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UK Income Protection Gap £4.5M Health Risk

UK Income Protection Gap £4.5M Health Risk 2025

UK 2025 Shock: Over 1 in 3 Working Britons Face £4.5M Lifetime Income Loss From Debilitating Health Not Covered by Critical Illness – Is Your IP Shield Ready?

The single greatest asset for most people in the UK isn't their home, their car, or their savings. It's their ability to earn an income. Week after week, year after year, your salary builds your life, pays your mortgage, and secures your family's future. Now, imagine it stops. Not for a month, but for years, or even forever.

This isn't a remote possibility. A looming 2025 health and income crisis reveals a shocking reality: more than one in three working Britons will experience a period of sickness or injury lasting six months or more during their career. For many, this could trigger a lifetime income loss spiralling into millions. A high-earning couple, for instance, could collectively forfeit over £4.5 million in potential earnings.

The most dangerous assumption is that existing safety nets like Critical Illness cover or state benefits will be enough to catch you. They won't. A vast and growing number of long-term absences are caused by conditions that traditional lump-sum insurance policies simply don't cover, from debilitating back pain to severe mental health struggles.

This is the UK's Income Protection Gap. It’s a multi-million-pound risk hiding in plain sight. This guide will expose the true scale of the threat and provide the definitive solution: building a robust Income Protection (IP) shield to safeguard your financial future.

The Staggering Scale of the UK's Health & Income Crisis

The numbers paint a stark and urgent picture. The UK is grappling with unprecedented levels of long-term sickness, and the financial consequences for individuals and families are devastating.

8 million people of working age are economically inactive due to long-term sickness. This figure has surged by over 700,000 since the pandemic, highlighting a profound shift in the nation's health.

The reasons for this surge are complex and multifaceted, but they point directly to the limitations of other insurance products. These are not just the "big three" critical illnesses (cancer, heart attack, stroke); they are chronic, persistent conditions that prevent people from performing their jobs.

Most Common Reasons for Long-Term Work Absence (ONS, 2025 Data)

Condition GroupPrimary Issues% of Long-Term Sickness Cases
Mental HealthDepression, stress, anxiety, burnout~35%
MusculoskeletalChronic back/neck pain, arthritis, joint issues~30%
Other ConditionsLong Covid, chronic fatigue, neurological disorders~20%
"Classic" Critical IllnessCancer, heart disease, stroke~15%

This table reveals the crucial truth: a staggering 85% of long-term work absences stem from conditions that would not typically trigger a Critical Illness payout. This is the chasm that millions are at risk of falling into.

The £4.5 Million Blind Spot

Let's break down the potential lifetime income loss. The figure isn't hyperbole; it's a conservative calculation of what's at stake.

  • A Single Earner on an Average Salary: The median UK full-time salary is approximately £35,000. Over a 40-year career, with modest 2% annual pay rises, the total lifetime earnings are just over £2.1 million.
  • A Higher Earner: A professional earning £75,000 a year stands to make over £4.5 million in their lifetime, assuming similar career length and pay growth.
  • A Professional Couple: Two partners each earning £50,000 a year have a combined lifetime earning potential of over £6 million.

Losing your ability to work at age 40 means forfeiting decades of these earnings. State benefits, as we'll see, provide a mere fraction of this, leaving a catastrophic financial gap. This is the risk you are insuring against with Income Protection – the potential loss of millions of pounds that form the bedrock of your financial life.

The Critical Illness Cover Misconception: Why It's Not a Safety Net for Your Salary

Many people believe that having a Critical Illness (CI) policy is sufficient protection. This is a dangerous and costly misunderstanding. Whilst CI cover is an incredibly valuable part of a financial protection plan, it serves a completely different purpose to Income Protection.

Critical Illness cover is designed to pay out a one-off, tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of a specific list of serious medical conditions defined in your policy.

Think of it as financial first aid. The lump sum is invaluable for:

  • Paying off a mortgage or other large debts.
  • Funding specialist medical treatment or home modifications.
  • Allowing a period of financial breathing space for you and your family to adjust.

However, its limitations are what create the protection gap.

  1. It only covers specific illnesses. If your condition isn't on the insurer's list (and meets their precise definition), it won't pay out. As we've seen, the most common causes of long-term absence, like chronic back pain or stress, are almost never covered.
  2. It's a one-time payment. Once the lump sum is paid, the policy ends. If you're unable to work for a decade, that money has to last. It is not designed to be a long-term salary replacement.

Income Protection, by contrast, is designed to do one thing perfectly: replace your monthly income. It pays out a regular stream of tax-free cash if any illness or injury prevents you from doing your job.

