Emerald Life

Emerald Life operates as the United Kingdom's first full-service insurance provider, specifically established to address the needs of under-represented and under-insured groups. The company was co-founded by Steve Wardlaw, who serves as Chairman, and Heidi McCormack, the CEO, launching its services in 2016 after two years of development. Initially, the firm concentrated on providing insurance solutions for the LGBT community, later expanding its inclusive ethos to encompass women and non-traditional families. Emerald Life's foundational mission is to ensure equality of experience in everyday dealings with insurance, health, and retirement for these diverse communities.

The company offers a comprehensive suite of insurance products designed to cater to various aspects of personal and family protection. Its offerings include Home & Contents Insurance, which provides cover for standard homes, coach houses, freeholder buildings, landlord properties, and unoccupied residences. Beyond property, Emerald Life also provides Pet Insurance, Wedding Insurance, Travel Insurance, and Term Life Insurance, ensuring a broad range of coverage options for its clientele. A key aspect of Emerald Life's approach is "The Emerald Difference," which highlights policy features tailored to its diverse customer base.

For instance, home insurance policies include cover for homophobic property damage and offer flexible options such as accidental damage. Wedding insurance provides substantial coverage, extending to three receptions and overseas weddings, and notably includes protection against wedding discrimination, alongside cover for pre-existing medical conditions where specific terms and conditions apply. Travel insurance is structured to accommodate single parents, groups, and diverse families, featuring 24/7 global medical emergency cover and, in most cases, no requirement to declare HIV. Pet insurance offers flexible levels of cover up to £12,000, allows for monthly instalments without additional charge, and includes a 10% multi-pet discount.

Emerald Life maintains a secure and confidential operational process, supported by specially trained staff equipped to interact with customers regardless of sexuality, gender, or family structure, thereby aiming to prevent assumptions and awkward situations. The firm also provides legal expenses cover for discrimination claims, reinforcing its commitment to its diverse client base. To ensure the delivery of high-quality products, Emerald Life partners with established names in the UK underwriting market. The company operates under the regulation of the Financial Conduct Authority and Lloyd's of London, upholding transparency and integrity in all its activities.

Additionally, customers have the option to direct a portion of their premium to charity at no extra cost. Emerald Life's core mission is to advocate for equality in the provision of insurance services, ensuring that the needs of the communities it serves remain central to its operations. The company's development process involved extensive consultation to meticulously tailor its services, from website design to call-centre scripts, to precisely meet the requirements of its community. It is important to note that Emerald Life operates exclusively as an insurance provider within the United Kingdom, focusing on personal and family insurance products.

The firm does not engage in the provision of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) or related services.