Estimate your annual life insurance premium based on coverage amount, age, and term length.
Enter details and click calculate
This calculator provides an estimated life insurance premium based on three key inputs: your coverage amount, your age at the time of application, and your desired policy term. It uses simplified actuarial assumptions to give you a directional figure for planning purposes.
Real insurance premiums are calculated by actuaries using hundreds of data points — including detailed health history, lifestyle factors (smoking, occupation, hobbies), family medical history, credit history (in some jurisdictions), and specific product terms. This tool is best used for initial budgeting and to understand how the key factors interact with each other.
The single biggest factor. Every year older you are when you take out a policy, the higher your premium — because statistical life expectancy decreases with age. Buying life insurance young is significantly cheaper.
Higher coverage = higher premium, in direct proportion. A £500,000 policy costs roughly twice as much as a £250,000 policy for the same age and term, before any other adjustments.
Longer terms have higher premiums because the insurer is covering you for a greater number of years, each of which carries statistical mortality risk. A 30-year term costs more than a 10-year term.
Smokers pay substantially higher premiums — typically 2–3× more than non-smokers of the same age and coverage level. This reflects the significantly higher mortality rates associated with smoking.
Pre-existing medical conditions, high BMI, high blood pressure, diabetes, and family history of serious illness can all increase premiums or result in policy exclusions.
Term life (pays out only if you die within the term) is significantly cheaper than whole-of-life (guaranteed payout). Critical illness and income protection add further coverage and cost.
The most common type. Pays a fixed lump sum if you die within the policy term. Premium remains constant throughout the term. Ideal for covering mortgages and providing family income replacement.
The payout decreases over time, typically in line with an outstanding mortgage balance. Generally cheaper than level term. Designed specifically to cover repayment mortgages.
Guaranteed payout whenever you die — not limited to a term. Significantly more expensive than term insurance. Often used for inheritance tax planning or to ensure a guaranteed legacy.
Pays a lump sum if you are diagnosed with a specified serious illness (heart attack, stroke, cancer, etc.) during the policy term. Can be purchased standalone or combined with life insurance.
How much life insurance cover do I need?
A common guideline is 10× your annual income, though the right amount depends on your specific financial obligations: outstanding mortgage, number of dependants, existing savings, and the income replacement period you want to provide. Add up what your family would need to cover debts and maintain living standards, then subtract existing savings and other cover.
At what age should I get life insurance?
The earlier the better. Premiums are lowest when you are young and healthy. Many financial advisers recommend taking out life insurance when you have your first significant financial obligation — a mortgage, a marriage, or the birth of a child — whichever comes first.
Does this calculator store my information?
No. All calculations happen in your browser and nothing you enter is sent to our servers or stored anywhere. Your information is completely private.
How accurate is this premium estimate?
This calculator uses simplified rate assumptions and is suitable for initial budgeting and scenario planning. For an actual quote, use the comparison sites (such as CompareTheMarket, MoneySuperMarket, or GoCompare in the UK) or speak with a financial adviser or directly with insurers.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides a simplified estimate for educational and planning purposes only. Actual premiums are determined by insurance underwriters following a detailed assessment. Always get a formal quote before making insurance decisions.