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UK Health Gap: Your LCIIP Lifeline

UK Health Gap: Your LCIIP Lifeline 2025

The UK's 19-Year Health Gap: Why Living Longer Often Means More Years in Ill Health

The UK's 19-Year Health Gap: Why Living Longer Means More Years in Ill Health & Your Financial Lifeline

We are living in an age of unprecedented medical achievement. Breakthroughs in science and healthcare mean that people in the United Kingdom are living longer than ever before. But beneath this celebratory headline lies a far more sobering reality: we may be adding years to our life, but we are not necessarily adding life to our years.

This is the UK’s great longevity paradox. The startling truth is that a significant portion of our extended lifespan is now spent battling chronic illness, disability, and poor health. This creates a vast and growing "health gap" – the difference between our total life expectancy and our healthy life expectancy.

According to the latest analysis from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), this gap can be as wide as 19 years. Imagine working your whole life, looking forward to retirement, only to spend nearly two decades of it constrained by health problems.

This isn't just a health crisis; it's a looming financial one. An extended period of ill health can dismantle a lifetime of financial planning with frightening speed. In this definitive guide, we will unpack the UK's health gap, explore its profound financial consequences, and explain how a robust financial safety net – built from Life Insurance, Critical Illness Cover, and Income Protection (LCIIP) – can be your most vital lifeline.

Deconstructing the Health Gap: A Closer Look at the Numbers

To truly grasp the scale of the issue, we need to understand two key terms:

  • Life Expectancy (LE): The average number of years a person is expected to live from birth.
  • Healthy Life Expectancy (HLE): The average number of years a person is expected to live in a state of "good" or "very good" health, based on self-assessment.

The difference between these two figures is the amount of time the average person can expect to spend in poor health. The latest ONS data for 2025 paints a stark picture.

UK Life Expectancy vs. Healthy Life Expectancy (2025 Projections)

MetricMalesFemalesThe Gap
Life Expectancy at Birth79.3 years83.1 yearsN/A
Healthy Life Expectancy at Birth62.8 years63.9 yearsN/A
Time Spent in Poor Health16.5 years19.2 years~19 Years

Source: Projections based on Office for National Statistics (ONS) data.

What does "poor health" mean? It’s not just about life-threatening diseases. It encompasses a wide spectrum of conditions that limit daily activities and diminish quality of life, including:

  • Musculoskeletal conditions: Arthritis, chronic back pain, and other joint problems are the leading cause of years lived with disability in the UK.
  • Cardiovascular diseases: Conditions like heart disease and the after-effects of a stroke.
  • Mental health disorders: Depression, anxiety, and stress are now major contributors to long-term work absence.
  • Metabolic diseases: Type 2 diabetes is on the rise and brings a host of potential complications.
  • Respiratory illnesses: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma.

The Postcode Lottery of Health

This health gap isn't uniform across the country. Where you live has a dramatic impact on how long you live, and how healthily you live. This "postcode lottery" reveals deep-seated inequalities.

For instance, a man living in the affluent London borough of Richmond upon Thames can expect to live in good health for 71.1 years. In stark contrast, a man in Blackpool can expect just 54.9 years of good health – a staggering 16.2-year difference. The disparity for women is equally pronounced, with a 15.6-year gap between the best and worst-performing areas.

This regional variation underscores that health outcomes are shaped not just by individual choices, but by wider socio-economic factors, access to services, and local environment.

Why is the Gap Widening? The Modern Pressures on UK Health

Several converging factors are contributing to this trend of living longer but in poorer health. Understanding them is key to appreciating the risks we all face.

1. The Triumph and Challenge of Modern Medicine We are exceptionally good at keeping people alive. Advances in pharmaceuticals, surgery, and diagnostics mean that conditions that were once a death sentence – like a heart attack or many cancers – are now often manageable, long-term conditions. While this is a medical miracle, it means more people are living for many years with a serious illness, directly contributing to the years spent in poor health.

2. The Rise of Lifestyle-Related Chronic Illness Our modern environment and lifestyles are fuelling an epidemic of chronic disease.

  • Obesity: According to NHS Digital, over 25% of adults in England are obese, and a further 38% are overweight. Obesity is a major risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, and joint problems.
  • Sedentary Behaviour: Millions of us spend our working days at a desk and our leisure time on the sofa. The government estimates that physical inactivity costs the UK economy £7.4 billion annually and is responsible for one in six deaths.
  • Mental Health: The conversation around mental health has opened up, but the scale of the problem is immense. The ONS reports that around 1 in 5 adults experienced some form of depression in early 2021, a figure that has remained stubbornly high. Stress, depression, and anxiety are now the leading cause of work-related illness in the UK.

