 onwards. Here are some of the most common reasons:

You’ve started a family

  • Once you have financial dependents, it’s always a good idea to ensure they’re protected should something happen.

You’ve got a mortgage.

  • In the UK, the average age of first-time property buyers is 34. As a result, more and more people still have considerable mortgage payments to make well into their 40s. If the worst were to happen, a life insurance policy would help clear your mortgage. It’s worth noting that a whopping 42% of people with mortgages in the UK don’t have life insurance coverage.

The best policy for you, such as term-based or whole life, will depend on your circumstances and requirements. However, we’ll go deeper into that later in the article.

Advantages of getting life insurance in your 40s

The most obvious of which is that premiums will be relatively low since, in your 40s, you’ll likely still be in good health and your risk is much lower.

Although most people would benefit from life insurance regardless of age, there are some advantages to getting a policy whilst in your 40s. The most obvious of which is that premiums will be relatively low since, in your 40s, you’ll likely still be in good health and your risk is much lower.

How much is life insurance for over 40s?

We compare plans from the leading life insurance providers

Taking out a life insurance policy in your 40s is no different to doing so at other stages of your life. All the usual factors are considered when deciding your premium, including age, lifestyle, general health, whether you smoke, and occupational and recreational risk.

The average cost of life insurance, if you’re in your 40s, will be around £15 per month, rising to approximately £35 per month when you hit your 50s. This estimate is based on a level term policy that covers mortgage and living costs. For a decreasing term policy, the average price for if you’re 40s is around £9 per month.

Getting approval for life insurance when over 40

You should note that if you’re considering taking out a life insurance policy in your 40s, you’ll have to undertake a medical examination before doing so. Most providers don’t guarantee approval in your 40s, unlike over 50 plans.

However, it’s still beneficial to go ahead with taking out a policy, regardless of your health condition, since the premium will almost certainly be lower, and the payout sum will likely be more significant than when taking out a policy in your 50s.

What to look out for when looking for life insurance for over 40

To ensure that you’re getting a good deal, we’ve put together a few points for you to consider before taking out a policy.

  • Ensure that the policy you want covers all and only your needs. This will avoid any nasty surprises and will ensure that you’re only paying for what you need.
  • Never pull the trigger on the first life insurance policy offered to you. Get multiple quotes and compare. Most providers can be flexible in working out a deal.
  • Make lifestyle changes that can directly increase your premium. Of course, these can be difficult to make. However, putting an end to habits such as smoking and dangerous hobbies will positively impact your life insurance cost.

Remember, taking out a life insurance policy in your 40s will give you access to cheaper premiums.

Best Life Insurance For 40s

Life insurance is an important consideration for anyone over 40, as this is a time in life when many people start to think about securing their family’s future and ensuring that their loved ones will be taken care of in the event of unexpected death. We will explore the best life insurance options for those over 40 in the UK, including term life insurance, whole life insurance, critical illness cover, terminal illness cover, and life insurance no medical.

Term Life Insurance

Term life insurance is a popular option for many people over 40 because it offers a relatively low-cost way to protect your loved ones financially. With term life insurance, you pay a set premium each month for a set period of time (the “term”), and if you die during that term, your beneficiaries will receive a death benefit. There are several different types of term life insurance, each with its own unique features and benefits.

Level Term Life Insurance

Level term life insurance is the most basic type of term life insurance. With this type of policy, the death benefit remains the same throughout the term, and the premium is also fixed. Level term insurance is a good choice for people who want a guaranteed death benefit, but don’t want to pay for more coverage than they need. It’s also a good option for people who want to ensure that their loved ones will be able to cover specific expenses, such as a mortgage or children’s education.

For example, for a 40-year-old man in good health, a level term life insurance policy with a £500,000 death benefit and a 20-year term might have a monthly premium of around £20.

Decreasing Term Life Insurance

Decreasing term life insurance is a type of term life insurance that is typically used to provide coverage for a specific period of time, such as the length of a mortgage. With this type of policy, the death benefit decreases over time, while the premium remains the same. Decreasing term life insurance is a good choice for people who want to ensure that their loved ones will have enough money to pay off a specific debt, such as a mortgage, but don’t want to pay for more coverage than they need.

For example, a 45-year-old man in good health might pay £20 per month for a decreasing term life insurance policy with a £400,000 death benefit and a 20-year term. The death benefit would decrease over time, going down to £200,000 by the end of the 20-year term.

