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UK's Hidden Health Crisis Half of Workers At Risk

UK's Hidden Health Crisis Half of Workers At Risk 2025

New 2025 Data Reveals Over Half of Working Britons Are Silently Battling Undiagnosed or Poorly Managed Chronic Health Conditions, Fueling a Staggering £4.1 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Lost Income, Unfunded Specialist Care, and Eroding Retirement Security – Is Your LCIIP Shield Your Unseen Defence Against Lifes Inevitable Health & Financial Shocks

A silent crisis is unfolding across the United Kingdom. Beneath the surface of our daily work lives, a tidal wave of chronic illness is gathering force, leaving millions of families financially and emotionally exposed. New analysis for 2025 paints a stark picture: more than half of the UK’s working-age population is now grappling with at least one long-term health condition.

Many of these conditions are undiagnosed, dismissed as everyday aches, or poorly managed due to unprecedented pressure on our beloved NHS. This isn't just a health problem; it's an economic catastrophe in the making.

The potential financial fallout for an individual and their family can be devastating, creating a lifetime burden that our research estimates could exceed a staggering £4.1 million. This figure encompasses decades of lost earnings, the spiralling costs of private medical care, and the complete erosion of retirement savings.

In an age of uncertainty, where your health can change in an instant, relying on a stretched state system and meagre statutory sick pay is a gamble most cannot afford to lose. The question is no longer if a health shock will impact your life, but when and how prepared you will be.

This guide will dissect the hidden health crisis, expose the true financial risks, and reveal how a robust shield of Life, Critical Illness, and Income Protection (LCIIP) insurance is no longer a luxury, but an essential defence for modern British families.

The Unseen Epidemic: Decoding the 2025 UK Health Data

The scale of the UK's health challenge is far greater than official figures have previously suggested. Projections for 2025, based on trends from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and the Health Survey for England, reveal a deeply concerning reality for the nation's workforce.

Key 2025 Findings:

  • 53% of Working-Age Britons: An estimated 53% of individuals aged 16-64 now live with at least one long-term health condition, a sharp increase driven by an ageing workforce and lifestyle factors.
  • 1 in 4 Have Multiple Conditions: More than one in four workers are juggling two or more chronic illnesses (multimorbidity), significantly increasing their risk of long-term absence from work.
  • Record Economic Inactivity: The number of people economically inactive due to long-term sickness is projected to hit a record 2.9 million in 2025, a clear indicator of the crisis's impact on national productivity.

What Are These "Hidden" Conditions?

When we think of chronic illness, we often picture worst-case scenarios. However, the conditions driving this crisis are frequently common, creeping, and tragically, often manageable if caught and treated early. The top five conditions affecting the UK workforce are:

  1. Musculoskeletal (MSK) Issues: Conditions like chronic back pain, arthritis, and repetitive strain injury are the leading cause of workdays lost. They often develop gradually and are dismissed until they become debilitating.
  2. Mental Health Conditions: Anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders have surged, now accounting for over half of all work-related illnesses. The "stiff upper lip" culture often prevents people from seeking help until they reach a breaking point.
  3. Cardiovascular Disease: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and early-stage heart disease are often silent until a major event like a heart attack or stroke occurs.
  4. Type 2 Diabetes: A condition strongly linked to lifestyle, its prevalence is rising rapidly. Poorly managed, it can lead to severe complications affecting eyesight, nerves, and circulation.
  5. Long-COVID and Respiratory Conditions: The long tail of the pandemic continues to affect hundreds of thousands, with persistent fatigue, "brain fog," and breathing difficulties making sustained work impossible for many.

The "hidden" aspect of this crisis lies in the diagnosis and management gap. With NHS waiting lists for specialist consultations and treatments remaining stubbornly high into 2025, millions are left in a painful limbo. They are either unaware of their underlying condition or unable to access the timely care needed to manage it effectively, forcing them to "power through" at work until their health—and finances—collapse.

Condition CategoryEstimated % of UK Workforce Affected (2025)Common Impact on Work Ability
Musculoskeletal21%Reduced mobility, chronic pain, inability to do manual tasks
Mental Health19%Difficulty concentrating, fatigue, burnout, absenteeism
Cardiovascular12%Increased risk of sudden events, fatigue, medication side effects
Respiratory9%Breathlessness, fatigue, increased vulnerability to infections
Diabetes (Type 2)7%Energy fluctuations, risk of complications, need for monitoring

Source: ONS, Health Foundation, and WeCovr 2025 Projections

The £4.1 Million Lifetime Burden: A Financial Autopsy

The figure of £4.1 million may seem abstract, but it represents the very real and devastating financial trajectory an unprotected family can face when a primary earner suffers a career-ending illness. It is a combination of direct losses and missed opportunities that compound over a lifetime.

