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UK Sickness Trap

UK Sickness Trap 2025 | Top Insurance Guides

UK 2025 Shock: Over 3 Million Working Britons Caught in Long-Term Sickness Trap, Fueling a Staggering £4 Million+ Lifetime Financial Catastrophe of Lost Income & Eroding Family Futures – Is Your LCIIP Shield Your Undeniable Protection Against Lifes Unseen Storms

A silent crisis is gripping the UK. It doesn’t dominate the headlines, but its consequences are devastating for millions of families. By 2025, a projected 3.1 million working-age Britons will find themselves economically inactive, not by choice, but because they are trapped by long-term sickness. This isn't just a health issue; it's a full-blown financial catastrophe, a "Sickness Trap" that can trigger a lifetime financial loss exceeding a staggering £5.5 million for a single higher-earning household.

The reality is stark. A sudden illness or injury can do more than just affect your health; it can systematically dismantle your financial security, erode your family's future, and unravel decades of hard work in a matter of months. Your income stops, but your mortgage, bills, and daily living costs do not. Savings evaporate, debts mount, and the future you planned for your loved ones hangs precariously in the balance.

In this definitive guide, we will dissect the alarming scale of the UK's long-term sickness problem. We will expose the gaping holes in state support and employer sick pay, and map out the financial domino effect that follows a health crisis.

Most importantly, we will introduce your undeniable defence: the LCIIP Shield. This triple-lock combination of Life Insurance, Critical Illness Cover, and Income Protection is not a luxury; it is the fundamental cornerstone of modern financial resilience. It is the one mechanism designed to step in when your health and income step out, ensuring that an unforeseen storm does not become a permanent family shipwreck.

The Alarming Reality: Deconstructing the UK's 2025 Long-Term Sickness Crisis

The numbers are not just statistics; they represent millions of individual stories of interrupted careers, financial hardship, and shattered dreams. The scale of the UK's long-term sickness problem has reached epidemic proportions, creating a significant challenge for individuals, families, and the national economy.

Based on recent trends from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), the projection for 2025 is deeply concerning. The number of working-age people (16-64) out of work due to long-term health conditions is on a steep upward trajectory, expected to surpass 3.1 million. This represents a substantial increase from pre-pandemic levels, highlighting a worsening public health and economic crisis.

Key Drivers of the 2025 Sickness Trap:

  • Mental Health Conditions: The leading cause of work absence is now mental and behavioural disorders. Conditions like anxiety, stress, and depression account for a significant and growing portion of long-term sickness cases. The pressures of modern life, financial instability, and workplace stress are major contributors.
  • Musculoskeletal Issues: Chronic back pain, neck problems, and other musculoskeletal disorders remain a primary reason for people being unable to work. These conditions often develop over time and can be debilitating.
  • Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease: Despite medical advances, cancer, heart attacks, and strokes continue to be major causes of long-term incapacity. Survival rates are improving, but the recovery period can be long and arduous, often preventing a return to work for months or even years.
  • Growing NHS Waiting Lists: The strain on the National Health Service means longer waits for diagnostics, treatments, and specialist consultations. ONS data shows a direct correlation between those waiting for NHS treatment and those out of work due to sickness. Delays in care can turn a manageable condition into a long-term, work-limiting one.

Who is Most at Risk?

While no one is immune, the data reveals certain patterns. The sharpest increase in economic inactivity due to sickness has been among those in their 50s and early 60s. However, a worrying trend is the rise among younger demographics, particularly those in their 20s and 30s, often linked to mental health challenges. This dispels the dangerous myth that serious illness is only a concern for the elderly.

The Sickness Trap is not a distant threat. It is a clear and present danger to the financial stability of millions of UK households.

The £4 Million+ Financial Catastrophe: How Sickness Derails Your Family's Future

The phrase "financial catastrophe" is not hyperbole. For many, the true cost of long-term sickness is a figure so large it seems unreal. But the calculation is brutally simple, and it exposes the fragility of a lifestyle built on a continuous income.

Let's consider a hypothetical but realistic scenario. A 40-year-old marketing director earning £85,000 per year, with a spouse and two children, suffers a severe stroke. They are unable to return to their high-pressure job. Let's trace the potential lifetime financial loss.

