My partner has died: what happens to our policies?
First, find out which policies may pay out. A policy on your partner's life, a joint policy or a policy in trust may lead to a claim. Contact each insurer, or the adviser who arranged the cover, to tell them and ask what happens next. Avoid cancelling or changing anything until you know where you stand.
Joint policies
A joint first-death policy usually pays out and then ends, so you may have no cover of your own afterwards. Consider whether you need new cover once things have settled.
Your own policies
If your partner was a beneficiary of your policy or its trust, you may want to update who would receive the money.
Getting help
Many insurers have bereavement teams. You can ask someone you trust to deal with them on your behalf.
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