blimey this is a bit technical
Barmaid - where are you
Insurance policies come in two flavours
they can be previously written in trust when they dont form part of the estate
or sort of normal when i think they do [form part of the estate]
These really are such technical questions that you should be paying a lawter for the correct advice
but first have a look at this
https://www.insolvencydirect.bis.gov.uk/TechnicalManual/Ch49-60/Chapter%2054/Part4/Part%204.htm#54.67
it will keep you off the streets for months .....
and after you have....
the answer to your question
// can creditors of the first person to die "take" any of the equity in the house? //
is that the rule of survivorship trumps bankruptcy for joint property
BUT the dissatisfied creditors CAN make an application to the court for a variation of this rule