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The UK's Sick Span Shock

The UK's Sick Span Shock 2025 | Top Insurance Guides

The UK's Sick Span Shock: New 2025 Data Reveals Britons Face 15+ Years in Poor Health, Fueling a Staggering £4 Million+ Lifetime Financial Burden — Is Your LCIIP Shield Your Unrivalled Protection Against Years of Unexpected Health Costs?

It's a conversation no one wants to have, yet it's the most critical financial reality facing millions of Britons today. We meticulously plan for our retirement, save for our children's education, and dream of a long, fulfilling life. But what if a significant portion of that life—over 15 years, in fact—is spent battling poor health?

This isn't alarmist speculation. It's the sobering conclusion from startling new 2025 data projections. The gap between our total lifespan and our "healthspan" (the years we live in good health) is widening into a chasm. This 'Sick Span' is no longer a distant concern for the elderly; it's a looming reality for today's working-age population, bringing with it a devastating and previously uncalculated financial toll.

The lifetime cost of this extended period of ill-health can exceed a staggering £4.5 million. This figure encompasses lost earnings, private medical treatments, home modifications, and the crushing expense of long-term care. As the NHS grapples with unprecedented pressure, the illusion that the state will provide a comprehensive safety net is fading fast.

In this new landscape, the question is no longer if you need a financial shield, but what kind. Is your family's future truly secure against years of unexpected health costs? For a growing number of savvy Britons, the answer lies in a robust, multi-layered strategy: a Life, Critical Illness, and Income Protection (LCIIP) shield. This is your definitive guide to understanding the risk and securing your unrivalled protection.

Unpacking the 2025 'Sick Span' Data: A Sobering Reality

For decades, the headline story has been our increasing life expectancy. We are living longer than ever before. But beneath this celebratory statistic, a more troubling trend has emerged. The focus is now shifting from lifespan to healthspan—and the numbers are deeply concerning.

New analysis based on ONS (Office for National Statistics) and Public Health England trend data for 2025 paints a stark picture. Healthy Life Expectancy (HLE) is simply not keeping pace with overall life expectancy. The result is a protracted period of morbidity, or what we're calling the 'Sick Span'.

The Widening Gap: Life vs. Healthy Life Expectancy

MetricMale (at birth)Female (at birth)
Projected 2025 Life Expectancy80.1 years83.8 years
Projected 2025 Healthy Life Expectancy63.4 years63.9 years
The 'Sick Span'16.7 years19.9 years

Source: 2025 Projections based on ONS and PHE data trends.

These figures reveal an astonishing truth: a man born today can expect to spend nearly 17 years in a state of 'not good' health, whilst for a woman, it's almost 20 years. This is two decades of managing chronic conditions, dealing with pain, reduced mobility, and the mental strain that accompanies physical illness.

What's Driving This Health Crisis?

This isn't a single-factor problem. A perfect storm of societal and healthcare trends is contributing to the expansion of our 'Sick Span':

  • The Rise of Chronic Conditions: We are surviving illnesses that would have been fatal a generation ago, but we are living with their long-term consequences. Conditions like Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and musculoskeletal disorders (like arthritis and chronic back pain) are now managed over decades.
  • An Ageing Population: As the baby boomer generation moves into their 70s and 80s, the prevalence of age-related conditions is surging, placing an enormous burden on health and social care systems.
  • Unprecedented NHS Pressure: A landmark 2025 report from The King's Fund highlighted NHS waiting lists for elective procedures reaching over 8 million. This means longer waits for diagnostics, treatments like hip and knee replacements, and specialist consultations, forcing many to either endure a lower quality of life for longer or dip into their own pockets for private care.
  • Mental Health Epidemic: The link between physical and mental health is undeniable. * Lifestyle Factors: Despite public health campaigns, sedentary lifestyles and diets high in processed foods continue to contribute to obesity and related health problems from a younger age.

The reality is that spending a significant portion of our adult lives managing an illness is becoming the norm, not the exception. The financial implications of this new norm are nothing short of seismic.

The £4 Million+ Financial Black Hole: Deconstructing the Cost of Long-Term Illness

The figure is so large it's difficult to comprehend: a lifetime financial impact of over £4.5 million. This isn't just the cost of medicine; it's a multi-faceted financial catastrophe that can dismantle a family's security piece by piece.

Let's break down how we arrive at this devastating number. We'll use the example of a 45-year-old individual on an average UK salary who is forced to stop working due to a chronic illness, facing a 15-year 'Sick Span'.

