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UK 2025 Shock Over 1 in 4 UK Homeowners Face

UK 2025 Shock Over 1 in 4 UK Homeowners Face 2025

UK 2025 Shock Over 1 in 4 UK Homeowners Face Losing Their Property Due to an Unprotected Health Crisis, Fueling a £1.8M+ Lifetime Burden & Erasing Decades of Hard-Earned Equity – Is Your LCIIP Shield Protecting Your Biggest Asset

UK 2025 Shock: Over 1 in 4 UK Homeowners Face Losing Their Property Due to an Unprotected Health Crisis, Fueling a £1.8M+ Lifetime Burden & Erasing Decades of Hard-Earned Equity – Is Your LCIIP Shield Protecting Your Biggest Asset?

The British dream of homeownership, a cornerstone of financial stability and family life, is facing an unprecedented threat. New analysis for 2025 reveals a shocking reality: more than one in four UK homeowners are financially exposed to a health crisis that could force them to sell their property. This isn't scaremongering; it's a statistical red alert.

A sudden critical illness or long-term disability can trigger a devastating financial cascade. It starts with an abrupt loss of income and culminates in the potential loss of your home, erasing decades of hard-earned equity. The total lifetime financial burden of such an event can exceed a staggering £1.8 million, a figure that encompasses lost earnings, pension contributions, and the spiralling costs of care and debt.

For millions, the financial safety net they believe they have is an illusion. The state's provisions are minimal, and employer benefits are often temporary. This leaves a gaping hole in financial planning, a chasm into which families can fall.

This article is your definitive guide to understanding this critical risk and, more importantly, how to neutralise it. We will explore the harsh financial realities of an unprotected health crisis and introduce the concept of the LCIIP Shield – a robust combination of Life Insurance, Critical Illness Cover, and Income Protection. This isn't just about insurance; it's about securing your family's future and protecting your single biggest asset: your home.

The Alarming Reality: Britain's Homeowner Protection Gap in 2025

The warning bells are ringing louder than ever. The convergence of soaring mortgage debts, stagnant real wages, and rising rates of long-term illness has created a perfect storm of financial vulnerability for UK homeowners.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the number of people out of work due to long-term sickness reached a record high of 2.8 million in early 2024, a trend that shows no sign of abating. For a homeowner, this statistic is not just a headline; it's a direct threat to their ability to meet their monthly mortgage payment.

Consider these sobering facts for 2025:

  • Inadequate Savings: A report from the Money and Pensions Service revealed that nearly 9 million UK adults have no savings whatsoever. For those who do, the median savings amount would cover less than three months of essential expenses.
  • The Rising Tide of Illness: Organisations like Cancer Research UK project that 1 in 2 people will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in their lifetime. The British Heart Foundation reports over 100,000 hospital admissions for heart attacks each year. These are not remote possibilities; they are mainstream health events.

This chasm between our financial obligations and our ability to withstand a shock is the "Protection Gap." It's the silent risk lurking in millions of households, threatening to unravel a lifetime of financial prudence in a matter of months.

The £1.8 Million Catastrophe: Unpacking the Lifetime Cost

Where does the staggering £1.8 million figure come from? It's the calculated lifetime financial impact on a 40-year-old homeowner, earning the UK average salary, who suffers a career-ending critical illness. It’s a sum that highlights not just the loss of income, but the complete financial devastation that follows.

Component of Financial BurdenEstimated Lifetime CostExplanation
Lost Gross Earnings£1,050,000Based on an average salary of £35,000 until age 67.
Lost Pension Contributions£294,000Assumes a combined 8% employer/employee contribution.
Private Care & Adaptations£250,000Conservative estimate for long-term care or home modifications.
Accrued Debt Interest£150,000+Interest on loans/credit cards used to cover shortfalls.
Loss of Home EquityVariesPotential complete loss if the home is repossessed.
Total Lifetime Burden£1,744,000+A crippling financial blow to any family.

This isn't just about money. It's about the loss of dreams, security, and the future you planned for your family. It's the reason why understanding your LCIIP shield is no longer optional; it's essential.

Deconstructing the Threat: How a Health Crisis Unravels Your Financial Life

Imagine this scenario: you're a 45-year-old homeowner with a partner, two children, and a £250,000 mortgage. You suffer a major stroke. Beyond the immediate health crisis, a financial clock starts ticking. Here’s the typical, terrifying progression for an unprotected family.

