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UK Serious Illness: Protect Your Income

UK Serious Illness: Protect Your Income 2025

The UK's Hidden Crisis: Over 50% of Adults Never Regain Pre-Illness Income & Career Trajectory After Major Illness. Is Your LCIIP Shield Protecting Your Lifetime Earning Power?

UK 2025 Shock: Over 50% of Adults Who Face a Major Illness Never Regain Their Pre-Illness Income & Career Trajectory – Is Your LCIIP Shield Protecting Your Lifetime Earning Power?

A major health crisis is more than a medical event; it's a financial earthquake. For millions in the UK, it triggers a seismic shock that can permanently fracture their financial future. Projections for 2025, based on startling trends from Macmillan Cancer Support and the British Heart Foundation, reveal a devastating reality: more than half of working-age adults who survive a major illness like cancer, a stroke, or a heart attack will never see their income or career return to its previous trajectory.

This isn't just about a few months of lost pay. It's about a permanent, downward shift in your single greatest financial asset: your Lifetime Earning Power. This is the total income you can expect to earn from now until you retire. For a 40-year-old earning £50,000 a year, this asset could be worth over £1.3 million. Yet, it's an asset most of us leave completely uninsured.

While we diligently insure our homes, cars, and even our mobile phones, we often overlook the very engine that pays for it all. The question is no longer if you should protect your income, but how. This guide will introduce you to the "LCIIP Shield"—a powerful combination of Life Insurance, Critical Illness Cover, and Income Protection—and explain why it is the most critical financial defence you can build for yourself and your family in 2025.

The Unseen Financial Tsunami of a Major Illness

When a serious illness strikes, the immediate focus is on health and recovery. But in the background, a financial tsunami is gathering force, ready to sweep away savings, stability, and future plans. The impact goes far beyond the initial shock of a diagnosis.

The Sobering Reality of "Returning to Work"

The idea of a full recovery followed by a seamless return to your old job is, for many, a dangerous myth. The data paints a much starker picture. Studies consistently show a significant and often permanent financial downturn for those affected by serious illness.

Why does this "income scar" persist?

  • Phased Returns & Reduced Hours: Many can only return to work part-time, at least initially. This means an immediate and direct cut to their monthly pay packet.
  • Career Derailment: A year or more out of the workforce means missed promotions, lost opportunities, and skills that may become outdated. The career ladder you were climbing is suddenly gone.
  • Forced Career Changes: The physical or mental demands of a previous job (e.g., a manual labourer after a heart attack or a high-stress executive after a stroke) may no longer be feasible, forcing a move to a less demanding and lower-paid role.
  • Lingering Side Effects: Conditions like "chemo brain," chronic fatigue, or mental health struggles like anxiety and depression can impair performance and productivity for years after the "all-clear" is given.
  • Employer Perceptions: While illegal, subtle discrimination can occur, with employers being hesitant to entrust major responsibilities to someone they perceive as a health risk.

According to Macmillan Cancer Support, four in ten people are financially worse off after a cancer diagnosis, with the average loss of income being a staggering £860 a month. This isn't a temporary dip; it's a new, lower financial reality.

The Domino Effect on Your Finances

A serious illness doesn't just stop your income; it simultaneously increases your outgoings, creating a devastating financial pincer movement.

Immediate Costs (First 6-12 Months)Long-Term Financial Damage (Years 1-10+)
Lost Income: Statutory Sick Pay is just £116.75/week (2024/25 rates).Depleted Savings: Life savings wiped out to cover initial shortfalls.
Travel Costs: Frequent trips to hospitals for treatment and appointments.Increased Debt: Credit cards and loans used to pay for daily living.
Parking & Prescriptions: These small costs quickly accumulate.Mortgage/Rent Arrears: The single biggest threat to family stability.
Home Modifications: Ramps, stairlifts, or accessible bathrooms.Pension Crisis: Halting contributions starves your retirement fund.
Private Treatment: To bypass long NHS waits, costing tens of thousands.Impact on Family: A partner may have to reduce hours to become a carer.

Consider Sarah, a 45-year-old marketing director and mother of two. She suffers a stroke. Her employer's sick pay covers her for six months. After that, her income stops completely. Her recovery is slow, and while she survives, she's left with cognitive fatigue that makes her high-pressure job impossible.

She eventually finds a part-time administrative role, but her income has fallen from £80,000 to just £22,000 a year. Their savings are gone, they've remortgaged the house, and the plans for their children's university education are in ruins. This is the reality the statistics describe.


