OneFamily Life Insurance Review

Complete 2026 review of OneFamily over 50s life insurance

  • OneFamily over 50s life insurance review 2026
  • Ethical mutual insurer owned by members
  • Compare OneFamily vs other providers
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OneFamily Life Insurance Review

Complete 2026 review of OneFamily over 50s life insurance. OneFamily is a unique mutual insurer owned by its members (not shareholders), established in 1854 with 170+ years of experience. Their over 50s plan provides guaranteed acceptance for ages 50-85 with no medical exams required and cover from £2,000-£20,000. As a mutual organization, profits are reinvested to benefit members rather than paid to shareholders. OneFamily stands out for ethical investment practices and competitive rates. Compare OneFamily vs other over 50s providers through LifePro - prices can vary 30%+ for identical cover.

By: Sarah Mitchell Protection Expert Updated: 1st January 2026

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About OneFamily over 50s life insurance

OneFamily is a mutual life insurance company owned by its members rather than shareholders, with 170+ years of history since 1854. As a mutual insurer, profits are reinvested to benefit policyholders instead of being distributed to external shareholders, creating a unique alignment of interests between the company and its customers.

Key facts about OneFamily over 50s:

  • Company type: Mutual insurer (member-owned, not shareholder-owned)
  • Established: 1854 (170+ years of experience)
  • Age range: 50-85 years (standard for over 50s market)
  • Cover amount: £2,000 - £20,000
  • Acceptance: Guaranteed (no medical exams or health questions)
  • Waiting period: 24 months for natural causes death
  • Application: Online or phone
  • Ethical focus: Responsible investment practices and member-first approach

What makes OneFamily different:

Mutual Ownership Structure

Unlike most insurers (Legal & General, Aviva, etc.) that are publicly traded companies owned by shareholders, OneFamily is owned by its members. This means: No shareholders demanding profit extraction, profits reinvested to improve products and service, members vote on major decisions, focus on long-term member value not short-term stock price.

Ethical Investment Approach

OneFamily screens investments for environmental and social responsibility. They avoid: Tobacco companies, weapons manufacturers, companies with poor environmental records, businesses with exploitative labor practices. They favor: Renewable energy, sustainable businesses, companies with strong ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) ratings.

OneFamily's strength lies in its ethical positioning and mutual structure, making it attractive to customers who value responsible business practices over pure profit maximization. However, with cover capped at £20,000 and a 24-month qualifying period, some customers may find better value elsewhere.

OneFamily over 50s products and features

OneFamily offers a comprehensive over 50s life insurance plan with these core features:

Guaranteed Acceptance

No medical exams, no health questions. Everyone aged 50-85 is automatically accepted regardless of pre-existing conditions, smoking status, or medical history. OneFamily guarantees acceptance for all eligible applicants, making it ideal if you've been declined for standard life insurance.

Fixed Monthly Premiums

Your premiums are fixed at the outset and will never increase, no matter how old you get or how your health changes. You pay the same amount every month for as long as you keep the policy, providing budgeting certainty.

Flexible Cover Amount

Choose cover from £2,000 to £20,000 based on your needs. Most customers select £5,000-£10,000 to cover funeral costs (average UK funeral: £4,000-£5,000) plus leave a small cash gift for loved ones.

24-Month Qualifying Period

If you die from natural causes within the first 24 months, your beneficiaries receive a refund of premiums paid (plus 10% interest), not the full cover amount. If death is accidental, full cover pays immediately from day one. After 24 months, full cover applies to all causes of death. Note: 24 months is longer than some competitors (Aviva, Legal & General offer 12 months).

Member Benefits

As a OneFamily policyholder, you become a member with voting rights on company decisions. The mutual structure means profits are reinvested to benefit members through better products, improved service, and potential bonus payouts rather than being distributed to external shareholders.

Ethical Investment Policy

Your premiums are invested responsibly according to OneFamily's ethical screening criteria. Investments avoid harmful industries (tobacco, weapons) and favor sustainable businesses, renewable energy, and companies with strong ESG ratings. This appeals to ethically-conscious customers.

Additional features:

  • Tax-free cash lump sum payout to beneficiaries
  • No fees or charges beyond monthly premiums
  • 30-day cooling-off period for full refund
  • Simple online account management
  • Compassionate claims team for bereaved families
  • Free will writing service (worth £100-200)
  • Bereavement support and counseling services
  • Option to increase cover later (subject to health assessment)

Policy details:

Feature Details
Age range 50-85 years
Cover amount £2,000 - £20,000
Qualifying period 24 months (natural causes), Day 1 (accidental death)
Premium payments Monthly, fixed for life
Payout Tax-free lump sum
Cancellation No cash value (protection only, not savings)

How much does OneFamily over 50s life insurance cost?

OneFamily over 50s premiums are competitively priced, typically in the mid-range compared to other providers. Costs vary based on age, smoking status, gender, and cover amount. Premiums are fixed and never increase throughout your lifetime.

