Life insurance for the self-employed
When you're self-employed, you don't get workplace cover. That's why finding the right life insurance matters.
• Compare quotes from leading insurers in minutes
• Flexible underwriting that works with irregular income
• Add income protection to safeguard your earnings
Life insurance for self-employed workers
When you're self-employed, you don't have access to employer death-in-service benefits, so taking out life insurance can help protect your family if the worst happens. There are several types of cover to consider. Term life insurance pays out a lump sum if you die within a set period, while whole of life insurance covers you for your entire lifetime. If you have a mortgage, decreasing term insurance can be tailored so the payout reduces in line with what you owe. You can also add extras like critical illness cover, which pays out if you're diagnosed with a serious illness, or income protection, which replaces part of your income if you can't work due to illness or injury. Because self-employed income can vary, many insurers offer flexible options, such as adjustable cover amounts or premiums you can review. When you apply, insurers typically ask about your income, occupation, health and lifestyle to work out your premiums and cover level.
Compare life insurance quotes from trusted UK providers
We work with leading UK life insurance providers to help you find the right cover for your needs. Our results show the lowest price first, with no favourites – our ranking isn't affected by what we earn. You can filter by cover amount, policy length, and income protection options to narrow down your choices. If you're self-employed with a variable income, comparing policies can help you find providers with flexible underwriting that takes your circumstances into account. Plus, when you buy a qualifying life insurance product through us, you'll get access to Meerkat Rewards for extra benefits.
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Questions about life insurance for the self employed
Here are answers to common questions from self-employed workers looking for life cover.
Read our FAQsDo I need life insurance if I'm self employed?
Unlike employees, self-employed workers don't have access to death-in-service benefits through an employer. If you have dependants who rely on your income, or business debts and financial commitments, arranging your own life insurance can give you peace of mind that they'll be supported if the worst happens.
How does irregular income affect my application?
Insurers typically assess your average earnings over a period of time rather than focusing on month-to-month variation. Many providers now offer more flexible underwriting for self-employed applicants, so it's worth comparing policies to find one that takes your pattern of income into account.
What is income protection and do I need it?
Income protection pays out a portion of your earnings if you're unable to work because of illness or injury. For self-employed people who may not receive statutory sick pay, it can be a valuable safety net to help cover your bills and living costs while you recover.
Can I get life insurance as a contractor?
Yes, contractors and freelancers can take out life insurance just like anyone else. Comparing quotes from different insurers can help you find policies that suit your working pattern and budget, whether you're on fixed-term contracts or project-based work.
How do I compare life insurance quotes?
Comparing life insurance quotes is straightforward. You'll need to enter a few basic details about yourself and the level of cover you're looking for, then you can view quotes from multiple providers. Once you've got your quotes, compare them based on price and make sure the features and cover amount match what you need as a self-employed person. This way, you can find the right policy that fits both your budget and your circumstances.
Compare Life Insurance Quotes Today
We help self-employed workers find affordable life insurance coverage tailored to their needs. Our service connects you with multiple insurers, saves you time on research, and gives you peace of mind knowing your family is protected without employer-provided benefits. Get your free quotes now and secure your coverage.