Protection

Do I Need Life Insurance for My Mortgage?

Understanding life insurance, when it's required, and how to protect your home and family.

6 min readUpdated April 2026
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Key Takeaways

  • 1Life insurance isn't legally required but strongly recommended
  • 2Covers mortgage if you die during the term
  • 3Can cost less than £10/month for basic cover
  • 4Critical illness cover adds protection for serious illness

Is Life Insurance Mandatory?

No, life insurance is not a legal requirement for getting a mortgage in the UK. However, it's strongly recommended - especially if you have dependents or someone relies on your income to pay the mortgage.

The average UK mortgage is over £200,000. Without life insurance, your family could face losing their home on top of losing you.

Types of Life Insurance for Mortgages

There are several types of life insurance to consider, including decreasing term, level term, and family income benefit.

Getting the Right Cover

The best protection depends on your circumstances. We can help you understand your options and find competitive quotes.

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Need Personalised Advice?

Our mortgage experts are here to help you understand your options and find the right mortgage.