1. The Annihilation of Income (£1.5M - £2.5M+)

This is the single largest component of the financial burden. A prolonged illness doesn't just pause your career; it often ends it prematurely.

  • Direct Loss of Salary: The average full-time salary in the UK in 2025 stands at approximately £38,000. Losing this income for 15 years before retirement amounts to £570,000 in lost earnings alone.
  • Loss of Career Progression: This figure doesn't account for promotions, pay rises, and bonuses. A conservative estimate of lost career progression could easily add another £200,000 - £300,000.
  • Loss of Pension Contributions: Forgetting to factor this in is a common mistake. An average employer pension contribution of 8% on a £38,000 salary is over £3,000 a year. Over 15 years, with compound growth, this represents a loss to the pension pot of £100,000 - £150,000.
  • Partner's Lost Income: The financial strain often requires a partner or spouse to reduce their working hours or leave their job entirely to become a full-time carer. A 2025 Carers UK report estimated that this "second-person impact" can cost a family an additional £30,000 per year, or £450,000 over the 15-year period.

2. The Soaring Costs of Care and Health (£1M - £2M+)

Whilst the NHS is our cherished safety net, it cannot cover everything, especially the costs associated with long-term living with a disability or illness.

  • Social Care Costs: This is the elephant in the room. The cost of domiciliary care (carers visiting you at home) can range from £25-£35 per hour. Just two hours of care per day can cost over £20,000 a year. Over 15 years, this can easily reach £825,000.
  • Private Medical Expenses: To bypass NHS waiting lists for consultations, MRI scans, or specific therapies not widely available, many are forced to go private. This could mean £250 for a single specialist consultation or £10,000 for a private knee replacement. Over a long-term illness, these costs can accumulate to £50,000 - £100,000.
  • Home & Vehicle Adaptations: Making a home accessible is a significant one-off cost. This can include a stairlift (£3,000-£6,000), a wet room conversion (£5,000-£10,000), ramps, and widened doorways. A wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) can cost upwards of £25,000 more than a standard car. The total cost can easily be £40,000 - £70,000.

A Hypothetical Breakdown of Lifetime Costs

Cost CategoryEstimated 15-Year CostNotes
Direct Lost Salary£570,000Based on £38k average salary.
Lost Career Progression£250,000Conservative estimate of missed pay rises.
Lost Pension Value£125,000Includes employer contributions & growth.
Partner's Lost Income£450,000If partner becomes a part-time/full-time carer.
Residential Care Costs£825,000Based on £55k/year average.
Private Health Top-Ups£75,000Consultations, physio, diagnostics.
Home/Vehicle Adaptations£55,000Stairlift, wet room, accessible car.
Increased Living Costs£45,000Higher utility bills, equipment, travel.
Total Potential Cost£2,395,000This is per person. For a couple, it's ~£4.79M

Disclaimer: These figures are illustrative estimates based on current 2025 data and projections. Individual circumstances will vary significantly.

The conclusion is inescapable. The financial consequences of the 'Sick Span' are life-altering. Relying on savings or the state is not a viable strategy.

The State Safety Net: Can You Rely on Statutory Sick Pay and Benefits?

When faced with a sudden inability to work, most people's first thought is of the support provided by the government. However, a closer look reveals a "safety net" that is stretched thin and wholly inadequate for managing a long-term health condition.

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP): The First, Faltering Step

For employees, the first line of defence is Statutory Sick Pay.

  • What is it? A minimum payment employers must provide to eligible employees who are off work sick.
  • How much is it? For 2025/26, the rate is projected to be around £118 per week.
  • How long does it last? For a maximum of 28 weeks.

Let's put that in perspective. The average weekly wage in the UK is over £650. SSP replaces less than 20% of that. It is designed for short-term absences, not life-changing illnesses. After 28 weeks, it stops completely.

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) & Universal Credit (UC): The Long, Hard Road

Once SSP ends, you must navigate the complex and often stressful benefits system. The main support comes from the "Work Capability Assessment" element of Universal Credit or "New Style" ESA.

  • The Assessment: You will be rigorously assessed to determine your "fitness for work." This process can be lengthy and emotionally draining.
  • The Payment: If you are deemed to have "Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity" (the highest level of sickness-related benefit), the maximum you can expect to receive is around £550 per month, including the standard UC allowance.

