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UK Sick Pay Gap 2025: £550+ Weekly Income Shortfall

UK Sick Pay Gap 2025: £550+ Weekly Income Shortfall 2025

The UK's 2025 Sick Pay Shock: Half of Employees Face a £550+ Weekly Income Gap. Is Your LCIIP Shield Protecting Your Family from Financial Ruin?

UK 2025 Shock: Half of UK Employees Face a £550+ Weekly Income Gap on Statutory Sick Pay – Is Your LCIIP Shield Protecting Your Family from Financial Ruin?

Imagine your monthly income vanishes overnight. Not just for a week, but for months, or even years. Your mortgage payment is due, the fridge needs filling, and the energy bills keep climbing. The only financial support you receive is a meagre £120 a week. This isn't a dystopian fantasy; it's the harsh reality facing millions of UK employees in 2025.

New analysis reveals a staggering financial cliff edge. With projected average weekly earnings in the UK hovering around £700 in 2025, the government's Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) of approximately £120 a week creates a breathtaking income gap of over £580. For more than half of all working families, this isn't just an inconvenience; it's a direct path to financial ruin.

The state's safety net is now so threadbare it can barely cushion the fall. Relying on it is like using a plaster to mend a broken leg. In an era of high living costs and dwindling savings, an unexpected illness or injury is one of the single greatest threats to your family's financial stability.

But what if you could build a personal fortress around your finances? A multi-layered defence system designed to protect your income, your assets, and your family's future, no matter what health challenges arise. This is your LCIIP Shield: a powerful combination of Life Insurance, Critical Illness Cover, and Income Protection.

This definitive guide will deconstruct the 2025 income crisis, reveal the true cost of being ill, and show you exactly how to forge a robust LCIIP shield to ensure your family can thrive, not just survive.

The Unseen Financial Cliff Edge: A £580+ Weekly Problem for Millions

For decades, British workers have taken solace in the idea of a "safety net." If you fall ill, the system will catch you. But in 2025, this net is riddled with holes. The primary support mechanism, Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), has failed to keep pace with wages and the cost of living, creating a chasm between what families earn and what they receive when they need it most.

What Exactly is Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)?

SSP is the minimum amount employers in the UK are legally required to pay to eligible employees who are off work due to illness.

To qualify for SSP, an employee must:

  • Be classed as an employee and have done some work for their employer.
  • Have been ill for at least 4 days in a row (including non-working days).
  • Earn an average of at least the Lower Earnings Limit, which for 2025/26 is projected to be around £125 per week.
  • Follow their employer's rules for getting sick pay.

The crucial point is the amount. For the 2024/25 tax year, the SSP rate is £116.75 per week. With inflation, this is expected to rise to around £120 per week for 2025/26. It is paid for a maximum of 28 weeks.

The Shocking Maths: The 2025 Income Gap Exposed

Let's put that £120 figure into context. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported average weekly earnings were £682 in mid-2024. With modest wage inflation, a figure of £700 is a conservative projection for 2025.

The maths is simple, and it's terrifying.

Financial MetricProjected 2025 Figure
Average UK Weekly Earnings£700
Weekly Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)£120
Weekly Income Shortfall£580
Percentage of Income Lost83%

Imagine losing 83% of your income instantly. Could you pay your mortgage? Your rent? Your council tax? Your car finance? For the overwhelming majority of people, the answer is a resounding no. A 2024 report from the Money and Pensions Service highlighted that one in four UK adults have less than £100 in savings, leaving them catastrophically exposed.

Who is Most at Risk?

While this affects everyone, some groups are particularly vulnerable:

  • The Self-Employed and Gig Economy Workers: These individuals receive zero SSP. For the 4.25 million self-employed people in the UK, a day not worked is a day not paid, regardless of the reason.
  • Employees in Retail, Hospitality, and Social Care: These sectors often have a higher proportion of workers on lower incomes and are less likely to offer generous occupational sick pay schemes that top up SSP.
  • Younger Workers and Renters: This demographic typically has lower savings and higher proportional outgoings on rent, leaving very little buffer to absorb an income shock.
  • Single-Income Households: When the sole breadwinner is incapacitated, the financial impact is immediate and total.

