What is the difference between single life and joint life expat insurance?

International life insurance can be arranged on a single life or joint life basis. The structure you choose determines whose death triggers the payout and when cover ends.

A single life policy covers one named individual. If that person dies during the policy term, the sum assured is paid to the nominated beneficiaries and the policy ends. The cover is straightforward and entirely focused on one life.

A joint life policy covers two people under the same policy. There are two ways a joint policy can be structured:

The protection benefit is paid on the death of the first of the two lives assured. The policy terminates once the claim is paid and the surviving partner has no remaining cover under that policy.

The protection benefit is paid only on the death of the second life assured. Cover continues after the first death, and the payout is made when the second policyholder also dies. This structure is typically used where the priority is protecting an estate or providing for children after both partners are gone.

Single Life policies are independent of each other and the death of one person does not affect the other’s cover. This can make two separate Single Life policies a flexible option for couples who both need ongoing protection throughout the policy term.

A Joint Life First Death policy is commonly chosen by couples whose primary goal is to protect the surviving partner financially at the earliest point of loss. A Joint Life Second Death policy suits situations where the financial need arises only after both lives assured have passed.

Expatriate Group can help you identify the right structure for your circumstances. Get a quote or contact our team to find out more.

Question: What happens to a joint international life insurance policy when one person dies?

Short answer: What happens to a joint international life insurance policy when one person dies ultimately depends on how the policy is structured. On a first death policy, the sum assured is paid and the policy ends. On a second death policy, cover continues until the second life assured also dies.

Long answer: What happens when one person on a joint life policy dies depends on whether the policy is a Joint Life First Death or Joint Life Second Death arrangement.

When the first life assured dies on a Joint Life First Death policy, the protection benefit is paid out and the entire policy terminates, causing the surviving partner to no longer be covered.

This means that if the surviving partner wants to remain insured, they will need to apply for a new individual policy in their own name. At that point, they will be older than when the original policy was taken out, which will typically affect the premium. Their health and circumstances at the point of applying may also affect the terms available to them.

On a second death policy, the death of the first life assured does not trigger a payout. Cover continues, and the protection benefit is only paid when the second life assured also dies. This structure is used where the financial need arises after both partners have passed, for example, to provide for children or address estate-related costs.

When a life assured on a joint policy dies, the surviving partner or nominated beneficiaries should contact Expatriate Group to begin the claims process. Evidence of the claim will be required, which may include an original death certificate, medical reports, and other documentation depending on the circumstances of the death.

Where the policy is held in joint names, any changes to beneficiary nominations must be signed by all joint policyholders while both are alive.

Contact us to discuss joint life options, or get a quote to explore the cover available.