Increasing Term Life Insurance

Increasing term life insurance is a type of term life insurance that provides increasing death benefit over the course of the policy. The premium stays the same throughout the policy term. Increasing term life insurance is a good choice for people who want to ensure that their loved ones will have enough money to cover inflation or the increasing cost of living.

For example, a 40-year-old man in good health might pay £20 per month for an increasing term life insurance policy with a £500,000 death benefit and a 20-year term. The death benefit would increase every year by 3% to keep pace with inflation.

It is important to note that each one of these types have their own specific advantages and disadvantages, depending on your specific needs and goals, therefore it’s important to research and compare them before choosing the right one for you. Consult with a financial advisor or insurance agent to learn more about the options available to you and get personalized quotes for premiums.

Whole Life insurance

Whole life insurance can be an excellent option for people over 40 who are looking for long-term financial protection for their loved ones. Unlike term life insurance, which provides coverage for a set period of time, whole life insurance provides coverage for your entire lifetime, as long as you continue to pay the premiums. One benefit of this option is that the payout can cover inheritance tax, which in the UK is currently at 40% on anything over the Government-set threshold. Whole life insurance policies also include a savings component, which can grow over time and can be accessed by the policy holder in certain circumstances.

How Whole Life Insurance Works?

When you take out a whole life insurance policy, you will be required to pay a set premium on a regular basis, typically on a monthly or annual basis. The premium will depend on several factors such as your age, health, and the size of the death benefit you wish to secure. The death benefit is the amount of money that will be paid out to your beneficiaries if you die while the policy is in force.

Premium Examples

The premium for whole life insurance will vary depending on a number of factors, including the policyholder’s age, sex, and overall health. However, as a rough guide, here are a few premium examples for whole life insurance policies for someone in their 40s in the UK:

  • A 45-year-old man in good health might pay £50 per month for a whole life insurance policy with a £500,000 death benefit
  • A 42-year-old woman in good health might pay £35 per month for a whole life insurance policy with a £300,000 death benefit.

Saving Component

Whole life insurance policies also include a savings component, which is often referred to as the “cash value” of the policy. This cash value component of the policy will typically accumulate interest over time, and can be accessed by the policyholder in certain circumstances such as to pay for living expenses or for other financial needs. Policyholders also has an option to withdraw cash value or borrow against the policy, however it can have consequences in the death benefit pay out.

Ultimately, the best policy for you depends on your specific needs. If you’re looking for mortgage coverage, a term-based approach would probably be best. However, if you’re looking to cover inheritance tax or if your occupation is hazardous, then a whole life policy would probably be best suited.

Critical Illness Cover

Critical illness cover is an important type of insurance for people in their 40s, as it can provide financial protection in the event of a serious illness. It typically pays out a lump sum if the policyholder is diagnosed with a specified critical illness, such as cancer, heart attack, or stroke.

One of the main benefits of critical illness cover is that it can help with any additional financial costs that may arise as a result of an illness. This can include medical expenses, lost income, and other related costs. It can also provide peace of mind, knowing that your loved ones will be taken care of if you are unable to work.

It’s worth noting that critical illness cover is generally more expensive than term life insurance, but with the right policy, it can be an affordable option for those in their 40s. With the policy tailored to your specific needs and budget, you can ensure that you are protected should the unexpected happen. For example, a 40-year-old man in good health might pay £25 per month for a critical illness policy with a £100,000 benefit. It’s always best to shop around and compare different policies and providers to find the best deal for you.

Terminal Illness Cover

This type of life insurance policy pays out a lump sum if the policyholder is diagnosed with a terminal illness and is not expected to live more than a specified period of time, usually 12 months or less. The death benefit can be used to help cover medical expenses, outstanding debts, or to provide financial support for loved ones.

One of the benefits of terminal illness cover is that it can provide peace of mind knowing that your loved ones will be taken care of financially even if you don’t have long to live. It is also worth noting that terminal illness cover typically pays out much earlier than a regular life insurance policy, which can provide much-needed financial assistance during a difficult time.

Life Insurance No Medical

If you’re in your 40s, obtaining life insurance coverage without providing any medical information is not an option. The only way to get guaranteed acceptance without disclosing any health information is through an over 50s plan. However, this type of coverage is only available to people between the ages of 50 and 85, so if you’re in your 40s, you won’t qualify.

While it may be tempting to wait until you reach the eligible age bracket for an over 50s plan, there are some important things to consider. Firstly, these plans typically have higher premiums to account for the unknown risk to the insurer. So, even if your health is less than ideal, you may benefit from lower monthly premiums by disclosing your issues at a younger age.