The Income Chasm: State Support vs. Real Life

Income SourceApproximate Weekly Amount (2025)% of Average Weekly Wage Covered
Average UK Full-Time Wage£654100%
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)£11818%
Universal Credit (Sickness)£137.5021%

The table makes the shortfall brutally clear. State benefits are designed to prevent absolute destitution, not to pay your mortgage, cover your bills, and maintain your family's standard of living. The gap between what the state provides and what a family needs to survive is a financial chasm. Relying on it as your Plan A is a catastrophic risk.

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Your LCIIP Shield: A Three-Pronged Defence Against Financial Ruin

If the state cannot protect you and the costs are too vast for savings, what is the answer? The solution is to build your own private financial fortress. A comprehensive Life, Critical Illness, and Income Protection (LCIIP) shield is the only strategy that directly addresses the financial realities of the UK's 'Sick Span'.

These three policies work together, each defending a different flank of your financial life.

1. Income Protection (IP): Your Monthly Salary Saviour

This is arguably the most important and least understood form of protection.

  • What it is: Income Protection provides a regular, tax-free monthly income if you are unable to work due to any illness or injury that your doctor signs you off for. It is not limited to a specific list of conditions.
  • How it works: You choose a percentage of your gross salary to cover (typically 50-70%). You also choose a "deferred period"—the time you're willing to wait before the payments start (e.g., 4, 13, 26, or 52 weeks). The longer the deferred period, the lower the premium. The policy can then pay out every month until you recover, die, or reach retirement age.
  • Why it's your #1 defence against the 'Sick Span': It directly replaces your lost salary, which is the single biggest financial hit. It pays your bills, covers your mortgage, and allows your family to function financially, month after month, year after year. It's the policy that tackles the long-term nature of modern illness head-on.

2. Critical Illness Cover (CIC): Your Lump Sum War Chest

  • What it is: Critical Illness Cover pays out a one-off, tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of a list of specific serious conditions defined in the policy. The "big three" are typically cancer, heart attack, and stroke, but modern policies can cover over 50 conditions, including MS, Parkinson's, and major organ failure.
  • How it works: Upon a qualifying diagnosis, the insurer pays you the money. You can use this capital for anything you see fit.
  • Why it's your vital capital injection: The lump sum from a CIC policy can be transformational at the point of crisis. It can be used to:
    • Clear your mortgage: Removing your biggest monthly outgoing overnight.
    • Pay for private treatment: Bypassing queues and accessing specialist care.
    • Fund home adaptations: Making your living space comfortable and accessible.
    • Create a buffer: Providing peace of mind and replacing lost savings.

3. Life Insurance: Your Final Act of Protection

  • What it is: Life Insurance (or life assurance) pays out a lump sum to your chosen beneficiaries if you pass away during the policy's term.
  • How it works: It's the simplest form of cover. You choose an amount and a term (e.g., £250,000 over 25 years to match your mortgage). If you die within that term, your family receives the payout.
  • Why it's the foundation of your shield: Whilst IP and CIC protect you during illness, life insurance protects your family after you're gone. It ensures that the financial damage caused by a long illness—depleted savings, outstanding debts—is not their final legacy. It provides the funds to clear debts, cover funeral costs, and provide for your children's future. Often, Critical Illness Cover is sold combined with Life Insurance.

Together, these three policies create a formidable, overlapping shield that protects your income stream, provides capital when it's most needed, and secures your family's future legacy.

Real-Life Scenarios: How LCIIP Works in Practice

The power of this protection is best understood through real-world examples.

Scenario 1: Amelie, a 48-year-old Graphic Designer

Amelie is a married mother of two who runs her own successful graphic design business. She is diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer.

Without an LCIIP Shield: The gruelling treatment means she cannot work. Her business income dries up instantly. Her husband has to take significant time off work to support her and the children, slashing the household income. They rely on their savings to cover the mortgage, but these are quickly exhausted. The stress of their financial situation is immense, hindering Amelie's recovery. They are forced to consider downsizing their home.

With an LCIIP Shield: Amelie had the foresight to work with a broker a few years prior.

  • Critical Illness Cover: Her £150,000 policy pays out within weeks of her diagnosis. They use £120,000 to clear the remaining mortgage on their family home. The other £30,000 is put aside for any unexpected costs and to give them breathing room. The financial pressure is lifted immediately.
  • Income Protection: After her chosen 13-week deferred period, her IP policy kicks in, paying her £2,500 tax-free every month. This replaces a significant chunk of her lost business income, allowing them to pay bills and maintain a sense of normality for the children. Amelie can focus 100% on her treatment and recovery.

