Guide
Do your pension and life insurance go through your will?
A lot of people assume their will covers everything. It does not. Pensions and life insurance often pass outside it, to whoever is named on the paperwork.
Last reviewed 2 November 2026. General information, not legal advice. All guides
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Pensions
Most pensions are not part of your estate. When you die, the scheme trustees usually decide who gets any remaining benefits, guided by an expression of wish form you complete. If the form is out of date, the money can go to the wrong person, such as an ex-partner. The tax treatment of pensions on death is also changing from April 2027, so take advice on your plans.
Life insurance
A life insurance policy pays out to the person named or to the policy owner’s estate. A policy written in trust normally pays out faster, because it does not wait for probate, and may fall outside your estate for Inheritance Tax. Check how yours is set up.
What to do
- List your pensions and policies, and who is named on each.
- Update your nominations after marriage, divorce, births and deaths.
- Make sure they match your will and your wishes.
- Tell your family where the documents are.
We write wills and trusts, but we do not advise on pensions or insurance, so speak to a regulated adviser about those.
Quick answers
Common questions
Does my will control who gets my pension?
Usually not. The pension trustees normally decide, guided by your expression of wish form, so keep it up to date.
Is life insurance part of my estate?
It can be, if it pays to your estate. A policy written in trust normally pays directly to the beneficiaries instead, and may fall outside your estate for tax.
What happens if my ex is still named on my policy or pension?
They may receive the money, whatever your will says. Update your nominations as soon as your circumstances change.
Keep reading
Related guides
How does Inheritance Tax work in the UK?
Allowances, rates and how families reduce the bill.
What happens to your will if you divorce or separate?
What changes on separation and divorce, and what to update.
How often should you review your will?
The life events that mean your will needs another look.
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