Page 1 of mortgage and life ins

me and my partner are currently buying a flat.we have been excepted for a mortgage and have been sorting out life insurence.i have been approved but my partner has been refused by all the major companys as he had cancer 8 years ago,two companies have said they will not insure him till he is 10years clear.just wondered if you have to have a life insurence policy when u have a mortgage or do they just like you to have one?we are going to get mortgage payment protection aswell but obviously that doesnt pay out like life insurence. i would be very greatful for peopls help and advice .thanx in advance