Scenario 2: Ben, a 40-year-old Project Manager

Ben is fit and healthy until he suffers a major stroke. He survives but is left with significant mobility issues and cognitive difficulties, making a return to his high-pressure job impossible.

Without an LCIIP Shield: Ben receives SSP for 28 weeks. After that, he is moved onto Universal Credit, and the family's income plummets by over 70%. They fall behind on their mortgage payments. His wife is stretched between working full-time and caring for him. They cannot afford the intensive private physiotherapy that could improve his prognosis or the home adaptations he needs.

With an LCIIP Shield:

  • Critical Illness Cover: Ben's £100,000 CIC policy pays out. They use £20,000 for immediate home adaptations (a wet room and stairlift) and set aside £30,000 for a two-year intensive programme of private physiotherapy and occupational therapy. The rest pays off a large car loan and credit card debt.
  • Income Protection: Ben's policy was set to pay out until age 67. After his 6-month deferred period, it begins paying him £2,800 per month, tax-free. This payment will continue for the next 27 years if he is unable to return to work. His family is financially secure for the long term. He can contribute financially and retain his dignity, whilst his wife doesn't have the burden of being the sole earner.

Building your LCIIP shield is not a one-size-fits-all process. Getting it right requires careful thought and, ideally, expert guidance.

Key Questions to Ask Yourself:

  • How much cover do I need?
    • Life/CIC: A common rule of thumb is 10x your annual salary, or enough to cover your mortgage and other major debts.
    • IP: Cover enough to meet your essential monthly outgoings (mortgage, bills, food, travel).
  • What policy term is right?
    • For life and CIC, you typically want the term to last until your largest financial obligations, like a mortgage, are paid off or your children are financially independent.
    • For IP, you should always aim for cover that runs until your planned retirement age.
  • Which policy definitions matter most?
    • For CIC, the definitions are crucial. Does the policy pay out on diagnosis or on meeting a severity level? Does it include additional or partial payments for less severe conditions?
    • For IP, the definition of "incapacity" is key. "Own occupation" is the best definition, as it means the policy will pay out if you are unable to do your specific job.

The Power of an Expert Broker

The insurance market is complex, with dozens of providers all offering slightly different products. Trying to navigate this alone can be overwhelming and lead to costly mistakes. This is where a specialist independent broker like WeCovr is invaluable.

  • Whole-of-Market Access: Unlike going to a single insurer, we compare policies from all the UK's leading providers, including Aviva, Legal & General, Zurich, AIG, and Royal London.
  • Expert Advice: We don't just sell policies; we provide advice. We take the time to understand your unique circumstances, your budget, and your fears, and then recommend a tailored protection strategy. We handle the application process and fight your corner to ensure you get the best possible terms.
  • Beyond the Policy: At WeCovr, we believe in proactive wellbeing. That's why our clients receive complimentary access to our exclusive AI-powered calorie tracking app, CalorieHero. We're invested in helping you stay healthy, not just protecting you when you're not.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is protection insurance expensive? It's more affordable than you think. For a healthy 35-year-old, a comprehensive LCIIP shield could cost less than a daily coffee or a monthly takeaway. The cost of not having it is infinitely higher.

2. What if I have pre-existing medical conditions? Don't assume you can't get cover. An expert broker is essential here. We know which insurers are more lenient for certain conditions and can help present your application in the best possible light. You may face an increased premium or an exclusion on that specific condition, but you can still get valuable cover for everything else.

3. Do I really need all three types of cover? They perform different jobs. IP protects your income, CIC provides capital for large costs, and Life Insurance protects your family's legacy. Whilst having some cover is better than none, the combination of all three provides the most robust defence against the financial fallout of the 'Sick Span'.

4. Do insurers actually pay out? This is a common myth. The industry has worked hard to improve its reputation. According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), in 2023, a staggering 97.7% of all protection claims were paid out, amounting to over £7 billion. Insurers want to pay valid claims.

5. I'm self-employed, is this relevant for me? It's more relevant. You have no employer sick pay to fall back on. Your income stops the day you stop working. Income Protection is not just a 'nice to have' for the self-employed; it's an essential business continuity tool.

Don't Be a Statistic: Take Control of Your Financial Future Today

The evidence is clear and the projections are stark. The UK's 'Sick Span' is a real and present danger to the financial security of every family in the country. To live for 15, 20, or even more years in a state of poor health is a difficult emotional and physical challenge. To do so whilst facing a multi-million-pound financial crisis is unthinkable.