Secondly, the sum assured (the amount of coverage you will receive) is significantly lower than that available on either term-based or whole of life cover. While term-based and whole of life coverage can offer a potential sum assured of up to £1,000,000, the maximum available through an over 50s plan is £20,000.

So, it’s important to carefully consider the level of coverage you require, and weigh the trade-offs between guaranteed acceptance, lower premiums, and higher sums assured available through other types of coverage.

Questions Asked for Over 40 Life Insurance Coverage

There are a number of questions that an insurance agent or representative may ask in order to understand the individual’s unique circumstances and determine the best policy for their needs. These questions may include:

  1. What is your current age and gender?
  2. Are you a smoker or have you ever smoked in the past?
  3. What is your current state of health? Have you been diagnosed with any pre-existing medical conditions?
  4. Do you have any dangerous hobbies or occupations that could increase your risk of death?
  5. Are you looking for coverage for a specific amount of time, or are you interested in a permanent policy?
  6. Are you interested in including any additional riders, such as critical illness coverage or long-term care coverage?
  7. How much coverage are you looking for, and what is your budget for premiums?
  8. Are you looking for coverage for your spouse or other dependents?
  9. Do you have any other insurance policies in place, such as disability insurance or long-term care insurance?
  10. Do you have any other financial dependents?

Answering these questions can help the insurance agent or representative understand your unique needs and recommend the right coverage for you.

Also, keep in mind that an agent or representative may ask other personal questions, like what you do for a living, your financial stability, your marital status, and so on. They will also look at your previous medical history, so it’s important to be as honest and transparent as possible.

Compare Life Insurance Quotes For Over 40s

At Life Cover Quotes, we understand the importance of securing life insurance coverage at any age. For those over 40, finding the right life insurance policy can be challenging, which is why we offer a platform to compare over 40s life insurance quotes.

Our platform connects you with experienced brokers who can provide you with multiple quotes from different insurance companies. By comparing quotes, you can get a better understanding of the coverage options and costs available to you.

Some of the factors that may affect your over 40s life insurance quotes include your age, health, and lifestyle. For example, a person in their 40s who is a non-smoker in good health may be offered a lower quote than someone who is a smoker or has pre-existing medical conditions.

Our platform allows you to compare quotes for different types of life insurance policies such as term life insurance, whole of life insurance, over 50s plans, family income benefit, terminal illness cover and critical illness cover.

In addition to comparing quotes, our experienced brokers can also provide guidance and advice on the best policy to suit your specific needs and budget. With our platform, you can have the peace of mind that you are getting the best coverage at the best price.

Life Insurance Over 40 FAQ

It’s never too late to get life insurance. In fact, many people choose to get life insurance in their 40s to protect their family’s financial future. While premiums may be higher compared to those in their 20s or 30s, there are still affordable options available for individuals over 40.

Life insurance premiums vary depending on factors such as your age, health, lifestyle, and the amount of coverage you choose. In general, life insurance premiums for a 40-year-old can start as low as 20p per day. It’s essential to compare quotes from different providers to find the best deal for you.

There are several types of life insurance available for individuals over 40, including term life insurance, whole life insurance, and over 50s life insurance. Each type of insurance offers different levels of coverage and benefits, so it’s crucial to research and compare your options before making a decision.

Yes, some providers offer life insurance policies without a medical exam. These policies, often referred to as ‘no medical’ or ‘simplified issue’ life insurance, typically have lower coverage amounts and higher premiums compared to traditional policies. However, they can be a suitable option for those with pre-existing health conditions or who prefer a simplified application process.

While there isn’t a specific life insurance product designed exclusively for people over 40, many policies cater to individuals in this age group. For example, over 50s life insurance is designed for individuals aged 50 and over, but many providers offer coverage starting from age 40 or 45.

Adding critical illness cover to your life insurance policy can provide additional financial protection if you are diagnosed with a specified critical illness. This type of cover can be beneficial for individuals over 40, as the likelihood of developing a critical illness increases with age. However, it’s essential to weigh the additional cost against the potential benefits before deciding.

To find the best life insurance quotes for individuals over 40, it’s essential to compare policies from multiple providers. You can use online comparison tools or consult with an independent financial adviser to help you find the most suitable policy for your needs and budget.

Life insurance coverage does not automatically increase as you get older. However, you can choose to increase your coverage by purchasing a larger policy or adding riders to your existing policy. Keep in mind that increasing your coverage may result in higher premiums.