Free life insurance for new parents
A number of UK life insurance providers have partnered with the charity Defaqto or run their own schemes to provide free life insurance to new and expectant parents who might not otherwise have cover. The most well-known is the scheme historically run by Legal & General and other providers.
What cover do free parent policies provide?
Free parent policies typically provide:
- A fixed sum assured (often £15,000–£25,000)
- Cover for 12 months
- No medical questions for the free period
Should I rely on a free parent policy alone?
No — free parent policies are a valuable stepping stone, but the cover amount is unlikely to be sufficient for most families. Once you have the free policy, use it as an opportunity to review your full protection needs and take out proper life insurance.
How to get a free parent policy
Check directly with major UK insurers — availability changes over time. Your midwife, health visitor, or an independent financial adviser may also be able to point you to current schemes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Availability changes regularly. Check directly with major UK insurers such as Legal & General, Zurich, and Royal London, or ask an independent broker.
Rarely — free policies typically provide £15,000–£25,000 of cover for 12 months. Most families need significantly more to protect their mortgage and income.