The Lifetime Income and Pension Loss Calculation:

Financial ComponentCalculationEstimated Loss
Lost Gross Income£85,000/year for 27 years (to age 67)£2,295,000
Lost Employer Pension5% employer contribution on £85k for 27 years£114,750
Lost Pension GrowthAssumed 5% annual growth on contributions£150,000+
Spouse's Lost IncomeSpouse reduces hours to become a carer (e.g., £20k loss/year)£540,000
Total Catastrophic LossSum of direct and indirect financial hits£3,099,750+

This is a simplified calculation. When you factor in lost promotions, bonuses, and the potential need to downsize a family home (losing future equity growth), this figure can easily spiral towards £5.5 million or more for higher-earning households over a lifetime.

The Domino Effect of Lost Income

The loss of a primary salary triggers a devastating chain reaction:

  1. Immediate Income Shock: Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is the first line of defence, but it's woefully inadequate. As of 2025, it's just over £116 per week, paid for a maximum of 28 weeks. This barely covers the average weekly food shop for a family, let alone a mortgage.
  2. Savings Depletion: Families are forced to burn through their savings – ISAs, emergency funds, and other investments – just to cover essential monthly outgoings.
  3. Debt Accumulation: Once savings are gone, credit cards, loans, and overdrafts become the only option. This creates a spiral of high-interest debt that becomes impossible to escape.
  4. Mortgage/Rent Arrears: The single biggest monthly expense becomes a source of immense stress, with the threat of repossession or eviction becoming very real.
  5. Pension Contributions Cease: Retirement planning grinds to a halt. Not only do personal contributions stop, but valuable employer contributions are also lost forever.
  6. Erosion of Future Opportunities: University funds for children, family holidays, home improvements, and simple lifestyle pleasures are the first casualties.

The Myth of the State Safety Net

Many people mistakenly believe the state will provide a sufficient safety net. The reality is starkly different.

Support Type2025 Estimated Weekly AmountDuration / Key Limitation
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)£116.75Max 28 weeks from your employer.
Universal Credit£91.13 (single, over 25)Means-tested. Savings over £16k disqualify you.
Employment & Support (ESA)£90.50 (assessment phase)Strict medical assessment. Not available if on Universal Credit.
Average UK Family Outgoings£650+ (ONS data)Housing, food, utilities, transport, etc.

The gap is not a gap; it's a chasm. State benefits are designed for basic subsistence, not to maintain your home, lifestyle, or financial obligations. Relying on them is a plan for financial failure.

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Your Triple-Lock Defence: Understanding the LCIIP Shield

While the picture painted is grim, it is not inevitable. You have the power to build a financial fortress around your family, a defence mechanism specifically designed to combat the financial consequences of the Sickness Trap. This is the LCIIP Shield: Life Insurance, Critical Illness Cover, and Income Protection.

These three policies work together to provide a comprehensive safety net, each covering a different, critical risk.

1. Income Protection (IP): The Bedrock of Your Plan

Often considered the most important protection policy for any working adult.

  • What it does: Provides a regular, tax-free monthly income if you are unable to work due to any illness or injury. It pays out after a pre-agreed waiting period (the "deferred period") and can continue to pay until you recover, retire, or the policy term ends.
  • Why it's essential: It directly replaces your lost salary, allowing you to keep paying your mortgage, bills, and everyday costs. It protects your lifestyle and prevents you from falling into debt. It is your personal sick pay scheme that lasts for years, not weeks.

2. Critical Illness Cover (CIC)

This policy is designed to deal with the immediate financial shock of a serious diagnosis.

  • What it does: Pays out a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of a list of specified serious conditions defined in the policy. Common conditions include most cancers, heart attack, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and major organ transplant.
  • Why it's essential: The lump sum can be used for anything you need. It could pay off your mortgage, cover the cost of private treatment, adapt your home for new mobility needs, or simply provide a financial cushion for you and your family to use while you focus on recovery, without financial stress.

3. Life Insurance

The foundational protection for anyone with financial dependents.

  • What it does: Pays out a tax-free lump sum to your loved ones if you pass away during the policy term.
  • Why it's essential: It ensures your family can remain financially secure without you. The payout can clear the mortgage, cover funeral costs, provide an income for your surviving partner, and fund your children's future education. It is the ultimate act of financial responsibility.

LCIIP at a Glance: How They Work Together

Policy TypeWhat Triggers a Payout?How Does it Pay?What Does it Protect?
Income ProtectionUnable to work due to illness/injury.Regular monthly income.Your ongoing lifestyle & bills.
Critical Illness CoverDiagnosis of a specified serious illness.One-off lump sum.Major debts & immediate financial shocks.
Life InsuranceYour death or terminal illness.One-off lump sum.Your family's long-term financial future.

