TL;DR
British Friendly, a mutual society since 1902, specializes in income protection like Protect (full underwriting) and Breathing Space (simplified). This guide covers features, suitability, underwriting, costs, and claims for 2026. What is Income Protection?
Key takeaways
- Short-term: 1/2/5 years max/claim.
- Long-term: To retirement age.
- Age-costed guaranteed: Increases predictably with age (lower start).
- Level guaranteed: Fixed (higher start).
- Fracture Cover: Lump sum (£2,200 max).
British Friendly, a mutual society since 1902, specializes in income protection like Protect (full underwriting) and Breathing Space (simplified). This guide covers features, suitability, underwriting, costs, and claims for 2026.
What is Income Protection?
Pays tax-free monthly benefit if unable to work due to illness/injury, after deferred period, until recovery/policy end. Bridges gap from SSP (£116.75/wk, 28 wks max) for essentials.
| Product | Payout | Trigger |
|---|---|---|
| Income Protection | Monthly income | Incapacity to work |
| Critical Illness | Lump sum | Specific diagnosis |
| Life Insurance | Lump sum | Death |
2.8M UK inactive due to long-term sickness.
British Friendly Overview
Member-owned: No shareholders; profits for members/benefits. Specialist IP focus; strong claims (86% IP in 2024, 94% avg 20yrs).
Policy Features: Protect
Main product: Tailorable long/short-term IP.
Benefit Amount
65% first £60k earnings + 45% above, max £57k/year (£4,750/month). NHS dentists/surgeons higher (up to £100k).
Incapacity Definition
'Own Occupation' standard: Pays if unable to do your specific job duties.
Benefit Periods
- Short-term: 1/2/5 years max/claim.
- Long-term: To retirement age.
Deferred Periods
1, 4, 8, 13, 26, 52 weeks (longer = cheaper).
| Buffer/Sick Pay | Deferred Suggestion |
|---|---|
| Minimal | 1-4 weeks |
| 1-2 months | 4-8 weeks |
| 3 months | 13 weeks |
| 6 months | 26 weeks |
| 12 months | 52 weeks |
Premiums
- Age-costed guaranteed: Increases predictably with age (lower start).
- Level guaranteed: Fixed (higher start).
Indexation optional.
Included Benefits
- Fracture Cover: Lump sum (£2,200 max).
- Hospitalisation: £100/night >6 nights in deferral.
- Terminal Illness: 12x monthly benefit.
- Death Benefit: Lump sum.
- BFare: 24/7 virtual GP, mental health, physio, second opinions.
Profit share possible.
Breathing Space
Simplified short-term (1/2/5 years): £541-£1,250/month, no financial underwriting upfront, 1/4/8/13 week defer, all occupations same price.
Suitability
Best for self-employed/manual trades valuing mutual ethos/short-term affordability. Executive IP for directors (company-paid, tax-efficient).
Not for bundling with life/CI.
Underwriting
Full for Protect: Health/lifestyle/occupation/finances. GP reports possible.
- Outcomes: Standard/exclusion/loading.
- Flexible: Type 2 diabetes often OK; exclusion reviews.
- UK residents 2+ yrs, GP registered.
Exclusions: War/criminal/normal pregnancy; medical-specific.
Costs
Personalized by age/health/job/benefit/deferral/type.
Illustrative (£2k/month, 13wk defer, non-smoker office, long-term):
| Age | Age-Costed | Guaranteed |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | £25-£35 | £40-£50 |
| 40 | £40-£55 | £65-£80 |
| 50 | £70-£90 | £110-£130 |
Shorter defer higher cost (e.g., 4wk: £55 vs 52wk: £24 for 35yo).
Illustrative; get quotes.
Claims Process
Efficient in-house: 86% paid 2024.
- Notify near defer end.
- Form + evidence (medical/earnings; insurer gets GP report).
- Assessment.
- Monthly payments.
- Support/rehab.
Scenario: Self-employed electrician fractures leg; claims £2,500/month after 4wks + hospital/fracture benefits.
Verdict
Robust for self-employed/manual; strong benefits/mutual focus. Compare via WeCovr for best fit.
FAQs
Tax-deductible?
Job change?
Pre-existing?
Protect vs Breathing Space?
Contact WeCovr for free comparison.
