Why life insurance is important for mums

As a mum, your priority is your children’s well-being and financial security.

Life insurance provides a one-off lump sum payment in the event of your passing. Allowing you peace of mind knowing that if the unexpected happens, your family will have the financial support they need.

Many mums put off getting life insurance, thinking it’s too expensive or that they don’t need it yet.

The reality is that taking out life insurance can be one of the most important financial decisions you make —especially if you’re a single mum or the main provider for your family.

This guide will help you understand why life insurance matters, what your options are, and how to find the right cover.

Why do mums need life insurance?

1. To protect your child’s future

If something happens to you a life insurance payout can help cover essential costs, such as:

• Everyday living expenses (food, bills, childcare)
• Your child’s education (school fees, university costs)
• Savings for their future

Without life insurance, your family might struggle financially, especially if they rely on your income or two incomes to keep afloat.

2. To cover outstanding debts

If you have a mortgage, loans or credit card debt, these won’t disappear if you pass away. Instead, they might become a burden on your loved ones.

Life insurance can be used to pay off debt, so your family isn’t left struggling to pay them.

3. To support stay-at-home mums

Even if you don’t earn a salary, your role as a mum has financial value. If you care for your children full-time, your partner or family would need to pay for childcare and household help in your absence. A life insurance payout can help to cover these unexpected costs.

4. It provides peace of mind in uncertain times

Life is unpredictable and having life insurance means one less thing to worry about.

Whether you have a pre-existing medical condition or are just thinking ahead, life insurance gives you control over your family’s financial future.

What type of life insurance is best for mums?

1. Term Life Insurance (the most popular option)

• It pays out if you pass away within the set term (for example 10, 20, 30 or 45 years)
• It covers key financial responsibilities like raising children and paying off a mortgage
• It is more affordable than other options
• It is ideal for mums who want protection while their children are financially dependent

2. Whole-of-Life Insurance

• This pays out whenever you pass away
• It’s a guaranteed payout, but premiums are higher
• Whole-of-life is best for those who want to leave an inheritance, cover funeral costs or cover an inheritance tax bill

3. Family Income Benefit

• Instead of a lump sum, it pays monthly income to your family if you pass away
• It helps replace lost income so your family can maintain their lifestyle
• This is ideal for those who prefer a structured payout – Instead of a lump sum, making it easier for families to budget and manage ongoing expenses.

4. Critical Illness Cover

• This cover pays out if you’re diagnosed with a serious illness (e.g., cancer, stroke)
• It can cover medical expenses, time off work, or adjustments to your home
• It helps protect your family financially if you can’t work due to illness

How much life insurance do mums need?

The amount of cover you need depends on:

• Your income – how much would your family need to replace if you weren’t around?
• Your mortgage or rent – do you want the policy to pay this off?
• Childcare and education costs – would your children need financial support for school or university?
• How long will your children depend on you? If they’re young, a longer-term policy might be best.

What if I have a pre-existing condition?

Many mums worry that a medical condition (such as cancer, diabetes, or heart disease) means they can’t get life insurance—but that’s not always true.

• Specialist insurers are  best placed to find cover for people with health conditions
• Premiums might be higher, but shopping around can help find the best deal
• Some policies have a waiting period before they pay out for pre-existing conditions

If you’ve been declined before, a specialist broker can help you find cover.

Case Study: Life Insurance for young mum diagnosed with stage 2 cancer

Arlene is a 38-year-old mother of one and was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer after discovering a lump while showering.

Like many people, she had never considered life insurance before her diagnosis. However, after going through treatment, she wanted to secure her daughter’s financial future in case the cancer reoccurred.

When she initially searched for cover, she faced:

• Declines from multiple insurers
• Premiums as high as £150 per month, which she couldn’t afford

The Insurance Surgery searched the life insurance market for the best possible policy and found an insurer who would offer:

• Sum Assured (payout): £240,000
• Term (length of policy): 23 years
• Premium (monthly cost): £42 per month

Life insurance isn’t just about money—it’s about security, stability, and peace of mind for the people you love most.

At The Insurance Surgery, we specialise in helping mums find affordable life insurance.

Get your free quote today!

Meet our Expert…

Thomas Heyes, senior protection adviser with The Insurance Surgery, is here to answer your insurance questions. You can read more about him and the business in our profile of The Insurance Surgery.

If you have a question about life insurance leave a message in the comments below or email kate.saines@emap.com