The stark conclusion is that SSP is no longer a safety net; it's a statistical footnote. Relying on it is not a financial plan; it's a gamble with your family's future.

The Domino Effect: How a Short-Term Sickness Can Trigger Long-Term Financial Ruin

An income drop of over £500 a week doesn't just mean tightening your belt. It sets off a chain reaction of financial and personal crises that can be incredibly difficult to stop.

Let's consider a realistic scenario.

Meet David, a 42-year-old IT consultant and father of two. He earns £65,000 a year (approx. £950 per week after tax). He suffers a slipped disc in his back, a common ailment, and needs surgery followed by three months of recovery. His employer only provides SSP after the first week.

  • Month 1: David's income plummets from nearly £4,000 a month to just £480. The family's emergency savings of £3,000 are used to cover the mortgage and essential bills. The credit card is used for the weekly food shop. Stress levels begin to rise.
  • Month 2: The savings are gone. The mortgage payment is missed for the first time ever, incurring bank charges and a warning letter. The credit card balance swells as more daily expenses are loaded onto it. David's recovery is hampered by constant worry about money.
  • Month 3: The family is now in mortgage arrears. The credit card is maxed out. David is forced to borrow money from his elderly parents to avoid defaulting on his car finance. His credit score is in freefall, which will make borrowing more expensive for years to come.
  • Aftermath: Even when David returns to work, the damage is done. It will take years to repay the debt accrued and rebuild their savings and credit rating. The emotional toll on him and his family has been immense.

This isn't an exaggeration. It's a textbook example of the domino effect triggered by relying on SSP. The sequence typically looks like this:

  1. Immediate Income Shock: Your salary is replaced by a pittance.
  2. Savings Depletion: Your financial buffer is the first to go, usually within weeks.
  3. Debt Accumulation: Credit cards, overdrafts, and personal loans are used to plug the gap.
  4. Defaulting on Commitments: Mortgage, rent, and utility payments are missed, damaging your credit history.
  5. Asset Risk: In prolonged cases, the family home may be at risk of repossession.
  6. Mental and Physical Health Decline: The immense stress of financial hardship can severely impact mental health and even slow down physical recovery from the initial illness.

According to the debt charity StepChange, a sudden loss of income is one of the leading drivers of problem debt in the UK. Your health and your wealth are inextricably linked. Protecting one means protecting the other.

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Forging Your LCIIP Shield: Your Three Lines of Defence

Relying on the state is a losing strategy. The only way to guarantee your financial security is to build your own. An LCIIP Shield combines three distinct but complementary types of insurance, creating a comprehensive fortress around your finances.

  1. Income Protection (IP): Replaces your monthly income.
  2. Critical Illness Cover (CIC): Provides a tax-free lump sum for major health crises.
  3. Life Insurance: Protects your family financially if you pass away.

Let's break down each layer of your shield.

Defence Line 1: Income Protection (IP) – The Monthly Paycheque Replacement

Income Protection is the most direct solution to the SSP income gap. It is arguably the most important insurance you can own after home insurance.

What is it? Income Protection is an insurance policy that pays you a regular, tax-free monthly income if you are unable to work due to any illness or injury. It's designed to replace a significant portion of your lost earnings, allowing you to continue paying your bills and maintaining your lifestyle while you recover.

Key Features Explained:

  • Benefit Amount: You can typically insure up to 50-70% of your gross annual salary. This is paid tax-free, so it often equates to a similar amount to your take-home pay.
  • Deferred Period: This is the waiting period from when you stop work to when the policy starts paying out. It can range from 4 weeks to 52 weeks. You can align this with any sick pay you receive from your employer. For example, if you get 3 months of full pay, you could choose a 13-week deferred period to reduce your premiums.
  • Payment Term: This is how long the policy will pay out for. The most comprehensive plans pay out right up until your chosen retirement age (e.g., 67). Cheaper, short-term options might pay out for a fixed period of 1, 2, or 5 years per claim.
  • Definition of Incapacity: This is crucial. The best policies use an 'Own Occupation' definition. This means the policy will pay out if you are unable to do your specific job. Less comprehensive 'Suited Occupation' or 'Any Occupation' definitions may only pay if you are unable to do any job, making it much harder to claim. Always insist on 'Own Occupation' cover.