3. A Stretched Healthcare System The NHS is a national treasure, but it is under unprecedented strain. While it provides exceptional emergency and acute care, it faces significant challenges in managing the rising tide of chronic illness.

  • Waiting Lists: As of 2025, millions of people are on NHS waiting lists for consultations and procedures. Delays in treatment can lead to conditions worsening, prolonging pain and disability.
  • Access to GPs: Getting a timely GP appointment can be difficult, hindering early diagnosis and effective management of ongoing conditions.
  • Shift in Focus: The entire healthcare system is pivoting from treating acute episodes to managing long-term conditions, a complex and resource-intensive task.

This combination of factors creates a perfect storm: we are more likely to develop a chronic illness, we are more likely to live with it for a long time, and we may face delays in getting the care we need. The financial consequences of this reality can be devastating.

The Hidden Cost: The Financial Domino Effect of Long-Term Illness

A serious illness or injury doesn't just attack your body; it attacks your financial stability. The financial shockwaves can be felt for years, often pushing families to the brink.

The Income Shock

For most people, the most immediate and damaging impact is the loss of income. If you are unable to work for an extended period, the safety nets are far less robust than many assume.

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP): This is the legal minimum employers must pay. For 2025, it stands at a meagre £116.75 per week, and it only lasts for a maximum of 28 weeks. After that, it stops.

Let's put that into perspective. The average UK monthly mortgage payment is over £1,100. SSP provides around £505 per month. It is simply not enough to cover essential living costs for the vast majority of households.

The Expenditure Explosion

While your income plummets, your expenses often increase dramatically.

  • Medical Costs: While the NHS is free at the point of use, there are many associated costs. This can include prescriptions (in England), specialist therapies not available on the NHS (e.g., physiotherapy, counselling), and even seeking private consultations to bypass long waiting lists.
  • Home & Vehicle Adaptations: A long-term condition may require significant changes to your living environment, such as installing a stairlift (£1,500 - £5,000+), converting a bathroom into a wet room (£4,000 - £10,000+), or purchasing an adapted vehicle.
  • Increased Household Bills: Being at home more means higher utility bills. Travel costs for frequent hospital appointments can also add up.
  • Care Costs: You may need to pay for private care at home, which can range from £20-£30 per hour.

The Ripple Effect on Your Family

The financial strain rarely affects just one person. It sends ripples across the entire family.

  • A Partner's Sacrifice: A spouse or partner may have to reduce their working hours or give up their job entirely to become a carer, slashing household income even further.
  • Depleted Savings: Families are forced to raid their savings, ISAs, and other investments – funds that were earmarked for retirement, university fees, or a house deposit.
  • Retirement in Jeopardy: A long-term illness in your 40s or 50s can completely derail your retirement plans. Not only are you unable to make pension contributions, but you may be forced to draw on your pension pot early, significantly reducing your income in later life.

Case Study: The Financial Reality of a Health Crisis

Meet Mark, a 48-year-old self-employed electrician and father of two. He suffers a serious stroke, leaving him with partial paralysis and unable to work.

  • Income: His income immediately drops to zero. As he's self-employed, he isn't even entitled to Statutory Sick Pay. He must apply for state benefits, a process that is complex and can take months. The amount he receives is a fraction of his previous earnings.
  • Expenses: His wife, a part-time teaching assistant, has to take unpaid leave to help with his initial recovery. They use their £15,000 savings to cover the mortgage and bills for the first six months. They need to adapt their home, but the local authority grant has a long waiting list, so they pay £5,000 for a stairlift themselves.
  • Long-Term Impact: Mark is unable to return to his physically demanding job. His wife remains on reduced hours to support him. They have stopped contributing to their pensions and worry about how they will support their children through university. Their financial future has been irrevocably altered.

Mark's story is a powerful illustration of how quickly a health crisis can become a financial catastrophe without a private safety net in place.

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Your Financial Lifeline: An Introduction to LCIIP

While we cannot always control our health, we can control how prepared we are for the financial consequences of illness. This is where protection insurance comes in. Life Insurance, Critical Illness Cover, and Income Protection are not "nice-to-haves"; in the face of the 19-year health gap, they are essential components of modern financial planning.

