Yes, you absolutely can get life insurance even if you don’t have children. There are several good reasons why you might want to. Whether you’re single, partnered, or simply planning for the future, life insurance can still play a valuable role in your financial setup.
Why would someone without kids want life insurance?
Life insurance is often marketed to parents, but children aren’t the only reason people take out cover. Here are common scenarios where life insurance still makes sense:
1. You have a partner or spouse
If your partner relies on your income to pay the mortgage or bills, a life insurance policy can help them stay financially stable if you pass away.
2. You have debts you don’t want to pass on
If you have a mortgage, personal loan, or credit card debt, life insurance can help alleviate these for your loved ones, so they’re not left with financial burdens.
3. You want to cover funeral costs
A basic life policy or over-50s plan can ensure that funeral expenses are covered, relieving pressure on surviving family or friends.
4. You want to leave a legacy
Some people use life insurance as a way to leave money to a sibling, parent, niece, nephew, friend, or charity.
5. You’re a business owner
If you own a business, life insurance can be structured to protect co-owners, repay business loans, or support succession planning.
What type of life insurance is best if you have no children?
The right policy depends on your financial goals and relationships. Common options include:
- Level term life insurance – Pays a fixed amount if you die within a set period. Suitable for mortgage protection or leaving a lump sum.
- Whole of life insurance – Lasts for your lifetime and guarantees a payout. Ideal for funeral planning or legacy purposes.
- Relevant life insurance – Tax-efficient cover for directors of limited companies.
- Decreasing term insurance – Covers debts like a repayment mortgage and reduces over time.
- Joint life insurance – Covers you and a partner, paying out on the first or second death, depending on how it’s set up.
How to decide if it’s worth it
Ask yourself the following:
- Would anyone face financial pressure if I died suddenly?
- Do I have debts or responsibilities that would impact someone else?
- Do I want to leave something behind for a loved one or charity?
- Am I planning for future changes, like marriage or property ownership?
If the answer is yes to any of these, life insurance is worth considering – even if you don’t have children.
Frequently asked questions
Can I name someone other than a child as a beneficiary?
Yes. You can name anyone – including your partner, parent, sibling, even a friend or charity – as your beneficiary.
Will the policy cost less since I don’t have dependents?
Policy cost is based on age, health, lifestyle, and the amount of cover – not whether you have children.
Should I put the policy in trust?
In many cases, yes. Placing life insurance in trust helps keep it outside your estate, which can speed up the payout and help avoid inheritance tax.
Is it more challenging to obtain life insurance without children?
Not at all. Insurers assess your risk, not your family status.
Conclusion
You don’t need to have children to benefit from life insurance. If you want to protect a partner, pay off debts, cover funeral costs, or leave a gift behind, life cover can be an intelligent and thoughtful part of your financial planning – regardless of your family structure.
