Editor’s note: First published August 2022 | Refreshed October 2025 with updated links, CTA, and insurer references.
Quick answer: We avoid talking about life insurance because it feels awkward — it reminds us we won’t be around forever. But protecting your family isn’t morbid; it’s one of the most caring (and surprisingly affordable) things you can do. Let’s take a look at the five excuses we use to dodge the topic.
You probably don’t wake up thinking about life insurance — nobody does. But you do think about your family, your mortgage, or the “what if” that lurks quietly in the back of your mind. That’s where life insurance steps in: it’s the grown-up safety net that lets you sleep easy.
Life Insurance = The Best Night’s Sleep
We all want to kiss our children goodnight and drift off knowing they’ll be OK if we don’t make it through the night — or the next day.
So why aren’t more of us talking about life insurance?
There are plenty of reasons, but here are the top five we hear most often — and why they don’t really hold up.
1. We Don’t Understand It
Most of us only hear about life insurance when we get a mortgage or start a family. Schools don’t teach this stuff, and advisers can sound like they’re reading from an ancient scroll — dual life, convertible, indexation… sure, what?
When we don’t understand something, we avoid it. But ignorance doesn’t protect your family — cover does. So if you’ve ever wondered what all the jargon means, here’s a handy guide:
Life Insurance Terms Explained in Plain English
And once we’ve dodged the jargon, we hit the real reason most of us avoid it — the big D word.
2. Nobody Likes Talking About Death
We Irish are great at the craic but allergic to mortality chat. Unless we’re at a wake, we’d rather talk about the weather or who’s starting for United on Sunday.
But facing the topic isn’t depressing — it’s responsible. Better to leave your family with a plan (and a payout) than panic and paperwork. If you’ve just had a baby or are family planning, this guide will help:
Life Insurance for New Parents | The Ultimate Guide
3. “I Don’t Get Any of the Cash”
True — life insurance isn’t about you. But it is for the people who’d struggle without you. When you’re gone, the last thing you want is your family worrying about bills on top of everything else.
And if you’re worried about paying in for years and getting nothing back, you have options:
4. “I’m Too Young for Life Insurance”
That’s what everyone thinks — until they see the price difference. The younger and healthier you are, the cheaper your cover.
Lock in a low premium early and it stays low for the entire term. It’s one of the few times in life being young actually pays off. And if you’re in your twenties or thirties, consider starting with income protection too — it’s even more useful if illness stops your income before you hit midlife.
5. “It’s Too Expensive”
It’s not as pricey as you’d think. It’s not Netflix-cheap, but it’s not private health-insurance expensive either.
The younger, healthier, and smoke-free you are, the less you’ll pay. You can check in seconds using our calculator — no phone calls, no “Can I interest you in our premium option?” nonsense.
Get a Life Insurance Quote (No Email or Phone Needed)
Over to You…
Be honest — how many times have you thought about sorting life insurance and then gone back to scrolling TikTok?
Getting cover isn’t grim; it’s relief. Once it’s sorted, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. One small form, one quick chat, and you can finally stop that “what if” voice whispering at night.
So, what’s next?
FAQs
When is the best time to get life insurance?
The best time is when someone depends on your income — usually after buying a home or starting a family. The earlier you start, the cheaper your premiums will be.
What’s the cheapest type of life cover?
Mortgage protection is the cheapest because it only pays the bank what’s left on your loan. If you want your family to benefit, go for level term life insurance.
Can I buy life insurance online?
Yes — you can get quotes and apply entirely online with Lion.ie. No spam calls, no hassle.