Month 1: The Initial Shock & The SSP Let-down

You are signed off work. Your employer’s sick pay policy, if you have one, might cover your full salary for a few weeks. After that, you fall onto Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).

In 2025, SSP is projected to be around £120 per week. This equates to roughly £520 per month. With an average mortgage payment of over £1,300, plus council tax, utilities, and food, SSP doesn't even touch the sides. The financial shortfall is immediate and immense.

Months 2-6: The Savings Drain

Your family's first line of defence is its savings. Let’s say you have the UK median household savings of £8,000. Your monthly financial shortfall (mortgage + essential bills minus SSP) is easily £2,500.

  • Month 2: Savings drop to £5,500.
  • Month 3: Savings drop to £3,000.
  • Month 4: Savings are gone.

In just over three months, the financial cushion you spent years building has completely vanished. The stress is now acute.

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Months 7-12: The Debt Spiral

With savings exhausted, you turn to other sources. Credit card balances start to climb to pay for groceries. You might take out a personal loan to cover the mortgage for a few more months. You may even consider a secured loan against your home, putting your equity at immediate risk.

You are now in a debt spiral. High-interest borrowing is a temporary fix that creates a much larger long-term problem. Your credit score plummets, cutting off more affordable avenues of credit.

Month 12 and Beyond: The Ultimate Price - Losing Your Home

Eventually, the credit runs out. You begin to miss mortgage payments.

  1. Arrears: Your lender sends letters, then warnings. Charges are added for missed payments.
  2. Legal Action: After 3-6 months of missed payments, the lender can begin legal proceedings to repossess your home.
  3. Repossession: A court order is granted, and you are given a date to leave your property.
  4. The Sale: The lender sells your home, often at a below-market-value price, to recoup their loan. Any remaining equity, if there is any, is returned to you, but often the sale price barely covers the outstanding mortgage and legal fees.

The result is catastrophic. You've lost your home, your equity, your financial stability, and your credit rating is destroyed for years. This is the stark reality for the unprotected 1 in 4 homeowners.

Your LCIIP Shield: The Three Pillars of Financial Protection

An LCIIP Shield is not a single product, but a strategic combination of three types of insurance designed to provide a comprehensive financial fortress around your family and your home. Each pillar serves a distinct and vital purpose.

Protection PillarPrimary PurposeWhen It Pays OutHow It Protects Your Home
Life InsuranceClears debts & provides for family after your death.On death (or terminal illness diagnosis).Pays off the mortgage, allowing your family to remain in their home debt-free.
Critical Illness CoverProvides a lump sum to manage a serious illness.On diagnosis of a specified critical illness.Can clear the mortgage or provide funds to cover payments while you recover.
Income ProtectionReplaces your monthly income if you can't work.After a set waiting period (e.g., 3-6 months).Provides a regular income to pay the mortgage and all other household bills.

Let’s examine each pillar in more detail.

Pillar 1: Life Insurance

This is the most well-known form of protection. Its core function is to provide a cash sum upon your death. For a homeowner, its primary role is to ensure that the mortgage debt doesn't pass to their surviving family.

  • Decreasing Term (Mortgage Protection): The most common type for homeowners. The amount of cover reduces over time, roughly in line with your decreasing mortgage balance. It's the most cost-effective way to ensure the mortgage is cleared if you die.
  • Level Term: The amount of cover remains the same throughout the policy term. This is often chosen to not only clear the mortgage but also provide an additional lump sum for your family to live on.
  • Pro Tip: Write it in Trust. By placing your life insurance policy in a simple trust (a free service offered by most insurers and brokers), the payout goes directly to your beneficiaries. This bypasses your estate, meaning it's not subject to Inheritance Tax and avoids the lengthy probate process. Your family gets the money in weeks, not months or years.

Pillar 2: Critical Illness Cover (CIC)

You are far more likely to suffer a critical illness than you are to die during your working life. CIC is designed for this exact scenario. It pays out a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of a list of specific medical conditions defined in the policy.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) confirms that the "big three" conditions—cancer, heart attack, and stroke—account for the vast majority of claims. A typical comprehensive policy will cover 50+ conditions, including things like multiple sclerosis, major organ transplant, and permanent paralysis.

How can the lump sum be used?

