Life Insurance · Royal London
Royal London Life Insurance in Ireland
Life insurance gives your family a tax-free lump sum if the worst happens — money to clear the mortgage, cover everyday bills and keep life on track. Royal London is one of Ireland’s leading life insurers, and as whole-of-market advisers we compare Royal London against the whole market to find you the right cover at the right price.
Last reviewed by Debbie Cheevers, QFA, RPA · 30 June 2026
What is life insurance?
Life insurance (also called life cover or life assurance) pays a lump sum to the people you love if you die during the term of the policy. It’s one of the simplest and most affordable ways to make sure your family wouldn’t face financial worry on top of everything else. You choose how much cover you need and how long it should last, and pay a monthly premium to keep it in place.
- Pays a cash lump sum, not a monthly income.
- Cheaper the younger and healthier you are when you start.
- Can be set up on one life, or as joint or dual cover for couples.
Options and extra benefits you can add
Life cover can be tailored with a range of options — some included as standard, others worth adding. The ones we’re asked about most:
Dual cover
Pays out on both partners’ deaths, not just the first — and it often costs little or no more than joint cover.
Conversion option
Convert your term cover to a new policy later without having to prove your health again.
Children’s cover
Built-in cover for your children on many plans, giving support at the hardest of times.
Terminal illness benefit
Pays your cover early if you’re diagnosed with a terminal illness during the term.
Guaranteed insurability
Increase your cover at key life events — a new baby or a bigger mortgage — without new medical checks.
Inflation protection
Option to step your cover up each year so it keeps pace with rising prices.
Specified illness cover
Add serious-illness cover that pays a lump sum on diagnosis of a listed condition.
Waiver of premium
Your premiums are paid for you if illness or injury stops you working.
How we set up your cover
- 1
Work out how much
We help you size cover around your mortgage, income and family needs.
- 2
Choose type & term
Term or whole-of-life, single or dual, with any extras worth adding.
- 3
Compare the market
We compare Royal London against Ireland’s other insurers for the best value.
- 4
Put it in place
We handle the application and make sure your cover is set up correctly.
Life insurance and inheritance tax
How the payout is taxed
A life insurance payout is free of income tax. If it goes to your spouse or civil partner, it’s also exempt from inheritance tax (CAT). Left to children or others, the lump sum forms part of their inheritance and may be liable to CAT above their threshold.
Planning ahead
If you want a policy specifically to cover an inheritance tax bill, a Section 72 policy lets the proceeds pay the CAT tax-free. We’ll advise whether it’s right for you.
Who needs life insurance?
Parents & families
If people depend on your income, life cover keeps them secure if you’re gone.
Mortgage holders
Make sure the home is paid off so your family can stay in it, no matter what.
Business owners
Protect co-owners and key people, and plan for a smooth succession.
What affects the cost of life insurance?
Two people rarely pay the same premium — your price is built around you. The main factors:
- Your age — the younger you start, the cheaper the cover.
- Your health and family history — assessed when you apply.
- Smoker status — smokers pay more; giving up can lower your premium.
- The amount of cover and the term — how much, and for how long.
- The type of policy — term cover is cheaper than whole-of-life.
Because every insurer prices these differently, comparing pays. We review Royal London alongside the market — see our main life insurance guide, or how it works with mortgage protection and income protection.
We work with Ireland’s leading life & pension companies
Frequently asked questions
What is life insurance?
Life insurance pays a tax-free cash lump sum to your family if you die during the term of the policy. They can use it to clear the mortgage, cover everyday costs and keep their standard of living.
How much life cover do I need?
A good starting point is enough to clear your mortgage and replace several years of your income, with a buffer for children. We work out the right figure with you based on your debts, income and family.
What’s the difference between term and whole-of-life cover?
Term cover runs for a set number of years and is the cheapest option; whole-of-life cover lasts your entire life and is guaranteed to pay out, which is why it’s often used for inheritance planning.
Is a life insurance payout taxed in Ireland?
The payout is free of income tax. A payout to your spouse or civil partner is also exempt from inheritance tax. Left to children or others it forms part of their inheritance and may be liable to Capital Acquisitions Tax above their threshold.
Can I claim tax relief on the premiums?
No. Unlike income protection, standard life insurance premiums don’t qualify for income-tax relief.
Is life insurance the same as mortgage protection?
No. Mortgage protection is a decreasing policy that only clears your mortgage. Life insurance pays a lump sum your family can use for anything — many people have both.
Does smoking affect the price?
Yes. Smokers pay noticeably more. If you give up, we can usually apply to reduce your premium once you’ve been smoke-free for the required period.
Can I add serious illness or children’s cover?
Yes. Most policies let you add specified (serious) illness cover, and Royal London includes children’s cover on many plans. We’ll advise what’s worth including for your situation.
Protect the people who matter most
Talk to a qualified Greenway adviser for free. We’ll compare Royal London against the whole market and set up life cover that fits your family and your budget.