Joint vs single life insurance
Learn about the differences in cover with joint or single life insurance. And find the type of cover that’s right for you.
Published: 22 May 2026
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Need help choosing joint or single life insurance?
Choosing joint or single life insurance is an important decision. And there are a few things to think about when making it. Including your relationship, shared responsibilities and your long term financial security.
In this guide, we’ll go over the differences between a joint and single life insurance policy. So you can be sure you're choosing the right type of cover to meet your needs.
Understanding life insurance
Life insurance is designed to help protect the people who depend on you financially.
Tesco Life Insurance is a term life insurance policy, which means cover lasts for the length - or term - of the policy.
When you take out a policy, you can choose:
- the type of policy you want - joint or single life insurancethe type of policy you want - joint or single life insurance
- the type of cover you want: Family Protection (level term) or Mortgage Protection (decreasing term)the type of cover you want: Family Protection (level term) or Mortgage Protection (decreasing term)
- how much cover you want (the cover amount)how much cover you want (the cover amount)
- how long you want cover for - from 5-50 years (the policy term)how long you want cover for - from 5-50 years (the policy term)
The policy pays out during the policy term if one of the following happens:
- you dieyou die
or
- you're diagnosed with a terminal illness and aren't expected to live longer than 12 monthsyou're diagnosed with a terminal illness and aren't expected to live longer than 12 months
You can learn more about life insurance in our guide - What is life insurance?
We’ve also got a jargon buster explaining some of the key terms - Life insurance glossary.
What is single life insurance?
A single life insurance policy covers only one person. It pays out a lump sum if that person dies during the policy term, as long as premiums are paid and the policy’s active.
Good to know
- Only one person is insured with this type of policy.Only one person is insured with this type of policy.
- There will be two payouts if both people have a single life policy if they die or become terminally ill during the policy terms and aren’t expected to live more than 12 months.There will be two payouts if both people have a single life policy if they die or become terminally ill during the policy terms and aren’t expected to live more than 12 months.
What is joint life insurance?
A joint life insurance policy covers two people under a single policy. And you usually pay one monthly premium.
Joint cover pays out once, usually when the first of the two insured people dies. This is sometimes known as ‘first death’ cover.
Good to know
- Cover ends after the first payout. So the surviving partner might need a new policy if they want continued protection.Cover ends after the first payout. So the surviving partner might need a new policy if they want continued protection.
- Joint life policies are often more affordable than two separate single policies because there is one payout instead of two.Joint life policies are often more affordable than two separate single policies because there is one payout instead of two.
Main differences between joint and single life insurance
Here's a comparison to help you to answer the question: is it better to get single or joint life insurance?
|
Feature |
Single life insurance |
Joint life insurance |
|---|---|---|
|
Who’s covered? |
One person |
Two people under one policy |
|
Payouts |
One payout per policy |
Only one payout in total (‘first death’) |
|
Cost |
Usually more expensive when buying two policies |
Often cheaper than two single policies |
|
Flexibility |
Each person can choose different cover amounts and for how long they are covered |
Both share the same level of cover and term amount |
|
If you separate |
No change needed |
Policy might need to be split or replaced |
Pros and cons of single life insurance
Pros
- Two potential payouts if both partners take out their own policies.Two potential payouts if both partners take out their own policies.
- Each person can choose their own cover amount and policy term.Each person can choose their own cover amount and policy term.
- No complications if a relationship changes - each policy stays with the individual.No complications if a relationship changes - each policy stays with the individual.
Cons
- Two policies usually mean higher overall premiums compared to a joint policy.Two policies usually mean higher overall premiums compared to a joint policy.
When single life cover might be better
Choosing two single policies might suit you better if:
- you and your partner have different financial needs or health conditions. Or if you need different cover amounts.you and your partner have different financial needs or health conditions. Or if you need different cover amounts.
- you want the potential for two payouts, providing extra financial security for dependants.you want the potential for two payouts, providing extra financial security for dependants.
- you're a single person with financial responsibilities. For example, rent, debts, or people who rely on your income.you're a single person with financial responsibilities. For example, rent, debts, or people who rely on your income.
- you want fewer complications if the status of your relationship changes.you want fewer complications if the status of your relationship changes.
Pros and cons of joint life insurance
Pros
- Often cheaper than buying two single policies.Often cheaper than buying two single policies.
- Simple and convenient - one policy, one application, one monthly payment.Simple and convenient - one policy, one application, one monthly payment.
- A good fit for couples who share major financial commitments.A good fit for couples who share major financial commitments.
Cons
- Only one payout - after that, cover ends.Only one payout - after that, cover ends.
- If you separate, the policy might need to be split. Tesco Life Insurance, provided by Aviva, includes a split option in the event of separation.If you separate, the policy might need to be split. Tesco Life Insurance, provided by Aviva, includes a split option in the event of separation.
- Both people must have the same level of cover.Both people must have the same level of cover.
When joint life cover might be better
Choosing a joint life insurance policy might suit you better if you:
- share a mortgage or other major financial commitments that one of you would struggle to cover alone. For example, a large loan or a mortgage.share a mortgage or other major financial commitments that one of you would struggle to cover alone. For example, a large loan or a mortgage.
- have shared dependants, such as children, who rely on both incomes.have shared dependants, such as children, who rely on both incomes.
