Can I cancel my life insurance?
You can usually cancel a protection policy at any time by contacting your insurer. Shortly after the policy starts there is normally a cancellation period, typically 30 days, when you can cancel and receive a refund of premiums paid. After that, cancelling simply ends the cover, and term protection policies usually have no cash value. Before cancelling, check you will not be left without cover you still need.
Changing your mind after taking out a policy
Your policy documents will explain the cancellation period and how to use it. If you cancel within this period, the insurer will normally return the premiums you have paid. The period usually starts from when you are told the contract has begun or receive the contract terms, whichever is later.
Cancelling later on
After the cancellation period, you can still cancel, but the cover ends and premiums already paid are not usually refunded. Most term life, critical illness and income protection policies have no surrender or cash-in value.
What to check before you cancel
If you are replacing a policy, keep the existing one in place until the new cover has started and you are happy with its terms. If cost is the reason, ask whether reducing the cover or term would make it affordable. Your health and age at the time of any new application will affect the price and terms you are offered.
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