They form a three-pronged defence:

  1. Income Protection (IP): Protects your monthly income.
  2. Critical Illness Cover (CIC): Provides a lump sum to handle major expenses and create breathing space.
  3. Life Insurance: Protects your family's financial future if the worst should happen.

These policies are designed to pay out when you need them most, providing the funds to keep your life on track while you focus on your recovery. At WeCovr, we help our clients navigate these options to build a robust financial safety net tailored to their unique circumstances and budget.

Income Protection: The Foundation of Your Financial Security

If you could only choose one type of protection insurance, a strong argument could be made for Income Protection. Why? Because your ability to earn an income is your single most valuable asset.

What is it? Income Protection (also known as permanent health insurance or PHI) is a policy that pays a regular, tax-free monthly income if you are unable to work due to any illness or injury.

Why it's the bedrock of protection: It's designed to replace a significant portion of your lost salary, typically 50-70%. This monthly payment continues until you are able to return to work, the policy term ends (usually at your chosen retirement age), or you pass away. It covers almost any illness or injury that prevents you from doing your job, from a bad back or severe stress to cancer or a stroke.

Key Features of Income Protection Explained

Understanding these features is vital to getting the right cover.

  • The Deferment Period: This is the waiting period between when you stop working and when the policy starts paying out. It can be set from as little as one day to as long as 12 months. The longer the deferment period you choose, the lower your premium. You should aim to align it with any sick pay you receive from your employer.
  • The Definition of Incapacity: This is arguably the most important part of any IP policy. It defines the criteria you must meet to receive a payout. There are three main types:
    • Own Occupation: The gold standard. The policy pays out if you are unable to do your specific job. An office worker with a serious hand injury, for example, could claim even if they could technically work in a call centre. Always aim for this definition.
    • Suited Occupation: The policy pays out if you can't do your own job or any other job you are suited to based on your skills and experience. This is less comprehensive.
    • Any Occupation: The most basic and restrictive. It only pays out if you are so incapacitated that you cannot perform any kind of work at all. This definition should generally be avoided.
  • Payment Period: Most comprehensive policies will pay out right up until your chosen retirement age (e.g., 67). Some cheaper, short-term policies may only pay out for a limited period, such as 1, 2, or 5 years per claim.

Income Protection vs. Statutory Sick Pay: A Comparison

FeatureStatutory Sick Pay (SSP)Typical Income Protection Policy
Weekly Payout£116.75 (approx. £505/month)50-70% of your gross salary (e.g., £1,667/month on a £40k salary)
Payment DurationMaximum 28 weeksUntil you return to work or retire
Conditions CoveredAny illness preventing workAny illness or injury preventing work (subject to policy T&Cs)
Tax StatusTaxableTax-free

The difference is stark. Income Protection provides a meaningful, long-term replacement for your salary, allowing you to maintain your lifestyle and meet your financial commitments.

Critical Illness Cover: A Lump Sum When You Need It Most

While Income Protection shields your monthly budget, Critical Illness Cover is designed to deal with the large, one-off costs and financial shocks that a serious diagnosis can bring.

What is it? Critical Illness Cover (CIC) pays out a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of a list of specific serious illnesses defined in the policy.

How it differs from Income Protection: It provides a single, large payment rather than a regular income. The payout is triggered by the diagnosis of a specified condition, not necessarily your inability to work. You could be diagnosed with cancer, receive a payout, and continue working through your treatment.

What can the lump sum be used for? The money is yours to use as you see fit. People commonly use it for:

  • Clearing a mortgage or other debts: Removing your biggest monthly outgoing provides immense financial and psychological relief.
  • Paying for private medical treatment: Bypassing NHS waiting lists for surgery or accessing specialist drugs not available on the NHS.
  • Adapting your home: Making your living space comfortable and accessible.
  • Replacing lost income for a partner: Allowing a spouse to take time off work to support you.
  • Creating a financial cushion: Giving you the freedom to work reduced hours or take an extended period off to recover fully, without financial worry.

Modern policies are incredibly comprehensive. While most claims are for the "big three" – cancer, heart attack, and stroke – a typical policy will now cover 50-100+ conditions, including things like multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, major organ transplant, and permanent blindness or deafness. Many also include partial payments for less severe conditions, providing a financial boost at an early stage of an illness.

Life Insurance: Protecting Your Loved Ones' Future

The final piece of the protection puzzle is Life Insurance. While IP and CIC are designed to protect you during your lifetime, Life Insurance is about protecting your dependents after you are gone.

What is it? A policy that pays out a specified sum of money to your beneficiaries upon your death.

