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Life insurance can expire at any age, depending on how the policy is set up.
Term-based cover ends once the agreed term finishes, while whole of life insurance stays in place until you pass away, regardless of age.
Understanding which type of policy you have, or are thinking about applying for, can help you decide what kind of cover best suits your plans.
Term Life Insurance: A Policy With An End Date
Term life insurance always has an expiry. The policy runs for a set number of years, chosen at the start, and ends once that term comes to an end.
The term could be 10, 20 or 30 years, depending on your age, financial plans, or mortgage term. If you pass away while the policy is active, the money is paid out.
If you live beyond the end date, the cover simply ends and no payout is made. There is no standard expiry age, as it depends on the term you choose.
For example, a 35-year-old with a 25-year term would have cover until age 60.
Our protection advisors often help customers choose a policy length based on family needs, retirement planning, or mortgage terms.
Whole Of Life Insurance: A Policy With No End Date
Whole of life insurance does not expire. This cover stays in place until the end of your life, as long as premiums continue to be paid.
It is often used to leave a lump sum behind for family, help with funeral costs, or support long-term financial planning.
The payout is guaranteed, which is why this type of policy tends to cost more than term life insurance.
We often see people choose this type of policy later on, especially when mortgage repayments are no longer a concern but there is still a desire to leave something behind.
Our protection advisors will always take the time to explain whether this type of cover fits with what you’re trying to achieve.
Are There Age Limits On Life Insurance?
There are upper age limits for applying. These vary by insurer and policy type. Term life insurance tends to be available up to around age 75 or 80.
Whole of life cover is often available beyond that, particularly in the form of over 50s plans. Once the policy is active, your age does not affect its status.
If your cover runs to age 90 and you pass away at 88, the full payout is made. If you live past 90, the policy ends without a payout unless it is whole of life.
Our protection advisors can help check which providers still offer cover based on your age, and whether any limits apply.
Can Life Insurance Be Extended?
Most life insurance policies cannot be extended. Term-based cover is fixed from the start, with a defined end date.
If you reach the end of your policy and still want cover in place, you would usually need to apply for a new policy.
This might happen if your circumstances change, such as taking on more financial responsibility or choosing to retire later than expected.
This is why it helps to think ahead. Choosing a longer policy term can give added peace of mind if you feel your financial plans may change over time.
We regularly help people think through different term lengths, particularly when they want to plan for both current and future needs.
What Happens if Life Insurance Ends Before You Die?
The cover ends and no money is paid. This is how term life insurance is designed to work. It protects your family during key years when a financial safety net matters most.
Many people take out cover to protect dependants, cover mortgage payments, or replace income during working life. Once those needs reduce, the policy often comes to a natural end.
If you want to guarantee a payout no matter how long you live, whole of life insurance may be worth exploring.
Speak to a Protection Advisor
Life insurance can expire depending on how the policy is arranged.
Our protection advisors at UK Moneyman can explain how term and whole of life cover work, when each type ends, and what your options look like at your stage of life.