Let's see how IP stacks up against SSP.

FeatureIncome Protection (A Good Policy)Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
Monthly Payout£2,500 (based on £50k salary)~£520
Payout DurationUntil retirement age (e.g., 67)Maximum 28 weeks
Conditions CoveredAny illness or injury stopping workAny illness or injury stopping work
Tax StatusTax-FreeTaxable
CertaintyGuaranteed contractual payoutSubject to government changes

The difference is night and day. Income Protection provides a meaningful, long-term income stream that you control, plugging the gap that SSP leaves wide open.

Defence Line 2: Critical Illness Cover (CIC) – The Lump Sum Lifeline

While Income Protection replaces your monthly salary, Critical Illness Cover is designed to deal with the significant, one-off costs of a major health shock.

What is it? Critical Illness Cover pays out a one-time, tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of a list of specified serious medical conditions defined in the policy.

How does it differ from IP? Think of it this way: IP is for your monthly bills; CIC is for your life-changing problems. IP covers any illness that stops you from working, whereas CIC only covers specific, severe conditions.

What does it cover? Policies typically cover dozens of conditions, but the "big three" that account for the vast majority of claims are:

  • Cancer
  • Heart Attack
  • Stroke

According to Cancer Research UK, there are around 393,000 new cancer cases in the UK every year – that's over 1,000 a day. The British Heart Foundation estimates that more than 100,000 hospital admissions each year are due to heart attacks. The odds are not insignificant.

How can the lump sum be used? The power of a CIC payout is its flexibility. You can use the money for whatever you need most at a time of crisis:

  • Pay off your mortgage or other large debts, drastically reducing your monthly outgoings.
  • Fund private medical treatment to bypass NHS waiting lists.
  • Adapt your home (e.g., wheelchair ramps, walk-in showers).
  • Replace a partner's income so they can take time off to care for you.
  • Fund a recuperative holiday once treatment is over.
  • Simply provide a huge financial cushion to eliminate money worries.

A CIC payout can be the financial equivalent of a full system reboot, giving you the resources and breathing space to focus entirely on your recovery.

Defence Line 3: Life Insurance – The Ultimate Family Safeguard

The first two layers of the shield protect you. This final layer protects your loved ones after you're gone.

What is it? Life Insurance (also known as life assurance) pays out a tax-free lump sum to your chosen beneficiaries if you die during the term of the policy. It is the fundamental building block of financial protection for anyone with dependents.

Why is it essential? Your ability to earn an income is your family's most valuable asset. If that is permanently lost, life insurance steps in to replace it, ensuring your family can maintain their standard of living, stay in their home, and pursue their future dreams.

Choosing the Right Type:

  • Level Term Assurance: The payout amount remains fixed throughout the policy term. This is ideal for providing a lump sum for your family to live on or to cover an interest-only mortgage.
  • Decreasing Term Assurance: The payout amount reduces over time, broadly in line with a repayment mortgage. As your mortgage debt decreases, so does your cover, making this the most cost-effective way to protect your home.
  • Whole of Life Assurance: This policy has no end date and guarantees to pay out whenever you die. It is more expensive and typically used for specific purposes like covering a future Inheritance Tax bill or leaving a guaranteed legacy.

The Golden Rule: Write Your Policy in Trust This is a simple piece of administration that has a monumental impact. Writing your life insurance policy "in trust" means the payout is made directly to your chosen beneficiaries (the trustees) rather than to your legal estate. The benefits are huge:

  1. Speed: The money bypasses the lengthy and complex probate process, getting to your family in weeks rather than many months or even years.
  2. Tax Efficiency: The payout is not considered part of your estate and is therefore not subject to Inheritance Tax (IHT). This can save your family a 40% tax bill on the entire sum.

Any good adviser, like our team at WeCovr, will provide and help you complete the trust forms for free as part of the service. It's a non-negotiable part of setting up life insurance correctly.

