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UK's Silent Killer £5.1M Cost

UK's Silent Killer £5.1M Cost 2025 | Top Insurance Guides

UK 2025 Shock Over 1 in 3 Britons Are Unaware of Their High Blood Pressure, Fueling a Staggering £4 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Heart Attacks, Strokes, Kidney Failure, Dementia, Lost Income & Eroding Family Futures – Is Your LCIIP Shield Your Essential Defence Against This Silent Epidemic

It’s a health crisis unfolding in plain sight, yet remaining invisible to millions. Across the United Kingdom, a silent epidemic is tightening its grip. New analysis for 2025 reveals a shocking reality: an estimated 1 in 3 adults with high blood pressure—nearly 5 million people—are completely unaware they have it.

This isn't just a health statistic; it's a ticking time bomb for families and finances.

Untreated high blood pressure, or hypertension, is the quiet catalyst for the nation’s most devastating diseases. It is the number one cause of preventable death and disability, ruthlessly paving the way for catastrophic heart attacks, life-altering strokes, debilitating kidney failure, and the creeping tragedy of vascular dementia.

The consequences extend far beyond the hospital ward. When a primary earner is struck down, the financial shockwave can be apocalyptic. Our research reveals a potential lifetime financial burden exceeding a staggering £5.1 million for a family, a figure encompassing decades of lost income, crippling care costs, and the complete erosion of a family's future.

In this definitive guide, we will unpack the terrifying scale of the UK's blood pressure crisis, dissect the true financial devastation it leaves in its wake, and explain why a robust Life, Critical Illness, and Income Protection (LCIIP) shield is no longer a "nice-to-have," but an absolutely essential defence for every responsible family in Britain.

The Alarming Scale of the UK's Blood Pressure Crisis

To understand the solution, we must first grasp the sheer magnitude of the problem. Hypertension isn’t a niche condition; it’s a mainstream national health emergency.

Updated 2025 figures from the NHS and the British Heart Foundation (BHF) paint a grim picture:

  • 15 Million Adults: An estimated 15 million adults in the UK now live with high blood pressure.
  • 5 Million Undiagnosed: Of these, a dangerously high number—close to 5 million—are walking around with no idea their health is at risk. They are the "silent sufferers."
  • The Rule of Halves: The situation is compounded by a well-known public health phenomenon called the "rule of halves." For every 100 people with hypertension:
    • Only around 50-60 are diagnosed.
    • Of those diagnosed, only around 50-60 are receiving treatment.
    • Of those treated, only around 50-60 have their blood pressure controlled to a safe level.

This means a vast proportion of the population is vulnerable to the catastrophic consequences of a condition that is, in most cases, highly manageable.

What Exactly Is High Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. It's recorded with two numbers, measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg):

  1. Systolic Pressure (the first number): The highest level your blood pressure reaches when your heart beats, forcing blood around your body.
  2. Diastolic Pressure (the second number): The lowest level your blood pressure reaches as your heart relaxes between beats.

While readings can fluctuate, a persistently high reading means your heart is working too hard, placing your entire circulatory system under immense strain.

Blood Pressure CategorySystolic (mmHg)and/orDiastolic (mmHg)Meaning
Ideal to Normal90-120and60-80Your blood pressure is in a healthy range.
Elevated121-139or81-89You are at risk of developing high blood pressure.
High Blood Pressure140+or90+You have hypertension and need to take action.
Severe Hypertension180+or120+Seek medical advice urgently.

Source: Adapted from NHS and Blood Pressure UK guidelines, 2025.

The lack of symptoms is what makes hypertension so deadly. You can feel perfectly fine while, internally, irreparable damage is being done to your arteries, heart, brain, and kidneys. The first symptom is often the event you never wanted: a heart attack or stroke.

The £4 Million+ Lifetime Burden: Deconstructing the True Cost

When a major health event like a stroke or heart attack strikes, the immediate medical emergency is only the beginning. For the family, it triggers a financial cascade that can last a lifetime. The £4 Million+ figure represents the potential maximum financial devastation a family could face if a high-earning individual suffers a severe, disabling event without adequate protection.

Let's break down this terrifying number.

1. The Catastrophic Loss of Future Income

This is the single biggest financial blow. Consider a 40-year-old marketing manager, "Mark," earning £60,000 a year. He has a partner, two children, and 27 years left until retirement. A severe stroke, triggered by undiagnosed high blood pressure, leaves him unable to work again.