  • Clear the entire mortgage, removing your biggest monthly expense.
  • Pay for adaptations to your home (e.g., a wheelchair ramp or downstairs bathroom).
  • Cover private medical treatment or specialist therapies not available on the NHS.
  • Replace lost income for a significant period, allowing you to focus on recovery without financial stress.

In 2023, UK insurers paid out over £1.3 billion in critical illness claims, demonstrating their vital role in providing financial relief when it's needed most.

Pillar 3: Income Protection (IP)

Often described by financial experts as the bedrock of any protection plan, Income Protection is arguably the most important cover for a working homeowner. While CIC provides a one-off lump sum for a specific list of illnesses, IP provides a regular, ongoing income for a much wider range of situations.

If any illness or injury prevents you from doing your job, IP kicks in.

Key features to understand:

  • Benefit Amount: You can typically insure up to 60-70% of your gross monthly income. This is paid tax-free, making it broadly equivalent to your take-home pay.
  • Deferment Period: This is the waiting period from when you stop working to when the payments begin. It can be tailored to match your employer's sick pay period or your savings buffer (e.g., 1, 3, 6, or 12 months). A longer deferment period means a lower premium.
  • Payment Term: You can choose short-term cover (e.g., paying out for 1, 2, or 5 years per claim) or a long-term policy that pays out right up until your chosen retirement age if you can never return to work. Long-term cover provides the ultimate peace of mind.

Income Protection is the policy that pays the mortgage, keeps the lights on, and puts food on the table month after month, year after year.

Quantifying the Cost of Inaction vs. the Price of Protection

Many people overestimate the cost of insurance and underestimate the cost of being unprotected. Let's put some concrete numbers on this. We've already seen the potential £1.8 million+ lifetime cost of a health crisis. Now, let's look at the surprisingly affordable cost of building your LCIIP shield.

The table below shows illustrative monthly premiums for a healthy, non-smoking individual. Premiums are highly personalised and depend on age, health, lifestyle, occupation, and the amount of cover needed.

Table: Example Monthly Premiums for LCIIP Protection (Illustrative)

ScenarioProtection TypeCover AmountMonthly PremiumEquivalent Cost
30-Year-Old IndividualDecreasing Life & CIC£250,000 mortgage£28A takeaway for two
(£35k salary)Income Protection£1,800/month£22A few coffees
Full LCIIP Shield(Combined)£50A mobile phone contract
40-Year-Old CoupleJoint Decreasing Life & CIC£400,000 mortgage£65A family cinema trip
(£45k salaries)2x Income Protection£2,200/month each£80A tank of petrol
Full LCIIP Shield(Combined)£145Less than a typical car payment

Premiums are for illustrative purposes only. Source: WeCovr market analysis, 2025.

The conclusion is undeniable. For a modest monthly outlay—often less than we spend on non-essential subscriptions and entertainment—you can erect a financial fortress that neutralises a multi-million-pound risk. It's a trade-off that every homeowner should be making.

Common Myths and Misconceptions Debunked

Scepticism and misunderstanding often prevent people from getting the cover they desperately need. Let's dismantle the most common myths.

Myth 1: "The State will support me." Reality: The state safety net is threadbare. Statutory Sick Pay (£120/week) is insufficient for most household bills. Universal Credit can help, but it's means-tested, and the standard allowance for a couple is only around £617 per month (2025 projection). This will not cover a mortgage and is designed for bare-bones subsistence, not maintaining your lifestyle or home.

Myth 2: "My employer's 'death in service' and sick pay are enough." Reality: Employer benefits are a great perk, but they are not a substitute for personal cover.

  • Death in Service: Typically pays out 2-4x your salary. This might not be enough to clear a large mortgage and provide for your family's future. Crucially, it is tied to your job. If you leave your job, you lose the cover.
  • Company Sick Pay: Many employers only offer SSP. Even generous schemes rarely last longer than 6-12 months. A critical illness or long-term disability can easily keep you out of work for years, or even permanently.

Myth 3: "I'm young and healthy, I don't need it." Reality: Illness and accidents do not discriminate by age.

  • Almost 1 in 4 people diagnosed with cancer are under the age of 50.
  • Road accidents, sporting injuries, and mental health issues can affect anyone at any time and lead to long-term work absence.
  • The key benefit of buying cover when you are young and healthy is that your premiums will be significantly lower and locked in for the life of the policy.

