Over the the past 10 years there has been a major rise in households comprising unmarried couples with dependent children (35.8%), same sex cohabiting family units (40%) and single parent families (14.8%).

Sainsbury’s Life Insurance analysis of government data reveals that these modern family units are less likely than married couples to have life insurance or critical illness cover to protect their loved ones financially in the event of death or serious illness.

While 37% of married couples living with children have life insurance, only 32% of single parent families and 31% of unmarried parents living with children do.

The research also suggests that only around 23% of those living in same sex partnerships have life insurance, and only an estimated 39% have life and/or critical illness cover, significantly less than married couples, 50% of whom have life and/or critical illness cover.

“Worryingly, our research suggests modern family units are much less likely to protect their dependents with life insurance or critical illness cover than the traditional notion of a stereotypical family,” said Helen Williams, head of Sainsbury’s life insurance.

“Whatever the make-up of your family, it’s important to ensure you and your dependants are financially protected. Having life insurance and critical illness cover gives you peace of mind that if you or your partner dies or cannot work due to illness, you could have one less thing to worry about at a difficult time.”