Level term
A specified amount of cover during a chosen period, subject to the policy.
HEALTH & FAMILY
Life insurance. Explained.
Compare the amount, duration and structure of cover against the people who rely on your income or care.
Start with what you need covered.
Life insurance is intended to pay a benefit when the insured person dies under the policy terms. Start with the commitments and people you want the payment to support. A mortgage balance is one part of the picture; childcare, living costs and the contribution of an unpaid carer may matter too.
UNDERSTAND THE OPTIONS
Different arrangements. Different details.
Decreasing term
Cover designed to reduce over the term; compare its pattern with the commitment being protected.
Whole-of-life
Cover intended to continue for life, subject to premiums and terms; pricing works differently.
BEFORE YOU CHOOSE
Four conversations worth having.
Amount and term
What commitments need support, for how much and until when?
One life or joint lives
When does the policy pay, and what cover remains afterwards?
Premium structure
Are premiums guaranteed or reviewable, and how does increasing cover affect them?
Beneficiaries
How would money reach the intended people, and is advice on a trust appropriate?
Compare an actual offer
These are research prompts, not a quote or a recommendation. Ask an insurer or authorised broker to explain the accepted policy, its exclusions and your own circumstances. Product features vary.
Sources & further reading
Checked 26 September 2026. Policy terms and source ratings can change.
See how cover connects.
All insurance ↗Income protection
Compare when payments begin, how incapacity is defined and how long income support could continue.
Explore cover ↗Critical illness cover
Look at the definitions behind the list of conditions, not just the number of illnesses advertised.
Explore cover ↗Health insurance
Compare treatment cover, hospital access and the detail behind insurer ratings.
Explore cover ↗