Who needs it? If anyone relies on you financially, you need life insurance. This includes:

  • People with children.
  • Those with a partner who relies on their income.
  • Anyone with a mortgage or large joint debts.
  • Business owners who want to protect their business or partners.

Key Types of Life Insurance:

  • Level Term Assurance: You choose a lump sum amount and a term (e.g., £250,000 over 25 years). If you die within that term, the policy pays out the full £250,000. This is ideal for family protection, providing a sum to replace your income.
  • Decreasing Term Assurance: The amount of cover reduces over time, usually in line with a repayment mortgage. It's a cheaper way to ensure your mortgage is paid off if you die.
  • Whole of Life Assurance: This policy has no term and is guaranteed to pay out whenever you die. It's more expensive and is typically used for covering a future Inheritance Tax bill or leaving a guaranteed legacy.

A crucial step for any life insurance policy is to place it "in trust". This is a simple legal arrangement that means the payout goes directly to your chosen beneficiaries, bypassing your estate. This makes the payment much faster (avoiding probate) and ensures it is almost always free from Inheritance Tax.

Building Your Personalised Protection Portfolio

These three types of cover are not mutually exclusive; they work together to create a comprehensive shield. The right mix for you depends on your personal circumstances.

Scenario 1: The Single Renter (28)

  • Priority: Income Protection. With no dependents or mortgage, her main risk is losing her income. An IP policy will ensure she can pay her rent and bills if she's unable to work.

Scenario 2: The Young Family (35 & 33)

  • Priority: A multi-layered approach.
    • Life Insurance: Decreasing term cover to clear the mortgage, and level term cover to provide a family income until the children are independent.
    • Income Protection: For both partners, to ensure the household can still function if one is off work long-term.
    • Critical Illness Cover: A lump sum policy to clear the mortgage or provide a financial buffer if either of them is diagnosed with a serious condition.

Scenario 3: The Self-Employed Tradesperson (45)

  • Priority: Income Protection is critical. With no employer sick pay, any time off work means zero income. An 'own occupation' policy is vital. Critical Illness Cover would also be highly valuable to cover costs and provide options if a diagnosis meant they could no longer do their physically demanding job.

Navigating the complexities of different insurers and policy wordings can be daunting. That's why working with an expert broker like us at WeCovr is so valuable. We compare the entire market to find the combination of policies that offers the best protection for your budget and needs.

Common Questions & Misconceptions Answered (FAQ)

Q: Isn't this kind of insurance really expensive? A: It's often more affordable than people think. The cost depends on your age, health, occupation, and the level of cover. A healthy 30-year-old could secure meaningful income protection for the price of a few weekly coffees. The real question is: can you afford not to have it?

Q: I've heard insurers never pay out. Is that true? A: This is one of the biggest myths in finance. The reality is that the vast majority of claims are paid. According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), in 2023, 97.3% of all protection insurance claims were paid out, totalling over £6.8 billion. The main reason for a claim being declined is non-disclosure – not being honest about your health and lifestyle on the application form.

Q: I have cover through work, isn't that enough? A: Employer-provided cover is a great perk, but it often has significant limitations.

  • It's rarely 'own occupation' cover.
  • The benefit may be less generous than a personal plan.
  • Crucially, the cover ceases the moment you leave your job, potentially leaving you uninsured when you might need it most. A personal policy belongs to you, regardless of your employer.

Q: I'm young and healthy. Why should I get it now? A: That is the best time to get it. Premiums are at their lowest when you are young and healthy. Waiting until you are older or have developed a health condition will make it significantly more expensive, or you may even be unable to get cover at all.

Taking the Next Step: Secure Your Financial Future Today

The 19-year health gap is a statistical reality of modern life in the UK. While we all hope for a long and healthy retirement, the data shows that millions of us will face a long period of ill health. The financial devastation this can cause is not a matter of chance; it is a predictable risk.

You insure your car, your home, and your holiday. But your most important asset – your ability to earn an income and provide for your family – is often left completely exposed.

A well-structured portfolio of Life Insurance, Critical Illness Cover, and Income Protection is the most effective and affordable way to neutralise this risk. It is a proactive declaration that you will not let an illness or injury derail your life's plans. It provides peace of mind, knowing that if the worst happens, the money will be there to see you and your family through.

Don't leave your financial health to chance. Talk to one of our friendly, expert advisors at WeCovr today for a no-obligation review of your protection needs. We make the complex simple, ensuring you and your family have the right lifeline in place, whatever life throws at you.


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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