Income Protection vs. Critical Illness Cover: A Head-to-Head Comparison

FeatureIncome Protection (IP)Critical Illness (CI)
PurposeReplaces lost monthly incomeProvides a one-off lump sum for financial shock
Payout TypeRegular monthly paymentsSingle, tax-free lump sum
Conditions CoveredAny medically-justified inability to workOnly specific, defined serious illnesses on a list
Benefit DurationCan pay for years, even until retirementPayout is a single event; policy then ends
Typical UseCovering bills, rent/mortgage, daily livingPaying off debts, funding treatment, major life changes

Real-Life Scenarios: Where the Difference Matters

  • Scenario 1: Mark, the IT Consultant with Burnout. Mark, 42, suffers from severe anxiety and burnout, signed off work by his GP for nine months. His CI policy offers no help as burnout isn't a specified critical illness. However, his Income Protection policy kicks in after his 3-month deferred period, paying him £3,000 a month. This covers his mortgage and bills, allowing him to focus entirely on recovery without financial stress.

  • Scenario 2: Chloe, the Graphic Designer with a Repetitive Strain Injury. Chloe, 35, develops a severe case of RSI in her wrist and hand, making it impossible to use a mouse and keyboard. This condition, while debilitating, is not a critical illness. Her Income Protection policy, with an 'own occupation' definition, recognises she cannot do her specific job and begins paying a monthly benefit, supporting her through physiotherapy and retraining.

  • Scenario 3: David, the Electrician who has a Heart Attack. David, 55, has a major heart attack. His Critical Illness policy pays out a £75,000 lump sum, which he uses to clear his mortgage. He also has an Income Protection policy. After his six-month sick pay from his employer ends, his IP policy starts paying him a monthly income. This combination is the gold standard: the CI clears his biggest debt, and the IP replaces his day-to-day salary for the two years he needs to fully recover.

What is Income Protection Insurance? Your Personal Financial Shield Explained

Income Protection is perhaps the most fundamental and powerful form of insurance you can own. In simple terms, it's a policy that acts as your substitute salary if you become medically unable to work.

It's designed to provide peace of mind, ensuring that your essential financial commitments can be met, no matter what health challenges you face. To make an informed choice, you need to understand the key components that make up a policy.

Key Features of an Income Protection Policy

  1. The Benefit Amount: This is the monthly, tax-free sum you receive. You can typically insure up to 50-70% of your gross (pre-tax) income. The reason it's not 100% is twofold: firstly, the payout is tax-free, so it's more comparable to your net pay. Secondly, it provides a financial incentive to return to work when you are medically able.

  2. The Deferred Period: This is the agreed waiting period between when you first become unable to work and when the policy starts paying out. It can range from as little as one week to as long as 12 months.

    • How to choose: Align it with any employer sick pay you receive. If your company pays you in full for 3 months and half-pay for a further 3, a 6-month deferred period is ideal. The longer the deferred period, the lower your monthly premium.
  3. The Benefit Period (or Payment Period): This determines how long the policy will continue to pay out for a single claim.

    • Short-Term: These policies typically pay out for 1, 2, or 5 years per claim. They are cheaper but offer limited protection for a truly long-term or permanent condition.
    • Full-Term (or 'To Retirement Age'): This is the most comprehensive option. The policy will continue to pay you every month until you recover, die, or reach your chosen policy end age (e.g., 65 or 68). This is the 'gold standard' of income protection.
  4. The Definition of Incapacity: This is arguably the most critical part of any IP policy. It defines the criteria the insurer will use to assess your claim.

    • Own Occupation: The best definition. The policy will pay out if you are unable to perform the material and substantial duties of your specific job. For a surgeon with a hand tremor or a teacher with voice loss, this is vital.
    • Suited Occupation: The policy pays out only if you are unable to do your own job or another job for which you are reasonably suited by way of education, training, or experience.
    • Any Occupation / Activities of Daily Living (ADL): The most restrictive and least recommended definitions. They only pay out if you are so severely incapacitated that you cannot perform any work at all, or are unable to complete a number of basic daily tasks (like washing, dressing, or feeding yourself).

Always aim for an 'Own Occupation' policy. An expert adviser, like our team at WeCovr, will prioritise finding you this superior level of cover.

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The State Can't Save You: The Reality of Statutory Sick Pay and Benefits

A common and perilous belief is that, should the worst happen, the state will provide a sufficient financial safety net. The reality is profoundly different. The support offered by the government is designed for basic subsistence, not to maintain your lifestyle or cover significant financial outgoings like a mortgage.