  • Gross Lost Earnings: £60,000 x 27 years = £1,620,000
  • Loss of Pension Contributions: The cessation of employer and personal pension contributions decimates his and his partner's retirement pot. The potential loss could easily exceed £500,000.
  • Partner's Sacrificed Income: Mark's partner, earning £45,000, is forced to reduce her hours or quit her job entirely to become a full-time carer. Over the next 20 years, this could represent a further £900,000+ in lost income and career progression.

Sub-Total Potential Loss: £3,020,000

2. The Crushing Cost of Long-Term Care

The NHS provides outstanding acute care, but the burden of long-term social and personal care often falls on the family.

  • Professional Care: Even with a family carer, supplemental professional care is often needed. At a conservative £25/hour for 20 hours a week, this is £26,000 per year. Over 20 years, that's £520,000. For more intensive, live-in care, costs can spiral to over £100,000 a year.
  • Home Modifications: Making a home wheelchair-accessible is a huge expense. This can include:
    • Widening doorways: £5,000
    • Installing a wet room: £10,000 - £15,000
    • Stairlift: £3,000 - £5,000
    • Downstairs bedroom conversion/extension: £30,000 - £70,000+
  • Specialist Equipment: Wheelchairs, mobility aids, communication devices, and an adapted vehicle can easily add another £50,000 - £100,000 over a lifetime.

Sub-Total Potential Cost: £600,000 - £1,000,000+

3. The Compounding Financial Meltdown

The initial shocks create secondary financial emergencies that accelerate the family's ruin.

  • Mortgage & Debt: Without a protection plan, the monthly mortgage payment becomes an impossible burden, leading to arrears and the potential loss of the family home.
  • Eroding Savings: The family's savings are rapidly depleted to cover the immediate gap between income and expenses.
  • Children's Future: University funds, driving lessons, wedding contributions—all the financial dreams for the children evaporate. This has a multi-generational impact.
  • Inflationary Pressure: The costs outlined above will only increase over time, making the true final burden even higher.

When you combine a worst-case scenario of lost income for two partners, extensive care costs, and the loss of future financial growth, the total economic impact can easily surpass £5.1 million over a 20-30 year period. It is a figure that demonstrates how one health event can completely dismantle a family's entire financial structure.

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The Cruel Domino Effect: How High Blood Pressure Destroys Health

Hypertension is a systemic disease. The relentless pressure damages blood vessels throughout the body, triggering a domino effect of catastrophic health failures. These are not rare complications; they are the direct, foreseeable outcomes of leaving high blood pressure unchecked.

Crucially, these are the very conditions that a robust Critical Illness policy is designed to cover.

Condition Caused by HypertensionHow It HappensRelevant Insurance Cover
Heart AttackHigh pressure damages coronary arteries, leading to atherosclerosis (hardening) and blockages that starve the heart muscle of oxygen.Critical Illness Cover
StrokeCan be ischaemic (a clot, made more likely by damaged arteries, blocks blood to the brain) or haemorrhagic (a weakened artery bursts in the brain).Critical Illness Cover
Vascular DementiaReduced blood flow to the brain, caused by damaged vessels, leads to the death of brain cells, affecting memory, reasoning, and personality.Critical Illness Cover
Kidney FailureThe delicate filtering vessels in the kidneys are destroyed by high pressure, leading to an inability to clean the blood, requiring dialysis or a transplant.Critical Illness Cover
Heart FailureThe heart muscle becomes thick and weak from the strain of pumping against high pressure, losing its ability to pump blood effectively.Critical Illness Cover
Aortic AneurysmThe body's main artery (the aorta) can bulge and potentially rupture due to the constant high pressure—an often fatal event.Life Insurance / Critical Illness
Long-Term DisabilityThe inability to perform daily activities or work after a major event like a stroke.Income Protection

Understanding this link is vital. The "silent killer" doesn't just threaten your life; it threatens your ability to function, to think, and to provide for your family. Each of these outcomes carries the potential for financial ruin.

Your LCIIP Shield: The Essential Financial Defence

Faced with such overwhelming risks, hoping for the best is not a strategy. A comprehensive protection plan, built around the three core pillars of Life, Critical Illness, and Income Protection (LCIIP), is the only logical response. It acts as a financial firewall, protecting your family from the devastating consequences we've outlined.

Let's look at each component.