Relying on a dwindling state safety net or finite personal savings is a gamble you cannot afford to take. The only responsible course of action is to build your own fortress.

A comprehensive Life, Critical Illness, and Income Protection shield is not an expense; it is a fundamental investment in your family's stability and your own peace of mind. It is the one strategy that allows you to confront a health crisis by focusing on what truly matters—your recovery—not on how you will pay the bills.

The statistics are a warning, but they don't have to be your destiny. You have the power to act now, to put a shield in place that will stand firm when you need it most.


Why life insurance and how does it work?

What is Life Insurance?

Life insurance is an insurance policy that can provide financial support for your loved ones when you or your joint policy holder passes away. It can help clear any outstanding debts, such as a mortgage, and cover your family's living and other expenses such costs of education, so your family can continue to pay bills and living expenses. In addition to life insurance, insurance providers offer related products such as income protection and critical illness, which we will touch upon below.

How does it work?

Life insurance pays out if you die. The payout can be in the form of a lump sum payment or can be paid as a replacement for a regular income. It's your decision how much cover you'd like to take based on your financial resources and how much you'd like to leave to your family to help them deal with any outstanding debts and living expenses. Your premium depends on a number of factors, including your occupation, health and other criteria.

The payout amount can change over time or can be fixed. A level term or whole of life policy offers a fixed payout. A decreasing term policy offers a payout that decreases over the term of the cover.

With critical illness policies, a payout is made if you’re diagnosed with a terminal illness with a remaining life expectancy of less than 12 months. While income protection policies ensure you can continue to meet your financial commitments if you are forced to take an extended break from work. If you can’t work because you’ve had an accident, fallen sick, or lost your job through no fault of your own, income protection insurance pays you an agreed portion of your salary each month.

Income protection is particularly helpful for people in dangerous occupations who want to be sure their mortgage will always be covered. Income protection only covers events beyond your control: you’re much less likely to be covered if you’re fired from your job or if you injure yourself deliberately.

Questions to ask yourself regarding life insurance

Just ask yourself:
👉 Who would pay your mortgage or rent if you were to pass away or fall seriously ill?
👉 Who would pay for your family’s food, clothing, study fees or lifestyle?
👉 Who would provide for the costs of your funeral or clear your debts?
👉 Who would pay for your costs if you're unable to work due to serious illness or disability?

Many families don’t realise that life, income protection and critical illness insurance is one of the most effective ways to protect their finances. A great insurance policy can cover costs, protect a family from inheriting debts and even pay off a mortgage.

Many would think that the costs for all the benefits provided by life insurance, income protection insurance or critical illness insurance are too high, but the great news is in the current market policies are actually very inexpensive.

Benefits offered by income protection, life and critical illness insurance

Life insurance, income protection and critical illness insurance are indispensable for every family because a child loses a parent every 22 minutes in the UK, while every single day tragically 60 people suffer major injuries on the UK roads. Some people become unable to work because of sickness or disability.

Life insurance cover pays out a lump sum to your family, loved ones or whomever you choose to get the money. This can be used to secure the financial future of your loved ones meaning they would not have to struggle financially in the event of your death.

If it's a critical illness cover, the payout happens sooner - upon diagnosis of a serious illness, disability or medical condition, easing the financial hardship such an event inevitably brings.

Income protection insurance can be very important for anyone who relies on a pay check to cover their living costs, but it's especially important if you’re self-employed or own a small business, where your employment and income is a bit less stable. It pays a regular income if you can't work because of sickness or disability and continues until you return to paid work or you retire.

In a world where 1 in 4 of us would struggle financially after just four weeks without work, the stark reality hits hard – a mere 7% of UK adults possess the vital shield of income protection. The urgency of safeguarding our financial well-being has never been more palpable.

Let's face it – relying on savings isn't a solution for everyone. Almost 25% of people have no savings at all, and a whopping 50% have £1,000 or less tucked away. Even more concerning, 51% of Brits – that's a huge 27 million people – wouldn't last more than one month living off their savings. That's a 10% increase from 2022.

And don't even think about state benefits being a safety net. The maximum you can expect from statutory sick pay is a mere £109.40 per week for up to 28 weeks. Not exactly a financial lifeline, right?

Now, let's tackle a common objection: "But I have critical illness insurance. I don't need income protection too." Here's the deal – the two policies apply to very different situations. In a nutshell:

  • Critical illness insurance pays a single lump sum if you're diagnosed with or undergo surgery for a specified potentially life-threatening illness. It's great for handling big one-off expenses or debts.
  • Income protection, on the other hand, pays a percentage of your salary as a regular payment if you can't work due to illness or injury. It's the superhero that tackles those relentless monthly bills.

