Life Insurance

Sometimes the death benefit (or "life cover") provided by your Pension or through the Police Federation Group Insurance Scheme is not enough to meet individual needs.

We can provide a competitive Life Insurance plan that will meet your requirements – to provide financial support for your family, in the event of your death.

Peace of mind for you – just in case the unexpected happens.

Being in the police service has its own special requirements, rewards, pressures and stresses.

Metfriendly specialises in financial products for police officers and staff and offers a great life insurance product that will protect your family and loved ones from the unexpected.

If you feel you need additional cover over and above what is provided by your Pension or the Federation’s Group Insurance Scheme, you probably need a Level Term Plan. This means that the full sum insured is paid out in the event of your death at any time during the term of the plan. There is no payment if you survive – this keeps costs low. The Level Term Insurance plan can provide life cover for any purpose (including ‘interest only’ mortgages).

Critical Illness – if your plan is single life and the plan will expire before your 60th birthday, you can opt to have critical illness cover included in the plan. For more details and examples of the cost of this valuable additional cover, see ‘How much does it cost?

 

How does the plan work?

A Level Term Plan provides a lump sum on your death. The life cover (the ‘sum assured’) remains the same throughout.

Critical Illness or joint life cover is also available. See how competitive we are with an online quote.

  • You can take out single life or joint life cover with your partner – a Joint Life plan pays out once only if either of you die. However, if the plan paid out, it would then cease, leaving the other person with no cover. For only £2 more in total per month, you can each have your own plan – and you can then ask to have critical illness cover added to them (at additional cost) if you wish.
  • The benefit is the same throughout the term.
  • You pay us regular monthly premiums during the term of the plan. The premiums do not vary during the term of the plan.
  • There is no benefit if you survive to the end of the term.
  • There is no surrender value – if you stop paying premiums the cover will simply cease.
  • If critical illness cover is included in the plan, the benefit will be paid if an insured person is diagnosed with a defined critical illness (see FAQs – What is a Critical Illness?). There is then no further benefit paid on death. If critical illness cover is not included in the plan, then the full benefit will only be paid on death, or if an insured person is diagnosed with a terminal illness with death expected within 12 months.
How do I apply?
  1. Illustration Request – You should begin by obtaining a personal illustration detailing the cover you require and estimated cost. You can request an online illustration or telephone us and we will send you written illustrations showing all the options available to you. Once you are happy that the cover and term are satisfactory and have chosen which options you require, you should complete an application form.
  2. Application Form – When completing the application from ensure that you identify clearly who is to be covered and for what amounts, and return it to us. Please ensure all questions are fully answered to the best of your knowledge and belief. You should not assume that we will write to your doctor – it is your responsibility to fill in the application form correctly. We may require further medical evidence (at our expense) – we will let you know if this is the case. Once we have fully considered your application, we will contact you with confirmation of the premium required and any special terms, and ask you when you want the plan to start.
What is a Critical Illness?

The complete list of conditions we cover is set out below.

Cancer excluding less advanced cases
Coronary artery by-pass grafts with surgery to divide the breastbone
Heart attack of specified severity
HIV infection caught from a blood transfusion, a physical assault or in the execution of your duty
Kidney failure requiring dialysis
Major organ transplant
Stroke resulting in permanent symptoms
Terminal illness with death expected within 12 months
Third degree burns covering 20% of the body’s surface area

These headings are only a guide to what is covered. The full definitions of the illnesses covered and the circumstances in which you can claim are given in the policy document, (click the relevant button on the right). These typically use medical terms to describe the illnesses but in some cases the cover may be limited. For example: Some types of cancer are not covered, and to make a claim for some illnesses, you need to have permanent symptoms.