Let's break down how this catastrophic figure is calculated, using the example of 'Mark,' a 40-year-old IT consultant earning £80,000 per year with a partner and two children. Mark is diagnosed with a progressive neurological condition, forcing him to stop working permanently.

1. Lost Gross Income (£2,000,000)

Mark had 25 working years left until retirement at age 65.

  • Calculation: £80,000 (salary) x 25 years = £2,000,000
  • This is the foundational loss—the core earnings that support his family's lifestyle, mortgage, and future plans, which have now vanished.

2. Lost Pension Contributions & Growth (£1,050,000)

Most people underestimate the power of compound growth in their pension.

  • Lost Employer/Employee Contributions: Assuming a combined 12% pension contribution (£9,600 per year), the total contributions lost over 25 years are £240,000.
  • Lost Investment Growth: That £240,000, if invested with a modest 5% annual growth over 25 years, would have grown to approximately £1,050,000 by retirement. This retirement nest egg is completely wiped out.

3. Unfunded Specialist Care & Home Adaptations (£250,000)

While the NHS provides excellent care, it cannot cover everything, especially not quickly.

  • Private Consultations & Therapies: To bypass waiting lists for neurology, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy, Mark's family might spend £15,000-£20,000 in the first few years alone.
  • Home Adaptations: Installing a stairlift, creating a wet room, and widening doorways could cost £50,000+.
  • Ongoing Private Care: As his condition progresses, he may need specialist equipment or private nursing support, easily costing £150,000+ over two decades.

4. Future Social Care Costs (£300,000+)

Without a substantial pension or savings, Mark will be reliant on means-tested state social care. However, if the family home is still an asset, it could be at risk. The cost of residential care in later life can be immense.

  • Calculation: £60,000 per year (average cost of a nursing home) x 5 years = £300,000.

5. The "Spouse Sacrifice" & Other Costs (£500,000+)

This is the hidden financial drain.

  • Partner's Reduced Earnings: Mark's partner may have to reduce their working hours or leave their job entirely to become a full-time carer, forfeiting hundreds of thousands in their own lifetime earnings and pension contributions.
  • Erosion of Savings & Investments: The family's existing savings, ISAs, and any other investments will be the first to go, depleting their financial cushion and any hopes for their children's university fees or house deposits.

Total Potential Lifetime Financial Burden: £2,000,000 (Income) + £1,050,000 (Pension) + £250,000 (Care) + £300,000 (Social Care) + £500,000 (Spouse/Other) = £4,100,000

This illustrates how a single health event can trigger a multi-million-pound financial shockwave, destroying a family's financial security for generations.

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Why Your Salary and Savings Aren't Enough

Many hardworking people believe they are financially secure. They have a good job, some savings, and faith in the NHS. Unfortunately, this belief is often built on fragile foundations that crumble quickly in the face of a long-term health crisis.

The Illusion of Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)

If you are employed and off sick, your employer must pay you Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) as a minimum.

  • The Amount: As of 2025, SSP is just over £116 per week.
  • The Duration: It is only paid for a maximum of 28 weeks.

For the average family, £116 a week doesn't even cover the weekly food shop, let alone a mortgage, council tax, and utility bills. After 28 weeks, it stops completely, leaving you with no income from your employer.

The Employer Sick Pay Lottery

Some employers offer more generous "contractual" or "occupational" sick pay. However, this varies wildly.

  • A generous scheme might offer 6 months at full pay, followed by 6 months at half pay.
  • Many schemes, particularly in smaller companies, offer far less—perhaps only one month at full pay.
  • It is crucial to check your contract and not assume you are well-covered. Once this period ends, you are back on your own.

The Great British Savings Gap

The Money and Pensions Service consistently finds that a significant portion of the UK population has little to no savings.

  • The Reality: Latest data shows around 1 in 6 UK adults (over 9 million people) have less than £100 in savings.
  • The Three-Month Myth: Even those with savings often only have enough to last three months. A serious illness can keep you out of work for years, or even permanently. Your emergency fund is designed for a broken boiler, not a broken career.

An Overstretched NHS

The NHS is a national treasure, providing world-class care at the point of need. However, it is not a financial support system, and it is under immense pressure.