These policies are not mutually exclusive; they are complementary. A comprehensive plan, expertly tailored by a broker like WeCovr, often involves a strategic combination of all three to create a robust and affordable financial shield.

Demystifying the Jargon: A Plain-English Guide to Your Policy

The world of insurance can be filled with confusing terminology. Understanding these key terms is crucial to ensuring you get the right cover.

  • Premium: The monthly or annual fee you pay to the insurer to keep your policy active.
  • Sum Assured / Benefit Amount: The amount of money the policy will pay out. For life and critical illness cover, this is a lump sum. For income protection, it's the monthly income.
  • Term: The length of time your policy is in force. For example, a 25-year term to match your mortgage.
  • Deferred Period (or Waiting Period): Specific to Income Protection. This is the time you must be off work before the policy starts paying out. Common options are 4, 8, 13, 26, or 52 weeks. The longer the deferred period, the lower the premium.
  • 'Own Occupation' Definition: The gold standard for Income Protection. It means the policy will pay out if you are unable to do your specific job. Less comprehensive definitions like 'Suited Occupation' or 'Any Occupation' make it much harder to claim.
  • Waiver of Premium: An invaluable add-on. If you make a claim (e.g., on your income protection policy), the insurer will "waive" your premiums for all your associated policies with them, so your cover remains in place for free while you are unable to work.
  • Guaranteed vs. Reviewable Premiums: Guaranteed premiums are fixed for the life of the policy. Reviewable premiums may start cheaper but can be increased by the insurer over time, often becoming unaffordable. Guaranteed is almost always the better choice.
  • Indexation (Inflation-Proofing): You can choose to have your benefit amount and premium increase each year in line with inflation. This ensures that the value of your payout isn't eroded over time.

Beyond the Payout: The Hidden Benefits of Modern Protection Policies

Today's insurance policies offer far more than just a financial payout. Insurers now compete to provide a suite of "value-added services" designed to support your health and wellbeing from day one, even if you never claim.

These benefits are often available to you and your immediate family at no extra cost and can include:

  • 24/7 Virtual GP: Access to a UK-based GP via phone or video call, anytime. This helps you bypass NHS waiting times for initial consultations and get prescriptions quickly.
  • Mental Health Support: Access to a set number of confidential counselling or therapy sessions per year, providing crucial support for stress, anxiety, and other conditions.
  • Second Medical Opinion Services: If you receive a serious diagnosis, you can have your case reviewed by a world-leading expert to confirm the diagnosis and explore treatment options.
  • Rehabilitation & Back-to-Work Support: For income protection claims, insurers provide physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and career coaching to help you make a successful return to work.
  • Personalised Fitness and Nutrition Plans: Access to apps and services that help you proactively manage your health.

At WeCovr, we believe protection goes beyond the policy. We actively seek out insurers who provide these outstanding support services. That's why, in addition to finding you the most comprehensive cover, we provide all our clients with complimentary access to our own AI-powered calorie tracking app, CalorieHero, helping you take proactive steps towards a healthier lifestyle. It's part of our commitment to your total wellbeing.

How Much Cover is Enough? Tailoring Your LCIIP Shield

There is no "one size fits all" answer. The right amount of cover depends entirely on your personal circumstances. However, here are some robust methods for calculating your needs.

Calculating Life Insurance Needs (The D-I-M-E Method)

  • D - Debt: Add up all your non-mortgage debts (loans, credit cards).
  • I - Income: Calculate the annual income your family would need to replace. A common starting point is 50% of your salary, multiplied by the number of years until your youngest child is independent.
  • M - Mortgage: The outstanding balance on your mortgage.
  • E - Education: The estimated future cost of private schooling or university for your children.
  • D + I + M + E = Your Total Life Insurance Need.

Calculating Critical Illness Cover Needs

Your CIC amount should be sufficient to remove major financial pressures during recovery. A good starting point is:

  • 1-2 years of your gross annual salary.
  • PLUS the outstanding balance on your mortgage.
  • PLUS an additional buffer (£20k-£50k) for potential medical bills, home alterations, or unforeseen costs.

Calculating Income Protection Needs

  • Benefit Amount: You can typically cover 50-70% of your gross annual income. This is paid tax-free, so it's often equivalent to a much higher proportion of your take-home pay.
  • Deferred Period: Align this with your safety net. If your employer provides 3 months of full sick pay, and you have enough savings for another 3 months, a 6-month (26-week) deferred period would be a cost-effective choice.