Types of life insurance policies

Common reasons for getting a life insurance policy are to:
✅ Leave behind an amount of money to keep your family comfortable
✅ Protect the family home and pay off the mortgage in full or in part
✅ Pay for funeral costs

Starting from as little as a couple of pounds per week, you can do all that with a Life Policy.

Level Term Life Insurance
One of the simplest forms of life insurance, level term life insurance works by selecting a length of time for which you would want to be covered and then deciding how much you would like your loved ones to receive should the worst happen. Should your life insurance policy pay out to your family, it would be in a lump sum amount that can be used in whatever way the beneficiary may wish.

Decreasing Term Life Insurance
Decreasing term life insurance works in the same way as level term, except the lump sum payment amount upon death decreases with time. The common use for decreasing term life cover is to protect against mortgage repayment as the lump sum decreases along with the principal of the mortgage itself.

Increasing Term Life Insurance
Increasing term life insurance aims to pay out a cash sum growing each year if the worst happens while covered by the policy. With increasing term life cover amount insured increases annually by a fixed amount for the length of the policy. This can protect your policy's value against inflation, which could be advantageous if you’re looking to maintain your loved ones’ living standards, continue paying off your mortgage in line with its repayment schedule and cover your children’s education fees.

Whole of Life Insurance
Whereas term life insurance policies only pay out if you pass away during their term, whole of life insurance pays out to your beneficiaries whenever this should happen. The most common uses for whole life insurance are to cover the costs of a funeral or as a vehicle for your family's inheritance tax planning.

Family Income Benefit
Family income benefit is a somewhat lesser-known product in the family of life insurance products. Paying out a set amount every month of year to your beneficiaries, it is the most cost-effective way of maintaining your family's living standards to an age where you'd expect them to be able to support themselves financially. The most common use would be for a family with children who are not working yet so are unable to take care of themselves financially.

Relevant Life Insurance
Relevant Life Insurance is a tax-efficient policy for a director or single employee. A simple level term life insurance product, it is placed in a specific trust to ensure its tax efficiency. The premiums are tax deductible and any benefit payable should a claim arise is also paid out tax free, which makes it an attractive product for entrepreneurs and their businesses.

Important Fact!

There is no need to wait until the renewal of your current policy.
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!

Why is it important to get life insurance early?

👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their life, income protection, and critical illness insurance cover in place before running into some serious issues. Critical illness and income protection insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.

👉 We insure our cars, houses, bicycles and even bags! Yet our life and health are the most precious things we have.

Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy life, income protection, critical illness and private medical health insurance can be made much simpler with the help of FCA-authorised advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of life insurance policies available in the market, including income protection, critical illness and other types of policies most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.

It certainly won't do any harm if you speak with one of our experienced FCA-authorised insurance partner experts who are passionate about advising people on financial matters related to life insurance and are keen to provide you with a free consultation.

You can discuss with them in detail what affordable life, income protection, critical illness or private medical health insurance plan for the necessary peace of mind they would recommend! WeCovr works with some of the best advisers in the market.

By tapping the button below, you can book a free call with them in less than 30 seconds right now:

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Any questions?

Life, income protection, and/or critical illness insurance are safety nets, very important at a difficult time. If anything happened to you before your cover ends, your life or critical illness insurance would pay a lump sum to your family and/or you (if you took a critical illness or income protection cover) to help cover the losses. Being diagnosed with a critical illness can be devastating, and it won't help matters to be also worrying about how you would cope financially. With a life, income protection, or critical illness policy, you can choose how much cover you need, how you want the policy to pay out, and whether you want cover for both you and your partner. Income protection insurance pays you a regular income if you can't work because of sickness or disability and continues until you return to paid work or you retire. Also known as permanent health insurance, it is quite important for anyone who relies on a paycheck to cover their living costs, but it's particularly important if you're self-employed or own a small business, where your income might be a bit less stable.

Life, income protection, and critical illness insurance pay out millions to families every day. Your expert will explain to you that you need to be honest and open when applying for your insurance.

If you're single with no dependants then it may be that you don't need life assurance. However, if you were to become seriously ill and unable to work, you may benefit from a critical illness or income protection policy. They can help you keep up to date with your rent, bills, food, and other expenses.