The LCIIP Shield in Action: Real-Life Scenarios

Let's see how these policies work together in practice.

Scenario 1: Sarah, the 38-year-old Graphic Designer (Self-Employed)

  • Situation: Sarah is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). She can no longer work the long hours her job requires. As she's self-employed, she has no access to SSP or company sick pay.
  • Her LCIIP Shield:
    • Critical Illness Cover: Her £75,000 policy pays out upon diagnosis. She uses this to clear her outstanding car loan and credit card debt, and she puts the rest aside as a financial buffer.
    • Income Protection: After a 13-week deferred period, her IP policy starts paying her £2,200 per month, tax-free. This covers her mortgage and living costs, allowing her to focus on managing her condition without financial stress.
  • Outcome: Sarah's finances are secure. The CIC payout removed her debts, and the IP provides a long-term replacement income, giving her security until she reaches retirement age.

Scenario 2: Tom, the 45-year-old Sales Manager (Employed)

  • Situation: Tom has a sudden, major heart attack. He survives but needs a six-month recovery period and is advised to work reduced hours permanently. His employer provides 3 months of full pay, followed by 3 months of half pay, then just SSP.
  • His LCIIP Shield:
    • Critical Illness Cover: His £150,000 policy, taken out to cover his mortgage, pays out. He immediately clears the £130,000 remaining on his home loan. The family's biggest monthly outgoing is now gone.
    • Income Protection: He has an IP policy with a 26-week deferred period. After his 6 months of company sick pay ends, his IP policy kicks in. Because he can only work part-time, his income has dropped by 50%. The IP policy pays a partial benefit, topping up his reduced salary and ensuring his take-home pay is almost the same as it was before his heart attack.
    • Life Insurance: Tom and his wife have peace of mind knowing that if the worst had happened, their joint decreasing term life insurance would also have cleared the mortgage.
  • Outcome: A potentially catastrophic event is managed. The family home is secured, and their long-term income is protected, allowing Tom to return to work in a less stressful capacity.

Scenario 3: The Unprotected Family

  • Situation: A 40-year-old electrician has a stroke. He has no personal insurance.
  • Outcome: He receives SSP (£120/week) for 28 weeks. The family's savings are exhausted in two months. They fall into mortgage arrears. After 28 weeks, the SSP stops, and they have to apply for Universal Credit, a significant drop in income. The stress is immense, and they are eventually forced to sell their family home. This is the devastating reality of the income protection gap.

How Much Cover Do You Actually Need? A Practical Guide

Calculating your needs doesn't have to be complicated. Here’s a straightforward method.

1. For Income Protection:

  • Step 1: List your essential monthly outgoings. This includes your mortgage/rent, council tax, utilities, food, transport, insurance premiums, and any debt repayments.
  • Step 2: Add a buffer. Add 10-15% for miscellaneous costs and to maintain some quality of life.
  • Step 3: Subtract any other income. This could be a partner's income or any state benefits you might be entitled to.
  • The Result: This is the monthly benefit you should aim for. Insurers will cap this at 50-70% of your gross salary.

2. For Critical Illness Cover:

Your CIC calculation should focus on clearing large liabilities and creating a capital buffer.

  • D: Debts (Your outstanding mortgage + any large loans)
  • A: Adaptations (An estimate for potential home/car modifications)
  • I: Income (A lump sum to cover 1-2 years of your net salary)
  • The Result: D + A + I = Your target CIC amount.

3. For Life Insurance:

Your life insurance should be enough to clear debts and provide an ongoing income for your family.

  • D: Debts (Clear the mortgage and all other loans)
  • E: Education (Estimate future costs for children's university fees)
  • A: Annual Income (Calculate the yearly income your family would need)
  • D: Duration (Decide how many years they'd need that income for)
  • The Result: Debts + Education + (Annual Income x Duration) = Your target Life Insurance amount.

Here's a quick checklist to help.

Protection TypeWhat to CalculateExample (Family with mortgage & 2 kids)
Income ProtectionEssential monthly outgoings (rent/mortgage, bills, food)£2,500 per month
Critical IllnessMortgage (£200k) + 2 years' salary (£80k)£280,000
Life InsuranceMortgage (£200k) + Uni Fees (£50k) + Family Income (£30k x 15 years)£700,000

These figures can seem large, but a specialist adviser can help you balance the ideal level of cover with a premium that fits your budget.