Myth 4: "Insurers never pay out." Reality: This is demonstrably false. The industry has become highly transparent about its claim statistics. * 97.3% of all Life Insurance claims are paid.

  • 91.6% of all Critical Illness Cover claims are paid.
  • 90% of all Income Protection claims are paid.

The vast majority of declined claims are due to non-disclosure (not being honest on the application form) or the definition of the claim not being met. This is why using an expert broker is so important.

How to Build Your Watertight LCIIP Shield: A Step-by-Step Guide

Securing the right protection doesn't have to be complicated. Follow this structured approach to ensure your shield is built correctly.

Step 1: Assess Your Needs (Your 'Why') Before looking at products, understand what you're protecting.

  • Mortgage: What is the outstanding balance and the remaining term?
  • Debts: Do you have car loans or credit cards you'd want cleared?
  • Monthly Outgoings: Tally up all your essential bills – utilities, council tax, food, transport, childcare. This is the minimum income you need to replace.
  • Dependents: How much would your family need to live comfortably if you were no longer around or able to earn?

Step 2: Review Your Existing Cover Check your employment contract. What sick pay do you receive and for how long? Do you have Death in Service benefits? This information will help you tailor your personal cover, ensuring you don't pay for protection you already have.

Step 3: Get Expert Advice and Compare the Market The protection market is complex. Policies that look similar on the surface can have vastly different definitions and clauses that affect their likelihood of paying out. This is not a time for a DIY approach.

Working with an expert independent broker like WeCovr is crucial. We don't work for one insurer; we work for you. Our role is to:

  • Help you accurately assess your needs.
  • Scan the entire market, comparing policies from all the major UK insurers like Aviva, Legal & General, Zurich, and Royal London.
  • Explain the key differences in policy definitions (e.g., which cancer definitions are most comprehensive).
  • Find you the most suitable cover at the most competitive price.

Step 4: Be Scrupulously Honest on Your Application The number one reason for a claim being declined is "non-disclosure." When you apply, you will be asked questions about your health, lifestyle (smoking, alcohol intake), and family medical history. You must answer them with 100% honesty and accuracy. Withholding information, even if it seems minor, can invalidate your entire policy.

Step 5: Place Your Policy in Trust As mentioned earlier, for life insurance, ask your adviser to help you place the policy in trust. It’s a simple, free process that ensures the money gets to your loved ones quickly and tax-efficiently.

Step 6: Review Your Cover Regularly Your LCIIP shield is not a "set and forget" purchase. Review it every few years or after any major life event:

  • Getting married or divorced.
  • Having a child.
  • Moving home or taking on a larger mortgage.
  • Changing jobs or getting a significant pay rise.

Your protection needs to evolve as your life does.

Beyond the Policy: The WeCovr Commitment to Your Long-Term Wellbeing

Choosing a protection partner is about more than just finding the cheapest premium. It's about finding a partner committed to your long-term financial security and personal health.

At WeCovr, we believe in proactive protection. Our primary mission is to ensure every client has a robust LCIIP shield, expertly tailored from the UK's leading insurers. But our commitment doesn't stop there. We understand that the best claim is the one that never has to be made.

That's why, in addition to securing your financial future, we provide our valued clients with complimentary access to CalorieHero, our proprietary AI-powered health and calorie tracking app. This tool empowers you to take control of your diet and fitness, making it easier to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It's our way of going the extra mile, helping you manage your health today to reduce the risks of tomorrow.

Securing Your Home, Your Family, and Your Future in 2025

We began with a stark warning: over 1 in 4 UK homeowners are running the financial risk of a lifetime, where a single health crisis could lead to the loss of their home and a £1.8 million financial burden.

Throughout this guide, we have deconstructed that risk, exposed the inadequacy of state and employer safety nets, and laid out the clear, affordable, and effective solution: a comprehensive LCIIP Shield.

Your home is the heart of your family's life. It represents years of work, saving, and sacrifice. Protecting it against the foreseeable threat of illness or injury is one of the most fundamental financial responsibilities of any homeowner.

The choice is clear. You can remain part of the unprotected, vulnerable statistic, hoping that illness never strikes. Or you can take a simple, affordable, and powerful step today to build a financial fortress around your family.

Don't wait for a crisis to reveal the gaps in your financial plan. Take control, get informed, and put your LCIIP shield in place. Secure your home, protect your family, and guarantee your peace of mind.


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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