It's free to use WeCovr to find life, income protection, and critical illness insurance - we never charge you for quotes. Critical illness, income protection, and life insurance is an investment that pays many times over for you and/or your loved ones.

Life, income protection, and critical illness insurance are important financial products that insurance companies take a lot of care and diligence, so speaking to real human beings ensures that they understand your requirements fully so that you can get the right cover.

All of our partners are carefully vetted and authorised by the FCA, which means they are held to the highest standards that the FCA expects from them and treat all customers fairly!

Our insurance partners give us a few pounds when you take out a policy with one of their experts.

The cost of life insurance depends on several factors, including your age, occupation, health status, and the level of coverage you choose. Your life insurance policy is tailored to your needs, and the cost can vary based on the sum assured, policy term, and other factors.

Some life insurance policies offer an option to add critical illness cover as a rider or as a separate policy. This provides a lump sum payment if you are diagnosed with a critical illness covered by your policy, offering financial support during a difficult time.

Yes, life insurance is available to self-employed individuals to provide financial protection for their loved ones in the event of their death. It ensures that your family can maintain their standard of living and cover expenses such as mortgage payments, bills, and education costs.

If you outlive your life insurance policy and it expires without a claim, you will not receive any payout. Term life insurance policies are designed to provide coverage for a specific period, and once that period ends, the policy terminates without any residual value. However, you can typically renew or purchase a new policy if you still need coverage.

Critical illness insurance provides a lump sum payment if you're diagnosed with a serious illness covered by your policy, offering financial support during a difficult time. It can help cover medical expenses, mortgage payments, and other financial obligations while you focus on recovery.

Critical illness insurance covers a range of serious illnesses and medical conditions specified in your policy, such as cancer, heart attack, stroke, and organ failure. The lump sum payment can be used to cover medical treatment, ongoing care, and living expenses during your recovery.

The cost of critical illness insurance varies depending on factors such as your age, health status, lifestyle, and the level of coverage you choose. Our experts can provide personalised quotes to help you find affordable coverage.

Yes, you can have critical illness insurance alongside your health insurance coverage. Critical illness insurance provides additional financial protection specifically for serious illnesses, complementing your health insurance benefits.

Critical illness insurance policies typically have exclusions for pre-existing conditions and certain medical conditions not covered by the policy. It's essential to review the terms and conditions of your policy to understand what is and isn't covered.

Some critical illness insurance policies may provide coverage for recurring illnesses, while others may not. It's crucial to review the policy terms and understand the specific conditions under which you can make additional claims for recurring illnesses. Your insurer can provide more details on their coverage for recurring critical illnesses.

Yes, you can customise your life insurance policy to suit your individual needs and circumstances. Options may include choosing the sum assured, policy term, premium payment frequency, and additional riders for enhanced coverage.

If you miss a premium payment for your life insurance policy, your coverage may lapse, and your policy could be terminated. However, many insurers offer a grace period during which you can make the payment to keep your policy active. It's essential to contact your insurer to discuss your options if you're unable to make a payment.

Yes, you can typically change the beneficiary of your life insurance policy at any time by completing a beneficiary change form provided by your insurer. It's essential to keep your beneficiary designation up to date to ensure that the proceeds are distributed according to your wishes.

Term life insurance provides cover for a fixed period, such as 10, 20 or 30 years, and pays out a lump sum if you die during that time. It’s often chosen to protect a mortgage or to provide financial support while dependants still rely on your income. Whole-of-life insurance is designed to last for the rest of your life and guarantees a payout whenever you die, as long as premiums are maintained. It’s usually more expensive than term insurance and is sometimes used to help with inheritance tax planning or to leave a guaranteed legacy.

Some term life insurance policies offer the option to convert to a whole life insurance policy without the need for a medical exam or new underwriting. This conversion feature allows you to maintain coverage beyond the term of your policy and provides lifelong protection.

Some life insurance policies offer accelerated death benefits or living benefits that allow you to access a portion of the death benefit if you are diagnosed with a terminal illness. This feature provides financial assistance to help cover medical expenses and other costs during your final months.

While having savings can provide a financial cushion during tough times, income protection insurance offers additional security by replacing a portion of your income if you're unable to work due to illness or disability. It ensures that you can maintain your standard of living and cover essential expenses even if your savings are depleted.

Yes, self-employed individuals can claim income protection insurance if they're unable to work due to illness or disability. Income protection provides a regular income stream to replace lost earnings, helping self-employed individuals cover their living expenses and business costs during periods of incapacity.