The protection market can be complex, but avoiding common mistakes is key.

The Cost Factor: Premiums are highly personal and based on your age, health, occupation, smoker status, and the amount/length of cover. However, it's often more affordable than people think. A healthy 35-year-old non-smoker could secure £2,000 a month of long-term income protection for around £35-£45 a month – less than a daily coffee.

The "It Won't Happen to Me" Myth: The statistics prove otherwise. According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), protection insurers paid out a staggering £7 billion in 2023. That’s over £19 million every single day to families hit by illness, injury, or bereavement. The industry paid 97.5% of all claims, demonstrating that these policies work when you need them.

Disclosure is Everything: When you apply for insurance, you must be completely honest about your medical history, lifestyle, and occupation. Non-disclosure of a material fact (e.g., failing to mention you smoke or had a previous health issue) is the number one reason a legitimate claim might be rejected. It is never worth the risk.

Why Use an Expert Broker like WeCovr?

Trying to navigate this market alone can be a false economy. An independent broker adds value in several ways:

  • Whole-of-Market Access: We are not tied to a single insurer. We compare policies and prices from all the UK's leading providers like Aviva, Legal & General, Zurich, Royal London, and more to find the best fit for you.
  • Expert Guidance: We understand the nuances between policies – from the crucial 'own occupation' definition in IP to the number of conditions covered by a CIC plan. We translate the jargon so you can make an informed choice.
  • Application Support: We help you complete the application forms correctly, ensuring full and proper disclosure to give you peace of mind that your policy is secure.
  • Trust Writing Service: We help you place your life insurance in trust, a vital step that is often overlooked when buying direct.

Beyond the Policy: The Added Value That Makes a Difference

Modern insurance policies are no longer just about the financial payout. They have evolved to become holistic support systems, often including a suite of valuable benefits at no extra cost:

  • 24/7 Virtual GP: Get a GP appointment via phone or video call, often within hours.
  • Mental Health Support: Access to a set number of counselling and therapy sessions.
  • Second Medical Opinion: Have your diagnosis and treatment plan reviewed by a world-leading expert.
  • Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation: Get support to help you recover and get back to work faster.

These services can be invaluable, providing practical support during a difficult time.

At WeCovr, we believe in supporting our clients' overall health, which is why we go a step further. Alongside finding you the perfect protection plan from the UK's top insurers, we provide all our customers with complimentary access to CalorieHero, our exclusive AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. It's our way of helping you stay proactive about your health long before you might ever need to claim.

Conclusion: Your Financial Future is a Choice, Not a Chance

The financial landscape for UK workers in 2025 is precarious. The state's safety net has been eroded to the point of being almost non-existent, leaving a £580+ weekly income gap for the average employee who falls ill. Relying on Statutory Sick Pay is a gamble you cannot afford to take.

An unexpected illness or injury is a matter of chance, but protecting your family from the financial fallout is a choice.

The LCIIP Shield – a considered combination of Income Protection, Critical Illness Cover, and Life Insurance – is the only reliable way to build a fortress around your finances.

  • Income Protection replaces your monthly paycheque.
  • Critical Illness Cover clears your debts and provides a capital buffer.
  • Life Insurance secures your family's future if you're no longer there.

Don't wait for a health crisis to expose your financial vulnerabilities. The time to act is now, while you are healthy and the cover is affordable. Building your financial shield today is the greatest investment you can make in your family's tomorrow.

Contact a specialist adviser at WeCovr today for a no-obligation review of your circumstances. We can help you build a personalised LCIIP shield that fits your life and your budget, giving you and your family the protection and peace of mind you deserve.


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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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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Important Information

Since 2011, WeCovr has helped thousands of individuals, families, and businesses protect what matters most. We make it easy to get quotes for life insurance, critical illness cover, private medical insurance, and a wide range of other insurance types. We also provide embedded insurance solutions tailored for business partners and platforms.

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About WeCovr

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