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UK NRIs

Life insurance for NRIs in the UK

How UK cover works when your family spans two countries, and what to ask an adviser.

Illustration of a family sheltered under an umbrella, representing life insurance protection

NRIWallah team

Updated October 2026 · 5 min read

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Why life cover gets put off

Losing one income in a household with a mortgage and dependants turns manageable monthly costs into a crisis. Those costs include rent or mortgage payments, childcare, school fees and money sent to family in India. Term cover taken out in advance is designed to pay out in exactly that situation.

Visa renewals, tax filings in two countries and remittances leave little time for insurance, so cover is often the item pushed to next year. This page explains how UK life cover works and what changes when your household spans two countries. It is general information, not a recommendation, and NRIWallah does not sell or arrange insurance.

Why an old Indian policy may not be enough

A policy taken out in India may not cover your UK liabilities, such as a mortgage, day-to-day costs in sterling and UK estate matters. Arranging UK cover after you have already moved abroad is often harder. Which country your cover sits in and when you arranged it both matter. While you review your protection, check that your will and LPA arrangements are up to date.

What life cover is for

  • Replacing lost income so the household can carry on.
  • Clearing or reducing a mortgage or other debt.
  • Protecting children’s education and routine.
  • Supporting dependants in two countries.
  • Giving your partner time to make decisions without pressure.

Types of cover

  • Level term: a fixed payout if you die within the policy term.
  • Decreasing term (mortgage protection): the payout falls roughly in line with a repayment mortgage.
  • Whole of life: cover for life, usually at higher premiums.
  • Critical illness and income protection: separate products that can sit alongside life cover.

Which fits depends on what you want to protect and for how long. That is a question for a regulated adviser who can see your full circumstances.

Can NRIs get UK life insurance?

Usually, if you are UK-resident when you apply and meet the insurer’s rules. If you have already moved abroad you may need expat or international options. Insurers generally assess residency at the point of application, so timing affects what is available. Many will not start a new UK policy for someone about to leave permanently.

What sets the premium

Age, health and medical history, smoker or vaper status, job and hobbies, the amount of cover and the length of the term. The insurer’s underwriting sets the price, so the only way to learn your figure is to apply through a regulated firm.

How to arrange cover

  1. Work out what you would need to replace: the mortgage balance, monthly bills, school fees and family support in India. The UK tax calculator shows your net income position.
  2. Learn the cover types above so you can follow the conversation.
  3. Check the adviser or insurer on the FCA Register before you share personal or financial details.
  4. Speak to an FCA-regulated protection adviser or broker, who can compare the market and say which product fits.
  5. Answer health questions in full. A GP report may be requested, and failing to disclose something relevant can lead to a claim being contested.
  6. Start the cover, set up the direct debit and tell your partner or executor where the documents are.

NRIWallah does not currently work with a protection provider, so there is no partner link on this page. Look for a firm authorised by the FCA for insurance distribution. Independent brokers compare across insurers, and many are paid commission by the insurer rather than a fee by you, so ask which applies before you start.

Questions people ask

Can my policy continue if I move overseas later? Often yes, subject to its terms and exclusions, such as certain high-risk locations. Check with the insurer before you move.

Joint policy or two single policies? A joint first-death policy is usually cheaper and pays out once. Two single policies cost more but can pay out twice, once for each life.

Will I need a medical? Not always. Many applications complete on health questions alone, though insurers sometimes ask for a GP report or tests.

Who gets the money, and do I need a trust? Writing a policy in trust can get funds to beneficiaries faster and may affect estate planning. It interacts with your will, so take advice on both together.

How much cover should I consider? A common starting point is the outstanding mortgage, plus a period of living costs, plus school fees and any support sent to family in India. It frames the conversation and is not a recommendation. Terms are often matched to the end of the mortgage or to the time children become financially independent.

Important: This page is general information about how life insurance products work. It is not personalised financial advice, and it is not an invitation or inducement to buy any specific product. NRIWallah is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and does not arrange, advise on or sell insurance. Speak to an FCA-regulated adviser before making any decision about protection.

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