The waiting period, also known as the elimination period, is the length of time you must wait after becoming unable to work due to illness or disability before you can start receiving benefits from your income protection insurance policy. Waiting periods typically range from 30 to 90 days, but longer waiting periods may result in lower premiums.

Income protection insurance is designed to provide financial support if you're unable to work due to illness or disability, not for redundancy. However, some policies may offer optional redundancy cover or unemployment cover as an additional benefit, providing a lump sum or monthly payments if you're made redundant.

The tax treatment of income protection insurance benefits depends on whether the premiums were paid with pre-tax or after-tax dollars. Benefits from policies funded with after-tax dollars are typically tax-free, while benefits from policies funded with pre-tax dollars may be subject to income tax. It's essential to consult with a tax advisor to understand the tax implications of your income protection insurance benefits.

Income protection insurance provides a regular income stream if you're unable to work due to illness or disability, while critical illness insurance provides a lump sum payment if you're diagnosed with a covered critical illness, such as cancer, heart attack, or stroke. Critical illness insurance offers financial support to cover medical expenses, living costs, or other obligations during your recovery.

Income protection insurance policies typically have a waiting period (also known as an elimination period) during which you do not receive benefits. If you become unable to work before this waiting period ends, you will not receive any income protection benefits until the waiting period has elapsed. It's important to have sufficient savings or other financial resources to cover your expenses during this initial period.

Many income protection insurance policies allow you to increase your coverage amount if your income rises, without the need for additional underwriting or medical examinations. This feature, sometimes called a 'guaranteed insurability option,' ensures that your coverage keeps pace with your increasing income and financial obligations.

The maximum age to purchase critical illness insurance varies depending on the insurer and the specific policy. While some insurers may offer critical illness insurance up to age 70 or beyond, others may have lower age limits. It's essential to check with insurers to determine their age eligibility criteria for purchasing critical illness insurance.

Whether you can get critical illness insurance if you have pre-existing conditions depends on the insurer's underwriting guidelines and the specific medical conditions. Some insurers may offer coverage with exclusions for pre-existing conditions, while others may decline coverage altogether. It's essential to disclose any pre-existing conditions when applying for critical illness insurance and discuss your options with insurers.

While health insurance provides coverage for medical expenses, critical illness insurance offers financial protection for broader expenses associated with a serious illness, such as lost income, household bills, and lifestyle changes. Critical illness insurance complements health insurance by providing additional financial support during a challenging time, ensuring that you can focus on recovery without worrying about financial burdens.

If you don't make a claim on your critical illness insurance during the policy term, you won't receive a benefit payout. However, having critical illness insurance provides peace of mind knowing that you're financially protected if you're diagnosed with a covered critical illness during the policy term. It's a form of financial preparation for unexpected events and offers valuable protection for you and your family.

If you outlive your critical illness insurance policy and don't make a claim for a covered critical illness during the policy term, the coverage will expire, and you won't receive a benefit payout. Critical illness insurance provides financial protection for a specific period, typically until a specified age or policy term, and offers peace of mind knowing that you're prepared for the unexpected.

Yes, many insurers offer optional riders or add-ons that you can add to your critical illness insurance policy for enhanced coverage. Common riders may include waiver of premium, which waives future premium payments if you become disabled, or return of premium, which refunds a portion of your premiums if you don't make a claim during the policy term. It's essential to review available riders with insurers to customise your coverage to meet your specific needs.

To make a claim on your critical illness insurance policy, you'll need to notify your insurer of your diagnosis and submit a claim form along with any required medical documentation, such as medical reports, test results, and physician statements. Once your claim is reviewed and approved by the insurer, you'll receive the lump sum benefit payment, which you can use to cover medical expenses, living costs, or other financial needs during your recovery.

As we age, the likelihood of encountering health complications increases for us all. In the event that you develop a severe medical condition, critical illness protection can assist with the expenses of crucial bills – enabling you to concentrate on recuperation or adjusting to your new health circumstance.

The typical expense of a Critical Illness protection policy will fluctuate based on aspects such as your age and medical background. As per our investigation, you can secure a policy starting from as low as £8 (for a non-smoking 21-year-old individual).

The most prevalent critical illnesses in the UK are cancer, cardiac arrest, and cerebrovascular accident (stroke).

Cancer is one of the primary causes for critical illness insurance claims in the UK. Cancer constitutes over 80% of critical illness cover claims for females and about 45% of critical illness claims for males.


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