Deconstructing the "LCIIP Shield": Your Three Layers of Protection

A comprehensive financial safety net isn't a single product. It’s a multi-layered shield designed to protect you from different angles of a financial assault. This is the LCIIP Shield: Life, Critical Illness, and Income Protection.

Layer 1: Life Insurance – The Foundation for Your Loved Ones

Life Insurance is the most well-known part of the shield. It's designed to pay out a tax-free lump sum to your beneficiaries if you pass away during the policy's term. Its primary purpose is to protect your dependents from the financial consequences of your death.

Who needs it? Anyone whose death would cause financial hardship for someone else. This includes people with:

  • A mortgage
  • Dependent children
  • A partner who relies on their income
  • Business partners or loans that would need to be repaid
Type of Life InsuranceHow It WorksBest For...
Level TermThe payout amount remains the same throughout the policy term.Covering an interest-only mortgage or providing a lump sum for family living costs.
Decreasing TermThe payout amount reduces over time, usually in line with a repayment mortgage.Protecting a mortgage. It's the most affordable type of life insurance.
Whole of LifeThe policy lasts for your entire life and guarantees a payout whenever you die.Covering funeral costs or mitigating an expected inheritance tax bill.

Layer 2: Critical Illness Cover (CIC) – The Financial First Responder

This is where we move from protecting others after your death to protecting yourself and your family during your life. Critical Illness Cover pays out a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of a list of predefined serious conditions.

Crucially, you don't have to die to receive the money. The payout is designed to act as a financial first responder, giving you a significant sum of money to deal with the immediate financial fallout of your diagnosis.

Common uses for a CIC payout:

  • Clear the mortgage: Removing the largest monthly outgoing provides immense relief.
  • Replace lost income: Provides a buffer for 1-2 years while you recover.
  • Pay for private treatment: Bypass waiting lists to get the best care, fast.
  • Fund home adaptations: Make your home suitable for your new needs.
  • Allow a partner to take time off work: Enables them to support you without financial penalty.

Modern policies cover a vast range of conditions, often over 50, but the "big three"—cancer, heart attack, and stroke—still account for the majority of claims. With Cancer Research UK predicting that 1 in 2 people in the UK will get cancer in their lifetime, CIC is moving from a "nice-to-have" to an essential.

Layer 3: Income Protection (IP) – The Monthly Salary Safeguard

If Critical Illness Cover is the lump-sum first responder, Income Protection is the long-term salary safeguard. Many financial experts consider it the most important financial protection product of all.

Income Protection pays out a regular, tax-free monthly income if you are unable to work due to any illness or injury. Unlike CIC, it's not tied to a specific list of conditions. If a doctor signs you off work for a medical reason—be it a bad back, stress, depression, or cancer—the policy can pay out.

Key features of Income Protection:

FeatureWhat It MeansWhy It Matters
Deferment PeriodThe waiting period before the policy starts paying out (e.g., 4, 13, 26, or 52 weeks).You can align this with your employer's sick pay policy to reduce your premium.
Benefit PeriodHow long the policy will pay out for (e.g., 1, 2, or 5 years, or until retirement age).A long-term policy provides the ultimate safety net against career-ending illness.
'Own Occupation' CoverThe best definition. It pays out if you are unable to do your specific job.Protects high-earners or specialists. Avoids 'any occupation' cover, which only pays if you can't do any job at all.

IP is the only policy that truly protects your long-term earning power. It replaces your salary month after month, year after year if necessary, allowing you to pay the bills, keep your pension contributions going, and maintain your family's lifestyle while you focus purely on getting better.


The UK in 2025: A Landscape of Rising Risk

The need for a robust LCIIP shield has never been greater. A perfect storm of economic and social factors is making UK households more financially fragile and more vulnerable to the shock of an illness than ever before.

Why We Are More Vulnerable Than Ever

  • Intense NHS Pressures: As of 2025, NHS waiting lists in England remain stubbornly high, with millions waiting for routine treatment. This has a direct financial consequence: a longer wait for surgery or treatment means a longer period off work, often on little or no pay. This pressure is driving more people to consider private healthcare, an expense a CIC payout is perfectly designed to cover.
  • The Post-Pandemic Economy & Cost of Living: The economic shocks of the last few years have eroded the UK's financial resilience. ONS data shows that household savings ratios have fallen sharply. Families have less of a cash buffer to weather a storm, meaning an income shock that might have been manageable five years ago is now catastrophic.
  • The Evolving Workforce: The rise of the "gig economy" and self-employment means millions of workers have no access to employer sick pay. For a freelancer, delivery driver, or consultant, if you don't work, you don't get paid. There is no safety net. Income Protection is not an optional extra for this group; it is their only form of sick pay.