Let's look at the hard figures for 2025.

1. Statutory Sick Pay (SSP): If you are employed and fall ill, your employer is required to pay you SSP as a minimum.

  • Amount: Projected to be around £118 per week in 2025.
  • Duration: Paid for a maximum of 28 weeks.
  • The Reality: For someone earning the average UK salary of £35,000 (£673 per week), SSP represents a staggering 82% pay cut. It is simply not enough to cover the average rent, let alone a mortgage and household bills.

2. State Benefits after SSP: Once SSP ends after 28 weeks, you may be able to claim Universal Credit (UC) or the New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

  • Amount: For a single person over 25, the standard allowance for UC is around £393 per month (approx. £90 per week). You might get more if you have children or are assessed as having 'limited capability for work', but the amounts are still minimal.
  • The Reality: These benefits are often means-tested, meaning any savings you have or a partner's income could reduce or eliminate your eligibility. They are designed to prevent destitution, not to replace your salary.

Your Income vs. State Support: A Stark Comparison

Let's take a typical monthly budget for a family with a mortgage and compare it to state support.

OutgoingTypical Monthly CostCovered by £118/week SSP? (£511/month)Covered by UC? (c. £393/month)
Mortgage/Rent£1,200
Council Tax£180
Utilities (Gas, Elec, Water)£250
Food & Groceries£500Partially
Transport/Car£200
Total Essentials£2,330£1,819 SHORTFALL£1,937 SHORTFALL

As the table clearly shows, relying on state support leads to an immediate and catastrophic financial crisis. It's the difference between staying in your home and facing repossession; between stability and spiralling debt. Income Protection is the only mechanism designed to bridge this vast gap.

Who Needs Income Protection the Most? (Spoiler: Almost Everyone)

Whilst everyone who relies on an income to live should have this cover, the need is particularly acute for certain groups who are more financially exposed.

  • The Self-Employed, Contractors & Freelancers: This group is the most vulnerable. With no access to employer sick pay, their income stops the very day they can no longer work. An IP policy is not a luxury for them; it is an essential business continuity tool.
  • Homeowners & Parents: A mortgage is often the largest financial commitment a family has. The responsibility of keeping a roof over your children's heads and providing for them doesn't diminish when you get sick. IP ensures these non-negotiable costs are met.
  • High Earners: The higher your income, the greater the financial fall. State benefits represent a tiny fraction of a high earner's salary, making the lifestyle adjustment impossibly severe. IP protects the standard of living you have worked hard to achieve.
  • Renters: Not owning a home doesn't remove the risk. Rent is a fixed, essential monthly cost. Falling into arrears can lead to eviction and damage your credit rating for years, making it harder to secure housing in the future.
  • NHS & Public Sector Workers: Many public sector employees benefit from generous sick pay schemes, often 6 months on full pay followed by 6 months on half pay. This is a fantastic benefit, but it creates a 'one-year cliff edge'. What happens in month 13? An IP policy with a 12-month deferred period can be incredibly cost-effective, designed to kick in precisely when employer support runs out, providing crucial long-term security.

How WeCovr Can Help You Build Your Income Protection Shield

Navigating the world of Income Protection can feel complex. With dozens of providers, different policy terms, and fine print to decipher, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. This is where expert, independent advice becomes invaluable.

At WeCovr, we are specialists in the UK protection market. Our role is to act as your expert guide, simplifying the process and ensuring you get the right cover for your unique circumstances, at the best possible price.

Here’s how we help:

  1. A Personalised Assessment: We start by listening. We take the time to understand your occupation, income, family commitments, existing sick pay, and budget. This forms the blueprint for your protection plan.

  2. Demystifying the Options: We explain the key choices – benefit amount, deferred period, payment period, and the crucial definition of incapacity – in plain English. We ensure you understand exactly what you are buying.

  3. Whole-of-Market Comparison: As an independent broker, we are not tied to any single insurer. We compare policies and premiums from all the UK's leading providers, including Aviva, Legal & General, Royal London, The Exeter, LV=, and Vitality, to find the optimal solution for you.

  4. Hassle-Free Application: We handle the paperwork and liaise with the insurer on your behalf, making the application process as smooth and efficient as possible. We are there to help you get your policy 'in force' and your future secured.

And our commitment to your wellbeing goes further. We believe that supporting your health is just as important as protecting your finances. That's why all WeCovr customers receive complimentary access to our exclusive AI-powered calorie tracking app, CalorieHero. It’s our way of providing extra value and encouraging a healthy lifestyle, helping you on your journey to total wellbeing.

Decoding the Cost: What Influences Your Income Protection Premiums?

