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How Much Does Life Insurance Cost In Ireland?

by | Dec 5, 2024

Understanding how much life insurance costs in Ireland can help you make informed decisions for your financial future.

Life insurance is an essential safety net, providing peace of mind that your loved ones will be financially secure if something happens to you. But the cost of life insurance can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as your age, health, lifestyle, and the type of policy you choose.

In this blog, we’ll explore these factors in detail and provide you with an overview of what you can expect to pay for life insurance in Ireland, along with tips to help you find the best coverage at an affordable price.

What Are the Different Types of Life Insurance?

Choosing the right type of life insurance policy is crucial for ensuring you have the appropriate coverage. Here are the two main types:

Level Term Life Insurance

Level term life insurance provides consistency by offering a fixed payout throughout the policy term. You pay a set premium each month, and your beneficiaries receive the same amount regardless of when a claim is made during the term. Example price Level Term: Single, 35 years old non-smoker spending €30 per month for 25 years can get cover to the value of €374,213. Example price Level Term: Joint, 2 x 35 years old non-smokers spending €30 per month for 25 years can get cover to the value of €201,009.

Decreasing Life Insurance

Decreasing life insurance, often used for mortgage protection, provides a payout that reduces over time, mirroring the decreasing balance of a loan. While the payout decreases, the monthly premiums remain fixed. This type of policy is generally more affordable. For example, the average cost of mortgage protection is about €29.55 per month, making it a cost-effective option for those with specific debts.

Life Insurance Rates by Age

Life insurance rates vary significantly with age. For a €300,000 policy until age 65, here are some example rates:

  • A couple, both aged 30, would pay about €43 per month for 35 years.
  • A couple, both aged 40, would pay around €61 per month for 25 years.
  • A couple, both aged 50, would pay approximately €110 per month for 15 years.

These rates illustrate that life insurance is more affordable when purchased at a younger age. It’s advisable for couples, especially those considering having children, to secure life insurance early to lock in lower premiums.

For older individuals, although the rates are higher due to increased risk, it is still considered reasonable to ensure coverage until 65.

Life Insurance Conversion Options

When taking out life insurance at a younger age, it’s important to consider conversion options. For a small additional cost each month, you can extend the term of your life insurance at the same health status as when you first purchased the policy. This option can significantly lower the cost of life insurance later in life.

What Affects the Cost of Life Insurance?

The cost of life insurance depends on several key factors, each of which plays a significant role in determining your premium.

Impact of Age

Generally, the earlier you take out life insurance, the less it will cost. Premiums are lower for younger individuals because they are less likely to die within the policy term.

For instance, rates for those in their 20s are relatively stable, while rates increase significantly in their 40s.

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Health Status

Your overall health, including any pre-existing conditions, significantly impacts your life insurance premiums. Healthier individuals generally pay less. Depending on your age and health you may have to get your GP to complete a Private Medical Attendance Report. (PMAR) The insurance company pays for this.

Smoking Status

Smoking can substantially increase life insurance costs, often by up to 50%. Insurers view smokers as higher risk due to the associated health issues, resulting in higher premiums compared to non-smokers.

Using our example above of a €300,000 policy until age 65, here are some example rates:

  • Non Smokers: A couple, both aged 30, would pay about €43 per month for 35 years.
  • Smokers: A couple, both aged 30, would pay about €80 per month for 35 years.

Coverage Amount

The amount of coverage you require also affects your premium. Higher coverage amounts lead to higher premiums.

Policy Term

The type of policy you choose, whether joint, dual, or single, influences the premium. Joint policies can sometimes be more cost-effective for couples compared to individual policies.

By understanding these factors, you can better understand your options and select a policy that fits your needs and budget.

Tips for Reducing Life Insurance Costs

Reducing life insurance costs is possible with a few smart strategies. Here are some effective tips:

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Quitting smoking and keeping up with regular health check-ups can significantly lower your life insurance premiums. Insurers offer lower rates to non-smokers and individuals who maintain good health. For example, non-smokers can save up to 50% on their premiums compared to smokers, making a substantial difference in long-term costs.

Choose Appropriate Coverage

It’s essential to choose the right amount of coverage to avoid over-insurance. Assess your financial needs and select a policy that balances adequate protection with affordability. By ensuring you have just the necessary coverage, you can keep your premiums more manageable and within budget.

Assessing Your Dependents

When determining your life insurance needs, consider the number and age of your dependents. Different family structures require different levels of coverage. For instance, a family with young children might need more coverage compared to a couple without kids.

Calculating the Coverage Amount

To calculate the appropriate coverage amount, consider factors such as income replacement and debt coverage. An example calculation could involve multiplying your annual income by the number of years you want to provide for your family, plus any outstanding debts. This ensures that your loved ones are financially secure.

Conclusion

The cost of life insurance in Ireland involves considering factors such as age, health, lifestyle, and policy type. Life cover quotation is complicated so make sure you seek professional advice before taking policies.

For personalised advice, contact Greenway Financial Advisors. Our expertise can guide you in choosing the best life insurance policy to secure your family’s financial future. Visit Greenway Financial Advisors today to get the right life insurance coverage for your needs.

FAQ

What factors influence the cost of life insurance in Ireland?

The cost of life insurance in Ireland is influenced by factors such as age, health, lifestyle choices (like smoking), the amount of coverage, and the length and type of the policy.

How much does a €300,000 life insurance policy cost for a 30-year-old?

A €300,000 policy for a 30-year-old that will last for 35 years typically costs between €300 to €350 per year, depending on health and lifestyle factors.

Why is life insurance cheaper for younger people?

Life insurance is cheaper for younger individuals because they are generally at a lower risk of dying during the policy term, leading to lower premiums.

Can my smoking status affect my life insurance premiums?

Yes, smokers generally pay higher premiums due to the increased health risks of smoking. Non-smokers can save up to 50% on their premiums.

How does the type of life insurance policy impact its cost?

Level term policies offer fixed premiums and payouts, while decreasing term policies, often used for mortgage protection, have lower premiums but decreasing payouts over time.

For married couples or people in a civil partnership and your total combined income is under €72,000 there is an income tax exemption on some of your income.

The information provided is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

Always consult a qualified financial advisor who is registered with the Central Bank of Ireland for personalised guidance.

Ian Gallagher

Ian Gallagher

Qualified Financial Advisor (QFA) & Director

Ian was born in Portlaoise and studied creative digital media. He has worked for a number of businesses that heavily focused on customer experience.

Ian qualified as APA in 2023 and a fully qualified financial advisor (QFA) in 2024.

His primary role in Greenway is to manage all our online technology and customer relationships systems.

Having worked in a number of industries, Ian has specialised in customer experience and building customer relationships.

Greenway Financial Advisors Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Registered No. C168372

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