Last reviewed: August 2026
I've spent over 25 years in life protection, and if there's one thing that hasn't changed in that time, it's how many myths are still floating around about life insurance in Ireland. Most people I talk to are working from assumptions that were true for their parents' generation - not for theirs.
So I want to set the record straight. Not with a sales pitch, but with the facts, the way I'd explain them to a friend. Because the truth is, life insurance in Ireland is more affordable, more flexible, and faster to arrange than most people expect.
Here are the 7 myths I hear most often - and what's actually true.
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Myth 1: “If I’m getting a mortgage, I need to get Mortgage Protection with my bank”
Reality: This is not true and many of our members have chosen laya life as their mortgage protection provider because we’re easy to deal with, can save them money on their monthly premiums and can deal directly with the bank to assign the policy to ensure there is no delay with drawing down your mortgage and getting settled into your new home.
Myth 2: "I have my mortgage covered so I don’t need anything else."
Reality: While this is certainly needed and it is great that your loved ones will not be burdened with debt repayments should you die during the mortgage term, you have to remember that they also depend on the rest of your income to sustain their current lifestyle. That is where our team can advise you quickly as to what you need and how much it will cost.
Minimum cover from as little as €9* a month means your loved ones aren't left to cover that themselves.
Myth 3: "The life cover I get through work is enough - I don't need my own policy."
Reality: It's a good starting point, but it isn't yours to keep. If you change jobs, that death-in-service benefit doesn't travel with you — and your next employer might not offer it at all. Having your own separate life insurance policy means your family's protection isn't tied to your employment status.
Myth 4: "Life insurance is only for older people, or people with health issues."
Reality: It's actually the opposite. Younger, healthier applicants get the lowest premiums. And if you have a family depending on your income, that financial need exists from day one - not just later in life.
Myth 5: "Life insurance is expensive."
Reality: Most of us are working off an outdated number in our heads - maybe a parent's policy from years ago, or just a guess. The real figure is far friendlier: you can get life cover with laya from as little as €9* a month. Price comes down to three things: your age, your smoker status, your health and of course how much cover you need and for how long you need it.
Myth 6: "Setting up life insurance is a hassle – medicals and paperwork."
Reality: Some providers do make it hard: medicals, GP records, guesswork on how much cover you actually need. At laya life, I've made it a priority to build a process that's as simple as possible, with cover recommendations from our own customer care team, so you're never guessing. Cover can be arranged in minutes, not weeks.
Myth 7: "My job or lifestyle means I won't get covered."
Reality: Lifestyle and occupation can be a factor, but our aim at laya life is to accept as many customers as possible. Once you answer our underwriting questions honestly and to the best of your ability, we'll give you a clear decision and our best price in minutes.
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The Bottom Line
If there's one thing I want you to take from this, it's that life insurance in Ireland doesn't have to be expensive, complicated, or something you put off until later. The best time to sort your cover is now, while you're younger and healthier - and the process is a lot simpler than you think.
JP Hughes, Head of laya life