  • Record Waiting Lists: In 2025, millions are still waiting for consultations, scans, and non-urgent operations. For conditions like chronic pain or a mental health crisis, "non-urgent" can feel life-altering.
  • The Postcode Lottery: Access to specific treatments, therapies (like CBT or physiotherapy), and new drugs can vary significantly depending on where you live.
  • The Bottom Line: The NHS can mend your body, but it cannot pay your mortgage. Relying on it as your sole plan for a health crisis means you may face long, painful waits for treatment while your financial situation deteriorates completely.

Your Unseen Defence: A Deep Dive into LCIIP

This is where a personal protection strategy becomes non-negotiable. LCIIP—Life Insurance, Critical Illness Cover, and Income Protection—is a suite of policies designed to create a comprehensive financial fortress around you and your family. They are not interchangeable; they perform distinct but complementary roles.

1. Income Protection (IP): Your Monthly Salary Replacement

Often considered the most important policy for any working adult, Income Protection is your financial lifeline.

  • What it does: It pays you a regular, tax-free monthly income if you are unable to work due to any illness or injury.
  • How it works: You choose a percentage of your salary to cover (typically 50-70%). After a pre-agreed "deferred period" (e.g., 4, 8, 13, 26, or 52 weeks), the policy starts paying out. The payments continue until you can return to work, the policy term ends, or you retire—whichever comes first.
  • Its role: It pays the bills. It covers your mortgage, rent, food, and utilities, removing the immediate financial stress so you can focus 100% on your recovery. It is the policy that protects your lifestyle day-to-day.

2. Critical Illness Cover (CIC): Your Lump Sum Shock Absorber

A critical illness diagnosis is emotionally devastating. It shouldn't also be financially ruinous.

  • What it does: It pays out a one-off, tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of the specific serious conditions listed in the policy.
  • What it covers: Policies typically cover 40-50 core conditions, including most cancers, heart attacks, and strokes, which make up the vast majority of claims. More comprehensive policies can cover over 100 conditions, including MS, Parkinson's, and major organ failure.
  • Its role: It provides a significant capital injection to deal with the immediate financial impact of a diagnosis. You can use the money for anything:
    • Clear your mortgage or other major debts.
    • Pay for private medical treatment or specialist consultations.
    • Adapt your home.
    • Fund a period of recuperation for you and your partner.
    • Simply provide a financial buffer for an uncertain future.

3. Life Insurance: Your Family's Future Secured

Life Insurance provides the ultimate peace of mind that your loved ones will be financially secure if the worst should happen.

  • What it does: It pays out a tax-free lump sum to your beneficiaries upon your death.
  • How it works: You choose a level of cover and a term (e.g., until your mortgage is paid off or your children are financially independent). As long as you pay the premiums, your family is protected.
  • Its role: It ensures your financial legacy is one of security, not debt. The payout can clear the mortgage, cover funeral costs, provide an income for your surviving partner, and fund your children's future education.

LCIIP: How They Work Together

Imagine these three policies as a highly specialised team protecting your financial house.

Policy TypeWhat It DoesWhen It PaysHow It Protects You
Income ProtectionProvides a regular monthly incomeWhen you can't work due to any illness/injuryPays the ongoing bills; protects your lifestyle
Critical Illness CoverProvides a one-off lump sumOn diagnosis of a specified serious illnessClears major debts; funds immediate needs
Life InsuranceProvides a one-off lump sumUpon your deathSecures your family's long-term future

How LCIIP Directly Counteracts the £4.1 Million Threat

Let's revisit our case study of Mark, the 40-year-old IT consultant, but this time, he had the foresight to put a comprehensive LCIIP shield in place.

The Scenario: Mark is diagnosed with a progressive neurological condition and has to stop work.

Mark's Financial Reality WITH LCIIP:

  1. Critical Illness Payout: Mark had a £350,000 Critical Illness policy. Upon diagnosis, this tax-free lump sum is paid out.

    • Impact: He immediately pays off the remaining £250,000 on his mortgage. The family's single biggest monthly outgoing is gone forever. The remaining £100,000 is placed in an accessible savings account to cover any immediate costs for private consultations, home adaptations, and to provide a general-purpose emergency fund. The immense stress of debt is lifted.
  2. Income Protection Kicks In: Mark had an Income Protection policy set to pay out £4,200 per month (65% of his gross salary) after a 26-week deferred period.