Example Calculation for a Family

Your DetailsCalculationRequired Cover
Salary: £60,000Life: Mortgage (£250k) + Income (£30k x 15yrs)Life: £700,000
Mortgage: £250,000CIC: Mortgage (£250k) + 1yr Salary (£60k)CIC: £310,000
Savings: £10,000IP: 60% of Salary ÷ 12IP: £3,000 per month
Sick Pay: 1 monthIP Deferred Period: Match savings/sick payIP Deferred: 13 weeks

This is a simplified example. A specialist advisor can conduct a detailed analysis to ensure every angle is covered.

It might be tempting to use a comparison website or go directly to an insurer, but this can be a costly mistake. The protection insurance market is complex, and the details buried in the policy documents can make the difference between a claim being paid or declined.

This is where a specialist independent broker like WeCovr is invaluable.

The Benefits of Using an Expert Broker:

  1. Whole-of-Market Access: We are not tied to any single insurer. We search the entire market, including providers you won't find on comparison sites, to find the best policy for you.
  2. Expert Policy Analysis: Do you know the difference between a 'Guaranteed Insurability Option' and a 'Waiver of Premium'? We do. We dissect the T&Cs to ensure the policy you get is robust and offers the definitions (like 'Own Occupation') that are right for you.
  3. Help with Medical Disclosures: The single biggest reason for claims being declined is "non-disclosure" – failing to mention a past medical issue on the application. We guide you through the process honestly and accurately to ensure your policy is watertight.
  4. Trust-Writing Service: We can help you place your life insurance policy "in trust." This simple legal step ensures the payout goes directly to your chosen beneficiaries, bypassing lengthy probate and potential inheritance tax. It's a crucial service that is often overlooked.
  5. Your Advocate at Claim Time: If the worst happens, you and your family won't be alone. We are here to help manage the claim process, taking the administrative burden off your shoulders during a stressful time.

At WeCovr, we act as your personal guide through the protection landscape. We compare policies from all the UK's leading insurers to find the one that offers the best value and the most robust protection for your unique circumstances.

Busting the Myths: Common Misconceptions about Protection Insurance

Misinformation prevents many people from getting the cover they desperately need. Let's tackle the most common myths head-on.

Myth 1: "It's too expensive." Buster: This is the biggest misconception. For a healthy 35-year-old, meaningful cover can cost less than a daily coffee or a monthly streaming subscription. A tailored plan for £250,000 of Life and Critical Illness Cover could cost as little as £30-£40 per month. An expert broker can design a strategy that fits your budget.

Myth 2: "The state will look after me." Buster: As we've demonstrated, state benefits are a fraction of the average family's outgoings. Relying on the state is a guaranteed path to financial hardship.

Myth 3: "I'm young and healthy, I don't need it." Buster: Illness and accidents are, by their nature, unpredictable. Cancer Research UK statistics show that rates for some cancers are increasing in younger adults. Furthermore, premiums are significantly cheaper and underwriting is easier when you are young and healthy. Locking in a low premium now is one of the smartest financial moves you can make.

Myth 4: "Insurers never pay out." Buster: This is demonstrably false. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) publishes annual payout statistics. In 2023, UK insurers paid out over £6.85 billion in protection claims. The payout rates are consistently high:

  • 96.9% of Life Insurance claims paid.
  • 91.6% of Critical Illness claims paid.
  • 92.5% of Income Protection claims paid. The small percentage of declined claims are almost always due to fraudulent claims or failure to disclose important medical information at the application stage.

Your Call to Action: Don't Be a Statistic, Build Your Financial Fortress Today

The UK Sickness Trap is not a fear tactic; it is a documented, growing crisis with devastating financial consequences. Over three million people in 2025 will know its reality. The question is, will you be prepared if it happens to you?

Relying on luck, your employer's limited sick pay, or an inadequate state safety net is a gamble your family cannot afford for you to take. The only responsible action is to build your own financial fortress with the LCIIP Shield.

  • Income Protection to keep your life running.
  • Critical Illness Cover to absorb the financial shock.
  • Life Insurance to secure your family's future.

This isn't just about buying insurance; it's about buying peace of mind. It's about knowing that no matter what health challenges life throws at you, the future you've worked so hard to build for your loved ones is secure.

Don't let your family's future be a matter of chance. Take the first, most important step today. Talk to one of our expert advisors at WeCovr for a free, no-obligation review of your protection needs. Let us help you build the undeniable shield that will protect you and your family from life's unseen storms.


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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