Insurance Choice

What it is

When you respond to UCAS offers, you pick a firm choice (your preferred course) and an insurance choice. The insurance option should require lower grades or more flexible entry criteria, giving you a safety net if your exam results drop.

If you meet your firm offer, you attend that university. If you miss it but satisfy the insurance conditions, UCAS automatically confirms the insurance course, so you still start university without going into Clearing.

Why it matters

Choosing insurance options carefully protects you from last-minute stress. It is especially helpful for adults balancing work, family, or visa timelines, because it reduces the risk of taking a full year off if results day does not go to plan.

Having a realistic insurance choice also keeps your Student Finance application on track. You simply update your course details if the insurance offer becomes unconditional, avoiding the rush of Clearing updates.

Common mistakes

• Picking two courses with identical grades: An insurance choice should feel achievable even if you underperform by a grade or two.
• Forgetting to research accommodation: If your insurance university is in another city, plan housing early so you are not scrambling later.
• Ignoring course content: Your insurance option should still excite you; otherwise you may lose motivation if it becomes your confirmed place.

How UniStart helps

Our advisors compare your predicted grades with historic entry data to suggest sensible insurance options. The app also keeps a log of accommodation and finance tasks for both firm and insurance choices so you are prepared either way.

Next steps

• Use the UniStart app to shortlist courses with varied grade requirements.
• Book a consultation to review how each option fits your long-term career goals.
• Read our UCAS timeline guide so you know when to confirm firm and insurance choices.