One of the biggest myths about Income Protection is that it's unaffordable. In reality, a comprehensive policy often costs less than a daily cup of coffee. The premium you pay is personally calculated based on your specific risk profile and the level of cover you choose.

Here are the main factors that determine the cost:

  • Your Age: The younger you are when you take out a policy, the cheaper it will be. Premiums rise with age, so locking in a price early saves you money over the long term.
  • Your Health and Lifestyle: Insurers will ask about your medical history, your family's medical history, and your lifestyle choices. Non-smokers pay significantly less than smokers, for example.
  • Your Occupation: Insurers group jobs into 'occupation classes' based on risk. A desk-based office worker (Class 1) will pay a much lower premium than a manual labourer or scaffolder (Class 4) due to the lower risk of injury and illness.
  • The Benefit Amount: The more income you want to cover each month, the higher the premium.
  • The Deferred Period: This has a major impact on price. A policy with a 13-week deferred period will be more expensive than one with a 52-week period. The longer you can wait, the more you save.
  • The Benefit Period: A short-term policy paying out for 2 years is cheaper than a full-term policy that pays until retirement. However, full-term cover offers far greater security.
  • Premium Type:
    • Guaranteed Premiums: The price is fixed for the life of the policy and will not change unless you alter your cover. This is excellent for budgeting.
    • Reviewable Premiums: The insurer can review and increase your premiums over time, usually every 5 years. While they may start cheaper, they can become very expensive in the long run. We typically recommend guaranteed premiums for peace of mind.

Example Monthly Premiums for IP Cover

The table below gives an illustration of monthly costs for a healthy, non-smoking office worker seeking £2,000 per month of cover with a full-term benefit period (to age 67) and an 'Own Occupation' definition.

Age13-Week Deferred Period26-Week Deferred Period
30~£28 per month~£22 per month
40~£45 per month~£36 per month
50~£80 per month~£65 per month

These are illustrative figures only. Your actual premium will depend on your individual circumstances.

The key takeaway is that for a modest monthly outlay, you can secure a guaranteed, tax-free income of £24,000 a year if you're unable to work. It's a small price to pay to protect a multi-million-pound asset.

Your Action Plan: Securing Your £4.5 Million Future Today

Understanding the risk is the first step. Taking decisive action is what truly protects you. Follow this simple plan to build your financial shield and close your personal income protection gap.

Step 1: Calculate Your Risk & Review Your Safety Nets

  • What's at stake? Use an online calculator or simply multiply your annual salary by the number of years you have left until retirement to see your potential lifetime earnings.
  • What have you got? Check your employment contract. How many weeks or months of full and half sick pay do you get?
  • How long can you last? Review your savings. How many months could you survive on your savings alone if your income stopped tomorrow?

Step 2: Define Your Needs

  • Work out your essential budget. How much money do you need each month to cover your mortgage/rent, bills, food, and other non-negotiables? This is the minimum benefit you should aim for.
  • Choose your deferred period. Based on your employer sick pay and savings, decide on the most suitable waiting period. A longer period will lower your premium.
  • Decide on your benefit period. Whilst short-term plans are cheaper, the peace of mind that comes from a full-term policy that pays until retirement is unparalleled. This should be your goal.

Step 3: Get Expert, Independent Advice Navigating this market alone is fraught with risk. You could end up with the wrong definition of incapacity or a policy that doesn't meet your needs. Speaking to an independent adviser is crucial. At WeCovr, our specialists do the heavy lifting for you. We translate the jargon, compare the entire market to find the best value, and ensure your policy is perfectly tailored to your life.

Step 4: Don't Delay – Lock in Your Health and Age Procrastination is the biggest threat to your financial security. Every year you wait, the cost of cover increases. More importantly, a new health issue could arise at any time, potentially making cover more expensive or even unobtainable. The best time to secure your income is today, whilst you are young and healthy.

The Uninsurable Risk is Not Having a Plan

Your ability to earn an income over the next 10, 20, or 40 years is worth millions. It is the engine that powers your entire financial life. Yet for one in three Britons, that engine will stall due to an unexpected illness or injury.

The risk is not some distant, abstract concept. It's a clear and present danger highlighted by the UK's worsening long-term sickness crisis. Relying on luck, limited state benefits, or the wrong type of insurance is a gamble you cannot afford to take.

Income Protection is not just another insurance policy. It is a declaration that your family's security, your home, and your standard of living are not negotiable. It is the shield that makes your financial plan resilient against life's most unpredictable challenges.

Take control. Acknowledge the risk. Build your shield. Secure your multi-million-pound future today.


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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