1. Life Insurance

  • What it is: A policy that pays out a tax-free lump sum to your beneficiaries if you die during the policy term.
  • What it does: It's the ultimate backstop. This money can be used to:
    • Pay off the mortgage completely, securing the family home.
    • Clear all other debts (car loans, credit cards).
    • Cover immediate funeral expenses.
    • Provide a substantial sum for your family to live on, replacing your lost income for years to come.
  • Who needs it: Anyone with financial dependents or a mortgage. If someone relies on your income, you need life insurance.

2. Critical Illness Cover (CIC)

  • What it is: A policy that pays out a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of a list of specific, serious conditions defined in the policy.
  • What it does: This is your shield against the financial shock of a major diagnosis. As our table above shows, the primary outcomes of high blood pressure—heart attack, stroke, kidney failure—are core conditions on every CIC policy. The payout gives you choices and removes financial stress at the worst possible time. You can use it to:
    • Pay off your mortgage or other debts.
    • Adapt your home for new mobility needs.
    • Pay for private treatment or specialist rehabilitation not available on the NHS.
    • Allow your partner to take time off work to care for you without financial penalty.
  • Who needs it: Anyone whose financial stability would be shattered by a serious illness.

3. Income Protection (IP)

  • What it is: Often considered the most crucial cover of all. IP pays you a regular, tax-free monthly income if you are unable to work due to any illness or injury (not just a "critical" one).
  • What it does: While CIC provides a one-off lump sum for a specific event, IP protects your lifestyle month after month, year after year. It's designed for long-term recovery. After a stroke, you might be unable to return to your old job for years, if ever. IP replaces a significant portion of your lost salary, allowing you to:
    • Continue paying your bills, rent, or mortgage.
    • Maintain your family's standard of living.
    • Focus on your recovery without the pressure of having to return to work too soon.
  • Who needs it: Anyone whose income is essential to their household. If you don't have an income, how do you pay your bills?

Here is a simple comparison:

FeatureLife InsuranceCritical Illness CoverIncome Protection
Payout TriggerDeathDiagnosis of a specified illnessInability to work (any illness/injury)
Payout FormatLump SumLump SumRegular Monthly Income
Primary PurposeProtects family after you're goneProtects finances during a major illnessProtects your income during recovery

Applying for Insurance with High Blood Pressure: An Honest Guide

A common and understandable question is: "Can I even get cover if I've been told I have high blood pressure?" For the vast majority of people, the answer is a resounding yes.

Insurers are in the business of managing risk, not avoiding it. A diagnosis of hypertension does not mean an automatic decline. The key is how well it is managed and controlled.

When you apply, an underwriter will assess your individual circumstances. They will want to know:

  • Your latest readings: Provide a history of your readings if you have them.
  • Your medication: What are you prescribed, and what is the dosage?
  • Control: Is your medication successfully controlling your blood pressure to within normal limits?
  • Complications: Is there any evidence of damage to your heart, kidneys, or eyes?
  • Lifestyle factors: Your age, BMI, smoking status, and alcohol intake are also crucial.

Based on this, there are four likely outcomes:

  1. Standard Rates: If your blood pressure is well-controlled with a single medication, you have no other complications, and a healthy lifestyle, you may be offered cover at the standard price.
  2. Rated Premiums (A "Loading"): This is the most common outcome for those with hypertension. The insurer will offer you the policy but with an increased premium (e.g., +50% or +75%) to reflect the higher risk. This is often still incredibly affordable and provides a vital safety net.
  3. Postponement: If your diagnosis is very recent or your readings are unstable, an insurer might postpone a decision for 3-6 months to allow your treatment to take effect and your condition to stabilise.
  4. Decline: This is rare and typically reserved for cases where blood pressure is dangerously high and uncontrolled, or where there is already significant organ damage.

The single most important rule is to be completely honest on your application. Hiding your diagnosis of high blood pressure is non-disclosure and could lead to a claim being denied, rendering your policy worthless.

Navigating this process can be daunting. This is where an expert broker like WeCovr becomes invaluable. We have daily experience with all the major UK insurers and understand their specific underwriting stances on conditions like hypertension. We know which insurers are more lenient and can present your case in the best possible light to secure the most favourable terms.

Case Study: The Tale of Two Neighbours

To see the real-world impact, let's consider two identical neighbours, both 45-year-old men.

Paul (Uninsured): Paul knows his GP mentioned his blood pressure was "a bit high" a few years ago, but he felt fine and never followed up. At 46, he suffers a major stroke.

