Life Insurance Over 40

  • Affordable cover in your 40s
  • Still qualify for competitive rates
  • Protect family during peak earning years
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Life Insurance Over 40

Complete guide to securing affordable life insurance in your 40s. Your 40s is an ideal time to arrange life insurance - you're likely at peak earning potential with dependents, mortgages, and financial commitments that need protecting. Life insurance remains very affordable in your 40s (healthy 40-year-olds pay £10-15/month for £200,000 cover), premiums are still competitive compared to 50+, and most policies under £500k require only health questionnaires without medical exams. Compare quotes from 50+ UK providers for level term, decreasing term, or family income benefit policies.

By: Phil Jeynes Protection Industry Expert Updated: 6th January 2026

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Secure affordable life insurance in your 40s

Securing life insurance in your 40s is about making sure that your family are taken care of financially should you no longer be around to provide

At this stage in your life, you may be earning a steady income, living in your own home, and settled down with children who rely on you.

You may also be thinking about the future and how your family would cope if you were no longer around to support them.

For this reason, your 40s is an ideal time to arrange life insurance, which pays out a cash cash payment if you die.

Over 40 life insurance calculator

complete our handy calculator with the costs you'd like your policy to cover and calculate how much over 40s life insurance you may need.

The amount of life insurance you need depends on your financial obligations and what you want to provide for your loved ones. A common rule of thumb is to have cover worth 10 times your annual salary, though your individual circumstances may require more or less.

Consider the following when calculating your life insurance needs:

  • Outstanding mortgage balance
  • Other debts and loans
  • Income replacement for your family (typically 5-10 years of salary)
  • Children's education costs
  • Funeral expenses (typically £4,000-£10,000)
  • Any specific financial goals for your dependents

For example, if you have a £200,000 mortgage, earn £40,000 per year, and want to provide 10 years of income replacement, you might need around £600,000 of cover (£200,000 + (£40,000 × 10)).

Use our free comparison tool to get personalised quotes from 50+ UK insurers, including Life Insurance Over 40, and find the right level of cover for your needs at the best available price.

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What is the best life insurance for over 40s?

Thebest life insuranceif you’re aged over 40, will depend on your individual circumstances.

it's advisable to consider what aspects of your life you must protect, the best type of cover to suit this and how much life insurance you need.

There are three main life insurance policy options for applicants in their 40s:

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does life insurance cost in your 40s?

Life insurance in your 40s is still very affordable. A healthy 40-year-old non-smoker might pay £10-15/month for £200,000 cover over 20 years. A 45-year-old could pay £15-20/month for the same cover. Premiums are based on age, health, smoking status, cover amount, and term length.

Is it too late to get life insurance at 40?

No! Your 40s is actually an ideal time to get life insurance. You're likely at peak earning potential with dependents, and premiums are still competitive. Many people in their 40s have mortgages, young families, and financial commitments that need protecting. The earlier you apply in your 40s, the lower your premiums.

What type of life insurance should I get at 40?

Most people in their 40s choose level term life insurance for 15-25 years to cover until children are independent or the mortgage is paid off. If you have a repayment mortgage, decreasing term is cheaper. If you want income replacement, consider family income benefit (20-40% cheaper than level term).

Do I need a medical exam for life insurance at 40?

It depends on the cover amount and your health. For policies under £500,000, most insurers only require a health questionnaire. Larger amounts (£500,000+) or complex health histories may require a medical exam or GP report. Most straightforward applications are approved online without exams.

Will my health conditions affect my life insurance at 40?

Minor health conditions (controlled high blood pressure, past injuries) usually result in standard or slightly increased premiums. Serious conditions may lead to higher premiums or exclusions. Be honest on your application - non-disclosure can invalidate claims. Our specialists can find insurers who cover specific conditions.

How much life insurance do I need in my 40s?

Calculate: Remaining mortgage + 5-10 years salary + debts + childcare/education costs + funeral expenses (£4,000-£9,000). Most people in their 40s need £200,000-£500,000 depending on their mortgage, income, and number of dependents. Use our calculator to get a personalised estimate.

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Protect Your Family with Life Insurance in Your 40s

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