Example monthly costs for £5,000 cover:

Age Non-Smoker Smoker
50 £12-18 £18-28
60 £18-28 £28-42
70 £35-50 £55-80
80 £70-100 £110-150

Example monthly costs for £10,000 cover:

Age Non-Smoker Smoker
50 £20-30 £32-48
60 £32-50 £50-75
70 £65-95 £100-150
80 £130-190 £200-280

Factors affecting OneFamily premiums:

  • Age: Older applicants pay significantly higher premiums (doubles approximately every 10-15 years)
  • Smoking status: Smokers pay approximately 50-70% more than non-smokers
  • Gender: Women typically pay 10-15% less than men due to longer life expectancy
  • Cover amount: Higher cover = higher premiums (scales proportionally)
  • Payment frequency: Monthly payments standard (no annual payment discount typically offered)

Important cost considerations:

Lifetime Premium Payments

You pay premiums for life. Over time, total premiums paid may exceed the payout amount, especially if you live many years. Example: £30/month for 20 years = £7,200 paid, but only £5,000 cover received. This is the trade-off for guaranteed acceptance without medical underwriting. The value is in certainty and peace of mind, not financial return.

24-Month Qualifying Period Impact

OneFamily's 24-month qualifying period is longer than some competitors (Aviva, Legal & General offer 12 months). If you die from natural causes in the first 2 years, only premiums plus 10% interest are refunded, not full cover. This means you need to live 2+ years to access full coverage, which is important to consider when comparing value.

No Cash Value

If you cancel the policy, there's no cash value or refund of premiums paid. The policy only pays out on death, making it purely protection insurance, not a savings product. Once you start paying, you're committed to continuing or losing all value.

How OneFamily pricing compares:

OneFamily vs Competitors (Age 65, £10,000 Cover, Non-Smoker)

Provider Monthly Premium Qualifying Period Annual Cost
SunLife £35-42 24 months £420-504
OneFamily £38-46 24 months £456-552
Legal & General £40-48 12 months £480-576
Aviva £42-50 12 months £504-600

Prices are indicative. OneFamily is competitively priced but not always the cheapest. Shorter qualifying period (12 months) with L&G/Aviva may offer better value despite slightly higher premiums.

OneFamily premiums are mid-range - not the cheapest (SunLife often beats them), but competitive compared to major brands. The ethical approach and mutual structure are the key differentiators, not rock-bottom pricing.

Pros and cons of OneFamily over 50s life insurance

✓ Advantages

  • Mutual insurer owned by members (profits reinvested, not shareholders)
  • Ethical investment policy (avoids tobacco, weapons, harmful industries)
  • 170+ years of history and experience since 1854
  • Guaranteed acceptance for ages 50-85 (no medical exams)
  • Fixed monthly premiums that never increase
  • Cover from £2,000-£20,000 (covers funeral + cash gift)
  • Tax-free lump sum payout to beneficiaries
  • Member voting rights on major company decisions
  • Free will writing service included
  • 30-day cooling-off period with full refund
  • Competitive premiums (mid-range pricing)
  • Simple application (online or phone, instant acceptance)

✗ Disadvantages

  • 24-month qualifying period (longer than Aviva/L&G 12 months)
  • Maximum cover only £20,000 (Legal & General offers £25,000)
  • Premiums paid for life (can exceed payout amount over time)
  • Not always the cheapest option (SunLife often 10-15% cheaper)
  • No cash value if you cancel (protection only, not savings)
  • Limited flexibility compared to standard life insurance
  • Only offers over 50s plans (no term or other life insurance types)
  • Online/phone only application (no branch network like Post Office)

Key trade-offs:

Ethical vs Cost

OneFamily's ethical approach and mutual structure are compelling for values-driven customers, but you may pay 10-20% more than the absolute cheapest providers. If ethics matter more than saving every penny, OneFamily is excellent. If price is your only concern, compare with SunLife.

24-Month Qualifying Period

OneFamily's 24-month waiting period is double that of Aviva and Legal & General (12 months). If you're in poor health and concerned about dying within 2 years, a shorter qualifying period elsewhere may be worth slightly higher premiums. The extra year of waiting could be significant.

Should you choose OneFamily over 50s life insurance?

OneFamily over 50s is an excellent choice if you value ethical business practices, mutual ownership, and responsible investing. The company's member-owned structure and 170+ years of history provide stability and alignment of interests. However, comparing quotes from multiple providers through LifePro ensures you get the best value - OneFamily isn't always the cheapest, though it offers unique ethical benefits.

