Most people start when something changes — getting married, having a baby, buying a home, or going self-employed. The earlier you take a policy out, the cheaper it usually is, because age and health are the two biggest factors in your premium.

Yes. Insurers price your premium based on risk, and age is one of the biggest factors. A 25-year-old non-smoker will typically pay a fraction of what a 55-year-old pays for the same cover. Locking in cover early keeps the price low for the whole term.

There's no single answer — it depends on your mortgage, debts, income, dependants and the lifestyle you'd want your family to keep. A common starting point is enough to clear the mortgage plus 5–10× your annual income. We'll help you work out a number that fits your life.

Often not. Many UK policies are accepted on the basis of a few health and lifestyle questions. If a medical is needed, you'll know upfront — and the insurer pays for it.

Level term pays a fixed lump sum no matter when in the term you claim — good for income replacement and interest-only mortgages. Decreasing term reduces over time to track a repayment mortgage, which makes it cheaper.