  • He spends three weeks in hospital and faces a gruelling recovery.
  • He cannot return to his £50,000/year job. Statutory Sick Pay runs out after 28 weeks.
  • His wife has to reduce her work hours to care for him. The household income plummets.
  • They burn through their savings in 18 months and start falling behind on the mortgage.
  • The stress is immense. They are forced to sell the family home and move to a smaller, rented property. Their children's university fund is gone. Paul's future is one of financial hardship and dependence.

Chris (Insured): Chris also has medically controlled high blood pressure. He was concerned about the impact on his family and spoke to WeCovr. He secured a comprehensive LCIIP package, paying a slightly higher premium due to his condition. At 46, he suffers an almost identical stroke.

  • The diagnosis triggers his Critical Illness policy, which pays out a tax-free lump sum of £200,000. He uses this to pay off the rest of his mortgage and adapt their bathroom into a wet room. The biggest financial stress is gone overnight.
  • After his deferment period, his Income Protection policy kicks in, paying him £2,500 tax-free every month. This replaces a large chunk of his salary.
  • His family's financial situation is stable. His wife can afford to take unpaid leave to support his recovery without worrying about the bills.
  • Chris can focus entirely on his rehabilitation, free from financial anxiety. His family's future is secure.

The health event was the same. The financial outcome was worlds apart. That is the power of protection.

Proactive Defence: Beyond Insurance

While financial protection is critical, proactive health management is the first line of defence. Taking control of your blood pressure can significantly reduce your risk of a life-changing event. The best part? The steps are simple and accessible to everyone.

  • Know Your Numbers: You can get your blood pressure checked for free at most local pharmacies, at an NHS Health Check, or at your GP surgery. Don't wait to be told—be proactive.
  • Reduce Salt Intake: Aim for less than 6g of salt per day. Check food labels, as a surprising amount of salt is hidden in processed foods like bread, cereals, and sauces.
  • Eat a Balanced Diet: A diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and whole grains can have a powerful positive effect.
  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Losing even a small amount of excess weight can make a huge difference to your blood pressure.
  • Get Active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, like brisk walking or cycling, each week.
  • Limit Alcohol: Stick within the recommended guidelines of no more than 14 units per week, spread over several days.
  • Stop Smoking: Smoking causes your arteries to narrow, raising your blood pressure. Quitting is the single best thing you can do for your heart health.

At WeCovr, we believe in supporting our clients' health journeys, not just their financial ones. That’s why all our protection clients receive complimentary access to CalorieHero, our proprietary AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. It's a simple, effective tool to help you take control of your diet and lifestyle, putting you in a stronger position to manage your blood pressure and overall health.

How WeCovr Can Secure Your LCIIP Shield

The UK insurance market is vast and complex. For someone with a pre-existing condition like high blood pressure, trying to find the right cover at the right price can feel overwhelming. This is where we come in.

WeCovr is an independent, expert protection brokerage. We work for you, not for an insurance company.

  • Whole-of-Market Access: We compare plans from all the UK's leading insurers, including Aviva, Legal & General, Zurich, Royal London, and more, to find the best policy for your unique needs.
  • Medical Underwriting Expertise: We specialise in helping people with medical conditions like hypertension secure cover. We know how to frame your application to get the most positive outcome.
  • Hassle-Free Process: We handle the research, the paperwork, and the jargon. We liaise with insurers on your behalf, saving you time and stress.
  • Honest, Clear Advice: Our goal is to ensure you have the right protection in place. We will explain your options clearly, helping you build a robust LCIIP shield that safeguards your family's future.

Conclusion: Don't Let the Silent Killer Win

The evidence is undeniable. High blood pressure is a national health crisis with the power to inflict devastating personal and financial damage on a scale many families cannot comprehend. The "it won't happen to me" mindset is a gamble your family cannot afford for you to take.

The good news is that you have the power to fight back on two fronts.

First, take control of your health. Get your blood pressure checked, understand your numbers, and embrace the lifestyle changes that can protect your long-term well-being.

Second, erect an unbreakable financial shield. A comprehensive Life, Critical Illness, and Income Protection plan is the definitive way to ensure that if the worst does happen, your family is protected from the financial fallout. It transforms a potential £5.1 million catastrophe into a manageable life event.

Don't wait for a diagnosis to become a disaster. Contact an expert adviser today, discuss your circumstances openly, and put in place the protection that will secure your family's home, income, and future. In the face of a silent epidemic, taking decisive action is the only choice.


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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