Illness Doesn't Discriminate: The "Big Three" in 2025

While we often think of serious illness as something that happens to other, older people, the statistics tell a different story.

  • Cancer: Every two minutes, someone in the UK is diagnosed with cancer. Survival rates have doubled in the last 50 years, which is a medical triumph. However, it creates a new challenge: millions are now living with and beyond cancer, dealing with the long-term financial and physical consequences.
  • Heart and Circulatory Diseases: The British Heart Foundation reports that over 7.6 million people in the UK live with these conditions. Worryingly, there are an estimated 100,000 hospital admissions each year for heart attacks, and they are increasingly affecting people under the age of 50.
  • Stroke: There are over 100,000 strokes in the UK each year—that's one every five minutes. The Stroke Association highlights that over a third of strokes happen to people of working age. Recovery can be a long, arduous process, often leaving survivors unable to return to their former careers.

The message is clear: survival is now more likely, but living with the aftermath is the new battleground. And it’s a battle that requires financial resources.

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Building Your Personalised LCIIP Shield: A Step-by-Step Guide

Protecting your future doesn't have to be complicated. By following a logical process, you can build a shield that is tailored to your specific needs and budget.

Step 1: Assess Your "Lifetime Earning Power" Risk

First, you need to understand what's at stake. Calculate a rough estimate of your lifetime earning power:

(Your Current Annual Gross Salary) x (Number of Years Until Your Planned Retirement Age)

For example, a 35-year-old earning £45,000 who plans to retire at 67 has a lifetime earning power of £1,440,000. This is the asset you are protecting. It pays for your home, your holidays, your children's future, and your retirement.

Next, use this checklist to assess your financial vulnerability:

  • Do I have a mortgage or significant debts?
  • Does anyone (a partner, children) depend on my income?
  • Do I have less than 6 months of essential expenses in savings?
  • Does my employer provide less than 12 months of full sick pay?
  • Am I self-employed or a contractor with no sick pay?

If you answered "yes" to two or more of these questions, your financial exposure to a major illness is high.

Step 2: Calculate How Much Cover You Really Need

There are no one-size-fits-all answers, but here are some industry-standard rules of thumb to guide you:

Protection TypeRecommended Cover Level
Life InsuranceEnough to clear the mortgage, all other debts, plus a lump sum of ~10x your annual salary for family living costs.
Critical Illness CoverEnough to clear major short-term debts (e.g., car loans, credit cards) and provide 1-2 years' worth of your net salary to give you breathing space.
Income ProtectionAim to cover 50-65% of your gross (pre-tax) monthly income. The benefit is paid tax-free, so this should equate to your normal take-home pay.

Step 3: Navigating the Application Process with an Expert

Applying for protection insurance involves a process called underwriting, where the insurer assesses your risk based on your age, health, lifestyle (e.g., smoker/non-smoker), and occupation. It is absolutely vital to be completely honest on your application form. Failing to disclose a past medical issue could invalidate your policy, meaning the insurer could refuse to pay a claim.

This is where expert guidance is crucial. The market is vast, and policies differ hugely in their definitions and payout triggers. Navigating this can be complex. That's where an expert broker like WeCovr becomes invaluable. We help you compare policies from all the major UK insurers, from Aviva and Legal & General to Vitality and Zurich. We ensure you understand the terms and find the most suitable cover for your unique circumstances, saving you time and potentially thousands of pounds.


Common Myths and Misconceptions Debunked

Many people put off buying protection because of persistent myths. Let's separate fact from fiction.

