Life insurance is essential for internationals in the UK. Learn why personal cover is different from health insurance and how it protects your family.
When you move to the UK to study, work, or build a new life, you prepare for many things — visas, housing, health checks. But one area many internationals overlook is life insurance.
While we readily buy car, contents, or home insurance, personal life cover often gets ignored. Yet, it’s the one policy that protects your family when they need it most.
Why Personal Life Insurance is Different
1. Health Insurance ≠ Life Insurance
- Health insurance (including NHS access through the Immigration Health Surcharge) helps you pay for treatment when you’re ill.
- Life insurance pays your family a lump sum if you pass away, which covers funeral, repatriation, mortgages, and daily living costs.
👉 Without it, loved ones can be left with sudden debts and bills.
2. The Real Costs of Death in the UK
- Funeral expenses: £4,000–£5,000 on average for a basic service.(MoneyHelperUK)
- Repatriation to India: £2,500–£6,000+, depending on airline and paperwork.(Gov.uk)
- Mortgages & debts: Creditors claim from your estate immediately.
For a young family or dependents back in India, these bills can be devastating.
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3. Common Myths Among Internationals
- “I’m young, I don’t need it.” → Accidents happen at any age. Premiums are cheapest when you’re younger.
- “The embassy will help.” → High Commissions only assist with paperwork not costs.(Gov.uk)
- “I already have health cover.” → NHS or private medical insurance won’t support your family financially if you die.
- “It’s too expensive.” → As the Association of British Insurers explains, basic term policies can start from less than £1 per day.
4. How Life Insurance Protects You and Your Family
- Pays off mortgage or rent so your family isn’t forced out of their home.
- Funds repatriation if your wish is to be buried or cremated in India.
- Supports dependents (spouse, children, or parents) who rely on your income.
- Covers funeral costs and unexpected bills, so grief isn’t worsened by financial strain.
Practical Steps to Take
- Check existing cover. Many internationals assume their work or student insurance includes life cover but it rarely does.
- Get a basic term life policy. Even £50k–£100k cover can ease huge costs.
- Add repatriation if needed. Some insurers offer this as an optional add-on.
- Match cover to your debts. At minimum, ensure your policy covers your mortgage balance and £5k–£10k for repatriation/funeral.
- Keep documents safe. Share details with a trusted family member or friend.
Life in the UK offers opportunities but also responsibilities. As internationals, we protect our cars, our houses, even our gadgets. It’s time we protect ourselves and our families with the same care.
Life insurance isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity, a final gift of love and security for those we leave behind.
⚠️ A Special Note for Tourists and Short-Term Visitors
Many people believe life insurance and travel insurance are only for students or long-term workers but even visitors on a tourist visa should not ignore it.
One of our community members shared a tragic story:
👉 Their friend came to the UK on a tourist visa just a few weeks ago. Sadly, he suffered a sudden heart attack and passed away. Because he had no travel insurance, the family faced overwhelming financial and emotional stress.
Here’s why travel insurance with life cover matters for visitors:
The Hidden Risks for Tourists
- Medical Emergencies Abroad: NHS care for visitors is not free. A single hospital admission can cost thousands.
- Unexpected Death: Repatriation alone can cost £2,500–£6,000+, which families must pay upfront.
- Strain on Family Abroad: Relatives back home are left helpless, unable to manage costs or paperwork easily.
What Visitors Should Do
- Always buy travel insurance before flying. Most policies cost less than the price of a meal out per day.
- Check that the policy includes repatriation. Some only cover medical treatment but not transport of remains.
- Keep a copy of the policy handy. Share it with relatives so they can act quickly in case of emergency.
👉 Whether you’re coming for a holiday, a wedding, or a short family visit, don’t step on the plane without travel insurance.
It’s not just a policy! It’s peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
👉 Find more resources for the diaspora at ScottishIndian.com.
