Does whole-of-life insurance ever expire?
No. Whole-of-life insurance is designed to last for the rest of your life, as long as premiums are paid as required, so it pays out whenever you die. Some policies have premiums that are reviewed or stop at a certain age. Check your policy terms for how premiums work.
How it differs from term cover
Term insurance only pays if you die within a set period. Whole-of-life cover has no end date, which is why it usually costs more.
Reviewable premiums
Some whole-of-life policies have premiums that are reviewed periodically and can rise. Others have guaranteed premiums. Your documents will say which you have.
Common uses
Whole-of-life cover is often used to leave a lump sum or to help with an inheritance tax bill. A trust may be relevant, so ask your adviser.
This article is general information about UK protection insurance, not personalised financial advice. Policy terms vary between insurers and products, so always check your own policy documents.
Last updated 27 October 2026