MythThe Reality
"Insurers never pay out."This is the most damaging myth. In 2023, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) confirmed that 97.3% of all protection claims were paid out, totalling a record £6.85 billion. Insurers want to pay valid claims.
"I'm too young and healthy."Illness and injury can strike at any age. In fact, buying cover when you are young and healthy is the best time to do it, as your premiums will be significantly lower and you are less likely to have medical exclusions.
"I have sick pay from work."Check your contract carefully. A "generous" scheme might only be 6 months full pay, followed by 6 months half pay. What happens at month 13? An Income Protection policy is designed to kick in exactly when employer sick pay runs out.
"The state will look after me."The state safety net is far less generous than people assume. The main benefit, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), is around £90.50 per week for a single person after an assessment period. Could your family survive on ~£360 a month?
"It's too expensive."A lack of cover is what's truly expensive. The cost of a comprehensive LCIIP shield is often a tiny fraction of your monthly income—far less than a daily coffee or a TV subscription. A broker can help tailor a plan to fit almost any budget.

Beyond the Payout: The Hidden Benefits of Modern Protection

Today's protection policies are about more than just a cheque. Insurers now bundle a wealth of value-added services, accessible from the moment your policy starts, designed to support your health and wellbeing.

These often include:

  • 24/7 Virtual GP: Get a GP appointment via phone or video call, often within hours, without leaving your home.
  • Mental Health Support: Access to confidential counselling and therapy sessions for issues like stress, anxiety, and depression.
  • Second Medical Opinion: If you receive a serious diagnosis, you can have your case reviewed by a world-leading expert to confirm the diagnosis and treatment plan.
  • Rehabilitation Support: Practical and financial support to help you get back on your feet and back to work after an illness or injury.

At WeCovr, we believe in supporting our clients' holistic wellbeing. That’s why, in addition to finding you the best policy, we provide our customers with complimentary access to CalorieHero, our proprietary AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. It’s our way of going the extra mile, helping you proactively manage your health long before you might ever need to claim.


Case Study: How Mark's LCIIP Shield Saved His Family's Future

The Persona: Mark is a 48-year-old IT consultant, earning £70,000 a year. He's married to Chloe, a part-time teacher, and they have two children, 14 and 16. They have a £250,000 repayment mortgage.

The Event: While on a work call, Mark suffers a major stroke. He survives, but is left with significant left-sided weakness and speech difficulties. He is told he will likely never be able to return to his demanding, client-facing role.

Scenario A: The Unprotected Future Mark's employer pays him for 6 months. Then, his income vanishes. They rely on Chloe's small salary and quickly burn through their £10,000 in savings. The mortgage payments become a monthly crisis. They cancel holidays and clubs for the kids. Chloe considers taking a second job, but Mark needs her support at home. The stress is immense, and they face the terrifying prospect of having to sell their family home. Mark's rehabilitation is hampered by constant financial anxiety.

Scenario B: The LCIIP Shield in Action Years earlier, after a consultation with WeCovr, Mark put a protection plan in place.

  1. Critical Illness Cover: His £150,000 policy pays out a tax-free lump sum within weeks of his stroke. They immediately use £120,000 to pay down their mortgage, reducing their monthly payments by over £700. They use another £10,000 for private speech and physiotherapy to accelerate his recovery. The remaining £20,000 sits as an emergency fund, eliminating their financial anxiety.
  2. Income Protection: Mark's employer sick pay ends after 6 months. His Income Protection policy, with its 26-week deferment period, kicks in seamlessly. It starts paying him £3,500 tax-free every month. This replaces the majority of his lost salary, covering their new, lower mortgage payment and all their essential bills.
  3. The Result: The financial crisis is completely averted. The family's standard of living is maintained. Chloe can focus on supporting Mark and the children without having to work extra hours. Mark can dedicate all his energy to his rehabilitation, free from the crushing weight of financial stress. His LCIIP shield didn't just protect his finances; it protected his family's way of life and gave him the best possible chance of recovery.

Your Future is Worth Protecting. Take the First Step Today.

Your ability to get up every day and earn a living is the engine that powers your entire life. It is an asset worth millions, yet it is the one we most often leave exposed to the devastating risk of a serious illness.

The trends for 2025 are a clear warning: surviving a major illness is only half the battle. Winning the financial fight that follows requires foresight and preparation. The LCIIP Shield—Life Insurance, Critical Illness Cover, and Income Protection—is not an expense. It is a fundamental investment in your financial security and your family's future.

Don't let a health shock become a lifelong financial crisis. The peace of mind that comes from knowing you are protected is invaluable. Take the first, most important step today.

Talk to an expert who can help you assess your personal risk and build a shield that’s right for you. The friendly team at WeCovr is here to provide specialist, no-obligation advice. We'll help you compare plans and prices from across the entire UK market to secure your lifetime earning power and protect everything you've worked so hard to build.


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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