10-second summary: Comparing life insurance providers matters — but if you have a medical history, the most important question isn’t “who’s cheapest?” It’s “who will cover me and at what price?”
Most comparison guides focus on price, perks and small feature differences.
That works if you’re young, healthy, and your GP file is spotless.
But if you’ve ever had high BMI, anxiety, depression, diabetes, heart issues, cancer history or even something minor that required monitoring, comparison starts in a different place.
Before price.
Before perks.
Before policy extras.
It starts with how life insurance underwriting works in Ireland.
Why Underwriting Comes First When Comparing Insurers
If you have a health issue, two insurers can offer the exact same cover amount.
But one may load your premium by 50 per cent and another by 150 per cent, another may postpone you.
And once you’ve been postponed, that decision can follow you.
That’s why understanding how each insurer assesses risk matters more than comparing perks, especially if your health history isn’t perfect.
Side-by-Side Comparison of the Big 5 Irish Life Insurers
Below is a structured comparison of Aviva, Royal London, Zurich, Irish Life and New Ireland, focusing on the elements that genuinely affect long-term value and flexibility.
If you’re looking for a broader overview of how policies work in general, see our life insurance explained guide.
The Big 5 Irish Life Insurance Providers Compared
This isn’t a popularity contest.
It’s a framework to help you understand how they differ and why the right insurer depends on your situation.
Underwriting Differences That Most People Miss
High BMI and Weight Loadings
If you have a high BMI, insurers apply percentage loadings to your base premium.
That base premium matters more than most people realise. A 100 per cent loading on a €15 base premium is very different to a 100 per cent loading on a €10 base premium.
Over a 25-year term, that difference can cost thousands.
Mental Health History
Some insurers take a more cautious view of anxiety, depression or counselling history. Others look at stability and time since treatment.
The wrong application sequence can mean unnecessary loadings or exclusions.
Heart Conditions and Cardiac History
Definitions matter, as does underwriting appetite.
Some providers are stricter on cardiac disclosures. Others assess more proportionately depending on severity and follow-up care.
Diabetes and Endocrine Conditions
Control, medication type and duration all influence underwriting outcomes for diabetes.
Different insurers interpret these risk factors differently.
Cancer History and Remission Periods
Time since diagnosis, type of cancer and treatment history can dramatically affect pricing or acceptance.
One insurer may postpone. Another may offer terms.
Why Applying to the Wrong Insurer First Can Cost You
Every full application creates a disclosure trail.
If you are declined or heavily loaded, that information can influence how the next underwriter assesses your application.
That’s why sequencing matters.
Key Structural Differences Between the Main Providers
Guaranteed Insurability and Special Event Increases
Most insurers allow you to increase cover after major life events without answering medical questions. The conditions and limits differ.
Conversion Options
Some providers allow you to convert term cover to whole of life without medical underwriting.
If flexibility matters to you later, this is critical.
Inflation Protection Structures
Generally, cover will increase by 3 per cent per year, but premiums can rise by 3 or 4 per cent or more depending on the insurer.
Small annual differences compound significantly over long terms.
Minimum Premium Levels
Minimum base premiums affect the impact of percentage loadings.
This becomes especially important for applicants with medical issues.
Maximum Entry Ages and Policy Terms
Some insurers allow longer terms and higher entry ages than others.
If you are applying later in life, these limits matter.
How to Choose Between the Big 5
If You’re Young and Healthy
Price and flexibility usually lead the decision. Most providers will offer competitive terms.
If you’re simply looking for a market-wide view of pricing trends, you may also want to read our Best Life Insurance in Ireland guide, which looks at pricing rather than underwriting nuance.
If You Have a Medical History
Underwriting appetite becomes more important than headline price.
Choosing the right insurer first can save time, stress and money.
If You Want Long-Term Flexibility
Conversion options, guaranteed insurability and policy structure should take priority over small price differences.
If You’re Focused on Budget
Look beyond the headline quote. Understand how loadings and base premiums interact over the full term.
Common Life Insurance Comparison Mistakes
Choosing on Headline Price Alone
The cheapest quote is not always the best long-term outcome.
Ignoring Base Premium Before a Loading
A higher base premium magnifies percentage loadings.
Overvaluing “Value-Added” Extras
Hospital cash and small add-ons rarely influence claim outcomes.
Submitting Applications Without Strategy
Submitting multiple full applications without understanding each insurer’s underwriting philosophy can create complications later.
Get a Proper Comparison for Your Situation
If you’re completely healthy and just want to compare prices, you can use our instant quote system here.
If you have any medical history, even something that feels minor, it’s worth checking insurer appetite before applying.
Complete our medical pre-assessment questionnaire here and we’ll point you in the right direction before anything is submitted.
That way, you’re not just comparing policies. You’re comparing outcomes.
Thanks for reading
Nick
Written by Nick McGowan, QFA RPA APA
Nick is a qualified financial advisor and founder of Lion.ie, an independent Irish life insurance and income protection brokerage based in Tullamore.
He’s been helping people get fair, transparent cover for over 15 years — and was named Protection Broker of the Year 2022.
If you’d like straight answers (without the sales pitch), learn more about Nick here.