Cover built around the people who rely on you.

There is no universal figure. A review can consider the mortgage and other debts, replacement income, childcare or education costs, funeral costs and how long support may be needed, then take account of savings, existing cover and relevant workplace benefits. The result should reflect your budget as well as the financial need.

Level term cover keeps the insured amount fixed for the agreed term. Decreasing term cover reduces over time and is commonly designed to follow a repayment mortgage. It may not exactly match the mortgage balance because interest rates and policy assumptions can differ.

Not automatically. A typical joint first-death policy pays once and then ends, while two single policies can potentially pay once for each insured person. Joint cover can cost less, but two policies can offer more flexibility. Price, health, ownership and the continuing need after a first claim should all be compared.

Not by itself. Life insurance is primarily designed to pay on death under the policy terms. Critical illness cover and income protection address different events and use different definitions, so they should be assessed separately rather than assumed to be included.

It may still be possible. An insurer may offer standard terms, charge a higher premium, apply an exclusion, postpone a decision or decline cover, depending on the condition and its underwriting approach. Answer every application question fully and accurately.

That depends on the policy ownership, beneficiary nomination and any trust arrangement. Without suitable arrangements, proceeds may form part of the estate. Trusts can have legal and tax consequences, so obtain appropriate advice before deciding how a policy should be held.

Only after a careful comparison. New cover can cost more or have different terms because your age or health has changed. Do not cancel existing cover until any replacement has been accepted, is fully in force and you understand the new terms.