When WILL the plan pay out?
  • If only one person is covered by the plan: on death during the term of the plan.
  • If two people are covered by the plan: on the death of the first to die if this occurs during the term of the plan (the plan then ceases).
  • If critical illness cover is included in the plan: on diagnosis of a critical illness.
  • If critical illness cover is not included in the plan: on diagnosis of a terminal illness (with less than 12 months to live), but not in the final 24 months of the term of the plan.
  • After any payment the plan immediately expires and cover ceases.
When will the plan NOT pay out?
  • If you do not disclose relevant information on your application form.
  • If you do not tell us of any of the following changes that occur after completing your application form but before cover starts:
    • Your health
    • Starting smoking
    • Use of drugs or alcohol
    • Hazardous pastimes
  • If death occurs due to suicide during the first year of the plan.
  • If you cancel the plan or if any premiums are more than 30 days overdue (60 days for payroll deductions).
Is there any other information available that can help me decide which Life Insurance Policy to buy?

The policy document(s) give full details of the cover provided and include all the definitions, exclusions, terms and conditions. Specimens are available here: Single Life Level Term Assurance (NO Critical Illness), Single Life Level Term Assurance (WITH Critical Illness) or Joint Life Level Term Assurance should you wish to see them before making your decision. Additionally, the Money Advice Service™ provides useful financial information on its website moneyadviceservice.org.uk. However, if you are still unsure as to the suitability of this plan, and wish to obtain personal advice, you should contact an independent financial adviser.

How much does the plan cost?

Your monthly premium depends on the amount of cover you choose, how long the plan is to run for (its “term”), and whether critical illness cover is included. It also depends on your personal circumstances – your age, health, and whether or not you smoke.

Example Illustrations

The tables below show example monthly premiums for plans with constant benefits (the Level Term Plan). The premiums are based on a sum assured of £100,000 over 25 years and assume you are in good health at the time of commencement and are accepted at standard rates.

Death Benefit only – no Critical Illness Cover

Age Next Birthday Level Term Insurance
Non-Smoker Smoker
20 £5.65 £7.88
25 £6.57 £10.10
30 £8.03 £13.88
35 £10.39 £20.50
40 £13.97 £31.60
45 £20.59 £51.86
50 £32.96 £84.54

Death Benefit PLUS Critical Illness Cover

Age Next Birthday Level Term Insurance
Non-Smoker Smoker
20 £14.13 £16.74
25 £19.32 £24.45
30 £27.38 £37.09
35 £40.04 £57.95
What are the charges?

The premium includes all costs for administration, underwriting and claims.

What if I change my mind or decide to cancel?
  • You can cancel for a full refund within 30 days of receiving your policy documents.  Simply contact our Member Services team on 01689 891454 or email [email protected] 
  • If you wish to stop or cancel your plan after this, our friendly Member Services team will be able to help.
How do I contact you?

Metfriendly, Central Court, Knoll Rise, Orpington, BR6 0JA

Phone: 01689 891454 

Email: [email protected]

‘I would recommend Metfriendly to everyone.’

Mrs V Thompson, Dagenham

‘I have always been pleased with the returns from my Metfriendly policies.’

Mr P Payne, Bordon

Very happy with the service. I have a number of policies for myself and my children.

Police Sergeant S Drysdale, DPS Borough Support

Great opportunity for family members to be offered the same offers as members.

Miss A McLeary, ESB

‘I’ve used Metfriendly for the last 5 years and recently the money has gone towards a deposit for our house which we are moving into next month. I will be signing back up next month to help save towards my kids future.’

 

Amanda Cooper (Met CC, Bow)

Good service – always very helpful and informative.

Miss J Coward, South Norwood, London

‘I’ve used Metfriendly for the last 5 years and recently the money has gone towards a deposit for our house. I will be signing back up next year to help save towards my kids future.’

Mrs A Cooper, Met CC, Bow

‘Very pleased with the service I’ve received to help me save money direct from my salary.’

DC Chris W, SO15

‘Hassle-free savings that are started every year on my behalf, without me having to call up.’

 

D.C. R McLaren, Hackney Borough Stations