Direct Line magazine

Buying life insurance: why sooner is better than later

Updated on: 1 July 2022

a family walks through the woods

Many people may buy life insurance after a life-changing event, for example having a child or getting a mortgage.

But you can buy life insurance at any time and the sooner you think about life insurance the better, because generally you’ll pay less the younger you are.

Some of the factors Direct Line consider, are:

  • Age

  • Smoking history

  • Health

  • Lifestyle

Life insurance is calculated on risk. A younger, healthier customer would pay less than an older person with a medical condition, presuming the same policy length and insurance amount. Therefore, as you get older, life insurance becomes more expensive.

Prices are fixed for the length of your policy unless you change it. So, you’ll pay the same price for life.

The longer you leave it, the more you'll pay.

This example highlights how policies increase in price as we get older: 

30-year-old 
40-year-old 
50-year-old 
Non smoker 
Premium: £6.94 
per month
Non smoker 
Premium: £12.08 
per month
Non smoker 
Premium: £27.64 
per month

Indicative monthly prices as of 22 July 2019 for existing Direct Line customers with a clean bill of health.

Quote for level term life insurance for £150,000 insurance amount with a policy length of 20 years.

Please note, this is just an example. Your personal quote will be based on your individual needs and circumstances.

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