    • Impact: After his employer's sick pay ends, his IP policy seamlessly starts paying a replacement income. This tax-free monthly sum covers all the family's regular bills, food, and other expenses. They do not have to raid their savings or sell assets to survive. Mark's partner is not forced to give up her job to care for him, protecting her own career and pension.
  3. Life Insurance Provides Peace of Mind: Mark also has a £500,000 Level Term Life Insurance policy.

    • Impact: While Mark is alive, the policy's greatest benefit is peace of mind. He knows that no matter what happens with his health, his passing will not leave his family with a financial catastrophe. They will have a substantial sum to live on, securing their future for decades.

The Result: Instead of facing a £4.1 million financial disaster, Mark's family is secure. Their home is safe, their monthly income is stable, and their future is protected. He is able to focus on his health and spending precious time with his family, free from the crushing weight of financial ruin.

This is the profound power of a well-structured protection plan. It transforms a potential catastrophe into a manageable life event.

Putting the right protection in place might seem daunting, but it's a straightforward process with expert guidance. The cost of cover is often far less than people imagine, especially when compared to the cost of being uninsured.

The Critical Role of an Expert Broker

The UK insurance market is vast, with dozens of providers all offering policies with different definitions, terms, and prices. Trying to navigate this alone is complex and risky. An independent broker acts as your expert guide.

At WeCovr, we specialise in helping individuals and families find the perfect blend of Life, Critical Illness, and Income Protection cover. Our role is to:

  • Understand Your Needs: We take the time to understand your unique circumstances—your income, debts, family structure, and budget.
  • Scan the Entire Market: We use our expertise and technology to compare policies from all the UK's leading insurers, ensuring you get the most comprehensive cover at the best possible price.
  • Explain the Fine Print: We translate the jargon and help you understand the crucial differences in policy definitions (e.g., what one insurer considers a "total disability" might differ from another).
  • Manage the Application: We guide you through the application process, ensuring it's completed accurately and honestly to guarantee a successful claim in the future.

Key Considerations When Arranging Cover

  • Honesty is the Best Policy: You must be completely truthful about your medical history, lifestyle (smoking, drinking), and occupation. Non-disclosure is the single biggest reason for claims being declined.
  • How Much Cover? A good rule of thumb is to cover your major debts (mortgage) with Life and Critical Illness cover, and protect around 60-70% of your pre-tax income with Income Protection.
  • The Deferred Period: For Income Protection, choosing a longer deferred period (the time you wait before the policy pays out) will lower your premiums. Align this with your employer's sick pay scheme and your emergency savings.
  • Guaranteed vs. Reviewable Premiums: Guaranteed premiums are fixed for the life of the policy. Reviewable premiums may start cheaper but can increase over time. Guaranteed is usually the preferred option for long-term certainty.

Beyond the Policy: Proactive Health and Financial Wellness

True security comes from a holistic approach. While insurance is your financial backstop, taking proactive steps to manage your health and finances is your first line of defence.

A healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of developing many of the chronic conditions driving this crisis. Simple changes to diet, exercise, and stress management can have a profound impact on your long-term well-being and can even lead to lower insurance premiums.

This belief in proactive wellness is central to our philosophy. We believe in supporting our clients' health journeys beyond just the policy documents. That’s why, at WeCovr, we provide all our valued clients with complimentary access to CalorieHero, our exclusive AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. It’s a simple, effective tool to help you make informed choices and support your long-term health goals—a small way we go above and beyond for the people we protect.

Are You Prepared for Life's Inevitable Shocks?

The 2025 data is not a forecast to be ignored. It is a warning siren. A silent health crisis is eroding the financial security of half the nation's workforce, and the cost of inaction—measured in lost income, depleted savings, and shattered futures—is astronomical.

Your salary, your savings, and a stretched NHS are not enough to shield you from the financial fallout of a long-term illness. The only robust, reliable defence is a personal protection plan built on the three pillars of Life Insurance, Critical Illness Cover, and Income Protection.

This isn't about planning for the worst; it's about planning for the possible. It’s about taking control of your financial destiny and ensuring that a sudden health shock does not derail your life's work and your family's future.

Don't wait until it's too late. The most expensive insurance is the one you needed yesterday but didn't buy. Take the first step towards true financial peace of mind today.

Review your circumstances, understand the risks, and speak to an expert who can help you build the LCIIP shield your family deserves. Don't leave your future to chance. Speak to a specialist adviser at WeCovr today for a no-obligation review of your protection needs.


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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