Life insurance for couples

Some insurers offer joint policy discounts which can save you up to 10% off your premiums. But changing back to 2 singles policies has its pitfalls.

Best life insurance

If you are in a relationship with someone and both have financial obligations that would be left behind if one were to pass away, it could be worth considering protective cover to ensure the partner does not endure financial hardship. Couple life insurance (also known as joint life insurance) cover includes:

  • Lump sum payment. The lump sum benefit from a life or trauma insurance policy can go a long way to ensure that the person you care for (and in some cases, the children you leave behind) are looked after and are able to maintain their current way of life.
  • Joint policy discounts. Joint policies can attract premium discounts as great as 5% for couples.

Compare couples life insurance policies and quotes from these direct brands

Name Finder Score Maximum Cover Funeral Benefit Optional TPD Cover Optional Trauma Cover
Real Family Life Cover image
Finder score
Maximum Cover
$1 million
Funeral Benefit
$10,000
Optional TPD Cover
$1 million
(maximum cover)
Optional Trauma Cover
Get QuoteView details
Our verdict: The application is simple; it can be done with 1 phone call and there are no medical exams. But households with larger debts may need more than a $1 million payout.

⭐ Current offer: Get back 10% of the premiums you’ve paid after 1 year.
Zurich Ezicover Life Insurance image
Finder score
Maximum Cover
$1.5 million
Funeral Benefit
$15,000
Optional TPD Cover
Optional Trauma Cover
Get QuoteView details
Our verdict: Good if you want a cheap policy from a well-regarded insurer – its 98% claims acceptance rate is higher than any other provider on Finder. Zurich keeps things simple: unlike others, it doesn’t go in for optional add-ons such as TPD or trauma cover.

⭐ Current offer: Policy discounts include 10% off for your partner if you sign up for a joint policy. You can also get 5% off income protection if you buy it alongside your life cover.
AAMI Life Insurance image
Finder score
Maximum Cover
$1.5 million
Funeral Benefit
$10,000
Optional TPD Cover
Optional Trauma Cover
Get QuoteView details
Our verdict: There’s flexibility with AAMI as you can add another adult to your cover, with a competitive limit of $1.5 million. Easy application process with no medical exams.

⭐ Current offer: Save up to 10% on premiums every year for the life of the policy on AAMI Life Insurance. Offer ends 2 December 2024. T&Cs apply.
Suncorp Life Insurance image
Finder score
Maximum Cover
$1.5 million
Funeral Benefit
$10,000
Optional TPD Cover
Optional Trauma Cover
Get QuoteView details
Our verdict: Competitive maximum cover limit of $1.5 million. Suncorp lets you change your cover amount by up to $100,000 after a big life event, such as having a baby.

⭐ Current offer: Save up to 10% on premiums every year for the life of the policy on Suncorp Life Insurance. Offer ends 2 December 2024. T&Cs apply.
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Finder Score - Life Insurance

Life Insurance is a little complicated and a lot overwhelming. That's why we made the Finder Score, to make it easier to compare Life Insurance products against each other. Our experts analysed over 20 products and gave each one a score between 1 and 10.

But a higher score doesn't always mean a product is better for you. Your situation is unique, so your policy choice will be too. Don't think of Finder Score as the final word, but as a good place to start your life insurance comparison.

Read full Finder Score methodology

Finder survey: What events make Australians take out or adjust their life insurance coverage?

ResponseMaleFemale
Getting married18.37%14.59%
Source: Finder survey by Pure Profile of 1110 Australians, December 2023

Why compare life insurance with Finder?

  • You pay the same price as buying directly from the life insurer.

  • We're not owned by an insurer (unlike other comparison sites).

  • We've done 100+ hours of policy research to help you understand what you're comparing.

Pros and cons of a joint life insurance policy

Pros

  • Affordability. The cost of insuring two people instead of one is cheaper.
  • Peace of mind for both of you. With a joint life insurance policy, both of you will be protected.
  • Convenience. It's one less policy to look after and one less monthly payment to keep up with.

Cons

  • Potentially complicated if your relationship breaks down. You'll need to cancel, split or agree to keep your policy in place.
  • You might not receive a discount. It might not be worth it if you can't receive a discount.

How do I speak to my partner or spouse about life insurance?

Life insurance for married couples

Getting married is often a key stage for many Australians to consider taking out life cover. Some key financial obligations that can arise at this stage include;

  • Car Loan, Credit Card Debt and Personal Loans: Small personal loans can combine to create a significant expense to be covered.
  • Mortgage: Many couples will look to buy their first home after having tied the knot. A new home and mortgage is for many the biggest financial commitment they will make in their lives. Having the right level of cover in place to ensure that one's spouse is not left with this hefty debt is essential.
  • Dependent Children: Consider some of the expenses that would need to be covered if your children needed care;
    • Clothing
    • Food
    • School Fees
    • Medical Bills

Should unmarried couples consider life insurance?

Whether life insurance is worth considering for unmarried couples really comes down to their own situation and if they have any current or future shared obligations. Some of these obligations could include:

  • Children
  • Mortgages
  • Short term debts e.g. credit card
  • Other loans e.g. car loans

If there is shared financial obligation i.e. you may not be married but already have a child or have accumulated mortgage debt, then it is still worth taking out a joint plan.

What's the benefit of taking out cover at a younger age for couples?

Taking out cover at a younger age, can save applicants thousands as they will most likely be in better health than in later in their life and will be looked on more favourably by an insurance underwriter.

Most policies will feature “Guaranteed Insurability Feature” which allows policyholders to apply for more cover into the future without having to undertake further medical underwriting. This means that you do not have to predict how your situation may change in years ahead but still take advantage of competitive premium rates.

Key considerations for couples looking to take out life insurance

Or speak to an insurance specialist to help you find personalised cover

Frequently asked questions

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Richard Laycock's headshot
Editor

Richard Laycock is Finder’s insights editor after spending the last five years writing and editing articles about insurance. His musings can be found across the web including on MoneyMag, Yahoo Finance and Travel Weekly. Richard studied Media at Macquarie University and The Missouri School of Journalism and has a Tier 1 Certification in General Advice for Life Insurance. See full bio

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