Can I buy life insurance online?
You can request life insurance quotes online and, where an insurer supports it, complete an application online. The steps and time required depend on the insurer and your circumstances.
An online quote request lets you provide your details and compare options from multiple insurers. Adviser support is also available if you would prefer to discuss your options.
What you can buy online:
- Level term life insurance - fixed payout for mortgage protection and family security
- Decreasing term life insurance - cover designed to reduce over the policy term
- Whole of life insurance - cover intended to last for life, subject to the policy terms
- Over 50s life insurance - products may offer guaranteed acceptance within stated eligibility criteria
- Joint life insurance - covers two people under one policy
- Critical illness cover - optional add-on for serious illness protection
After you submit your details, an insurer may ask further medical or lifestyle questions before confirming whether it can offer cover. Application and underwriting times vary by insurer and applicant.
Why buy life insurance online through LifePro?
LifePro compares personalised premiums, cover, exclusions and policy terms offered by its panel of UK life insurance providers.
Unlike going directly to a single insurer's website, using LifePro lets you review quotes from a wide range of UK insurers in one place.
Benefits of buying through LifePro:
- Compare policies from a wide range of UK insurers in one place
- UK broker - clear guidance on your options
- No broker fee or obligation to buy - insurers pay commission if a policy starts
- Online quote request
- Adviser support available - speak to advisors if needed (Mon-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat 9am-5pm)
- Compare quoted premiums, cover and policy terms side by side
- Information submitted through the online application is encrypted
- Support with applications and medical disclosures
Premiums and policy terms can differ between insurers. Comparing providers through LifePro lets you review the available premiums, cover, exclusions and terms side by side.
How to buy life insurance online
- Get a quote: Enter basic details such as your age, smoker status, desired cover amount and term length
- Compare providers: View quote requests from a wide range of UK insurers side-by-side, sorted by price
- Choose your policy: Review which policy may suit your needs and budget
- Complete application: Answer the insurer's health and lifestyle questions
- Receive the insurer's decision: The insurer may accept the application, request more information, or offer different terms
- Start your cover: Pay your first premium and receive policy documents by email
What information you'll need:
- Date of birth
- Smoker status (within last 12 months)
- Height and weight
- Medical history (current and past conditions)
- Lifestyle details (occupation, hobbies, travel)
- Cover amount and term length
Medical questions: Be honest about your health. Non-disclosure can invalidate claims. Most conditions don't prevent you from getting cover - they may just increase premiums slightly.
How to buy cheap life insurance online
Factors to Consider
- Compare multiple providers: Compare the premiums, cover, exclusions and terms available from the insurers on the panel.
- Buy when you're young and healthy: Age and health are among the factors insurers use when calculating premiums.
- Stop smoking 12 months before applying: Insurers normally ask about current and recent tobacco or nicotine use when assessing an application.
- Choose decreasing term for mortgages: Consider whether cover designed to reduce over time is suitable for the debt you want to protect.
- Consider joint cover for couples: Compare the cover and payout structure of a joint policy with two individual policies.
- Pay annually instead of monthly: Check which payment frequencies the insurer offers and the total cost for each option.
- Don't over-insure: Use the calculator as a starting point and consider the debts and financial commitments you want the policy to cover.
- Maintain a healthy BMI: Health information, including height and weight, can affect an insurer's underwriting decision and premium.
The premium offered will depend on your personal circumstances, the cover requested and each insurer's underwriting criteria.