- want a more affordable option with one monthly premium.want a more affordable option with one monthly premium.
- prefer the simplicity of one shared policy.prefer the simplicity of one shared policy.
Joint life insurance cover is often chosen by married couples and partners. Or even friends who share a mortgage.
Is joint life insurance cheaper than single?
A joint life insurance policy can often work out cheaper than buying two single life insurance policies. But the overall price you pay will be dependent on each of your personal circumstances.
Is joint or single life insurance right for you?
To help you decide between single vs joint life insurance, it’s a good idea to think about:
Your relationship
- Are your finances fully shared, partly shared, or separate?Are your finances fully shared, partly shared, or separate?
Your financial responsibilities
- Do you share a mortgage or major debts?Do you share a mortgage or major debts?
- Would your partner struggle financially without your income?Would your partner struggle financially without your income?
Your long-term protection goals
- Do you want one payout or the possibility of two?Do you want one payout or the possibility of two?
- Do you need different levels of cover?Do you need different levels of cover?
If your lives change - you buy a home together, separate, or have children - you can review your cover at any time.
Put the right protection in place today
Whether you choose single or joint life insurance, the most important thing is having the right protection in place for the people who matter to you.
Tesco Life Insurance makes it easy to compare options. So you can pick the cover that suits your life, your finances, and your future.
How Tesco Life Insurance can help with both options
Tesco Life Insurance, provided by Aviva, offers:
- single or joint term life insurance policies for both Family Protection (level cover) and Mortgage Protection (decreasing cover)single or joint term life insurance policies for both Family Protection (level cover) and Mortgage Protection (decreasing cover)
- flexible cover up to £5 million, with a policy term from 5-50 years.flexible cover up to £5 million, with a policy term from 5-50 years.
- a joint policy that can be split into two single policies if you separate, helping to protect both you and your partner’s long-term needs.a joint policy that can be split into two single policies if you separate, helping to protect both you and your partner’s long-term needs.
You can get a quote online and compare single and joint options quickly.
Why get Tesco Life Insurance?
At Tesco Insurance, we want to help you with the things that matter most. That’s why Tesco Life Insurance comes with a Big Win and lots of Little Helps.
- Clubcard Prices - Save on Tesco Life Insurance with your Clubcard.Clubcard Prices - Save on Tesco Life Insurance with your Clubcard.
- Your Big Win -Get a welcome gift after you've paid 6 months' premiums. Available on policies with a 3-year minimum term. T&Cs apply.Your Big Win - Get a welcome gift after you've paid 6 months' premiums. Available on policies with a 3‑year minimum term. T&Cs apply.
- Your Little Helps - Get a full year of coupons in your Tesco grocery app to help you shop at Tesco. T&Cs apply.Your Little Helps - Get a full year of coupons in your Tesco grocery app to help you shop at Tesco. Available on policies with a 3‑year minimum term, Clubcard app required and must be opted in to Tesco marketing. T&Cs apply.
As well as your Tesco benefits, you’ll also get Aviva DigiCare+ - a health and wellbeing service from Aviva that includes unlimited Digital GP consultations and the Bupa Anytime HealthLine.
Tesco Life Insurance is provided and administered by Aviva, who have a 5-star Defaqto rating for life insurance and pay out on 98.7% of claims*.
Help for Life Insurance customers
Get help and support online. Or find out how to contact Aviva, our life insurance provider.
Important information
About Tesco Life Insurance
Tesco Life Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Aviva Life & Pensions UK Limited.
Tesco Personal Finance Ltd acts as an introducer to Aviva Life & Pensions UK Limited which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Member of the Association of British Insurers. Firm Reference Number 185896.
Aviva Life & Pensions UK Limited. Registered in England & Wales No. 3253947. Registered Office: Aviva, Wellington Row, York, YO90 1WR. Tesco Personal Finance Ltd and Aviva Life & Pensions UK Limited. are not part of the same corporate group.
About Tesco Insurance
Tesco Insurance is a trading name of Tesco Personal Finance Ltd, Registered Office: 2 South Gyle Crescent, Edinburgh, EH12 9FQ (registered in Scotland, no SC173199) which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (register no. 186022).
Aviva DigiCare+ app
With the Aviva DigiCare+ app, you can start using a range of health and wellbeing services when you take out your policy.
Members of your family can use it too, as long as they're eligible.
The Aviva DigiCare+ app is provided by Square Health. The services are provided by Square Health and other selected partners.
You'll find full details about the services in the app, along with the terms and conditions, residency restrictions and privacy policy.
Aviva DigiCare+ is a non-contractual benefit that could be changed or withdrawn by Aviva at any time. So, it won't appear in any contract you've signed, or in any terms and conditions.
Life Insurance policy booklets
Please check the policy documents to make sure the cover you’ve chosen meets your needs.
The policy booklet and product information documents tell you about the benefits, limitations and exclusions that’ll apply to your cover.
Tesco Life Insurance is provided, administered and underwritten by Aviva Life & Pensions UK Limited.
Aviva have a 5-star rating for life insurance from Defaqto. And they pay out on 98.7% of life insurance claims*.
*Aviva UK individual claims report 2026, based on claims paid in 2025.
Learn more about Life Insurance
Find the right cover to give financial support to your family after you’ve gone. Tesco Life Insurance comes with Clubcard Prices, some great Tesco shopping benefits and Aviva DigiCare+.