OneFamily is particularly suitable if you:

  • Value ethical and responsible investment practices
  • Prefer a mutual company owned by members (not shareholders)
  • Want profits reinvested to benefit policyholders
  • Appreciate 170+ years of history and financial stability
  • Have been declined for standard life insurance due to health
  • Need guaranteed acceptance without medical exams or health questions
  • Are aged 50-85 and need £2,000-£20,000 cover
  • Want member voting rights and involvement in company decisions
  • Are comfortable with 24-month qualifying period

You might find better value elsewhere if:

  • You're purely focused on finding the absolute lowest premiums (SunLife often 10-15% cheaper)
  • You need more than £20,000 cover (Legal & General offers up to £25,000)
  • You want the shortest possible qualifying period (12 months with Aviva/L&G vs 24 months)
  • You're over 85 (OneFamily stops at 85, Aviva accepts up to 90)
  • You prefer in-branch support (Post Office offers 11,500+ branches)
  • Ethics and mutual ownership don't matter to you (cheaper alternatives available)

How OneFamily compares to alternatives:

OneFamily vs Key Competitors

Provider Key Strength Age Range Max Cover Qualifying Period
OneFamily Ethical mutual insurer 50-85 £20,000 24 months
SunLife Lowest premiums 50-85 £20,000 24 months
Legal & General Highest cover + 12m wait 50-85 £25,000 12 months
Aviva Widest age range (to 90) 50-90 £20,000 12 months
Post Office Branch network + trust 50-80 £15,000 12 months

Ideal customer profile for OneFamily:

Best For: Ethically-Conscious Over 50s

OneFamily is perfect for customers aged 50-85 who: Prioritise ethical investing and responsible business practices, value mutual ownership and member benefits over shareholder profits, want a company with 170+ years of stability, need guaranteed acceptance with no medical questions, are willing to pay slightly more for ethical alignment, are comfortable with 24-month qualifying period. If this describes you, OneFamily offers unique value beyond just price.

Decision framework:

  • Compare OneFamily with at least 3-4 other providers (SunLife, Aviva, Legal & General)
  • Get exact quotes for your age, smoking status, and desired cover amount
  • Calculate whether OneFamily's ethical benefits are worth any price premium (typically 10-15% more than cheapest)
  • Consider if 24-month qualifying period is acceptable (vs 12 months elsewhere)
  • Check if you value mutual ownership enough to justify potential extra cost
  • Assess whether £20,000 maximum cover meets your needs

The best way to determine if OneFamily is right for you is to compare their quote against other leading UK over 50s insurers. LifePro makes this easy by comparing OneFamily alongside 50+ other providers in seconds, showing you exactly how OneFamily's pricing and features stack up.

Compare OneFamily against 50+ other over 50s providers

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is OneFamily over 50s life insurance any good?

OneFamily offers excellent over 50s life insurance with unique ethical and mutual ownership benefits. Strengths: Member-owned mutual (profits reinvested, not to shareholders), ethical investment policy (avoids tobacco, weapons, harmful industries), 170+ years of history since 1854, guaranteed acceptance ages 50-85, no medical exams required, fixed premiums, £2,000-£20,000 cover. OneFamily is particularly good for ethically-conscious customers who value responsible investing and mutual ownership over pure price minimization.

How much does OneFamily over 50s life insurance cost?

OneFamily over 50s premiums are competitively priced in the mid-range. Example costs: 50-year-old non-smoker, £5,000 cover: £12-18/month, 65-year-old non-smoker, £5,000 cover: £22-32/month, 75-year-old non-smoker, £5,000 cover: £45-65/month. Fixed premiums never increase. OneFamily is typically 10-15% more expensive than the absolute cheapest (SunLife), but competitive with major brands. The ethical approach is the value, not rock-bottom pricing.

What does OneFamily over 50s life insurance cover?

OneFamily over 50s policy pays a tax-free cash lump sum on death, which can be used for: Funeral costs (average £4,000-£5,000), outstanding debts or bills, inheritance for loved ones, any other expenses. Cover amount: £2,000-£20,000. Guaranteed acceptance (no medical questions). 24-month waiting period for natural causes death (full payout for accidental death from day 1). After 24 months, full payout for any cause of death.

Does OneFamily over 50s insurance have a waiting period?

Yes - OneFamily over 50s insurance has a 24-month qualifying period: Death from natural causes in first 24 months: Premiums refunded plus 10% interest (no full payout), death from accident in first 24 months: Full payout immediately. After 24 months: Full payout for any cause of death. Note: 24 months is longer than some competitors (Aviva, Legal & General offer 12 months). This is important to consider if you're in poor health.

Is OneFamily a mutual insurer?

Yes, OneFamily is a mutual life insurance company owned by its members (policyholders), not external shareholders. Benefits of mutual structure: Profits reinvested to benefit members (not paid to shareholders), members have voting rights on major company decisions, focus on long-term member value not short-term stock price, no pressure to maximise shareholder returns. Established in 1854, OneFamily has 170+ years of member-focused history. This makes OneFamily appealing to customers who value ethical ownership structures.

Is OneFamily better than other over 50s providers?

OneFamily is excellent for ethically-conscious customers but not always the cheapest. Pros: Mutual ownership (member-owned), ethical investment policy, 170+ years of stability, competitive mid-range pricing, guaranteed acceptance. Cons: 24-month qualifying period (vs 12 months with Aviva/L&G), typically 10-15% more expensive than SunLife, maximum cover £20,000 (L&G offers £25,000). Best for: Customers valuing ethics, mutual ownership, and responsible investing. Compare with SunLife (cheapest), Aviva (widest age range), Legal & General (highest cover) to see which best fits your priorities.

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