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Do You Need Whole of Life Insurance in the UK

Do You Need Whole of Life Insurance in the UK 2025

Life insurance is one of the cornerstones of sound financial planning. It’s a subject that many of us prefer to put off, yet its value in protecting the people we care about most is undeniable. When you delve into the world of life cover, you'll quickly encounter two main paths: Term Insurance and Whole of Life Insurance.

Term insurance is straightforward: it covers you for a fixed period. But what if you’re looking for a guarantee? A promise that, no matter when you pass away, your loved ones will receive a financial payout? This is where Whole of Life insurance enters the conversation.

It’s a powerful, permanent solution, but it’s not for everyone. It’s more complex and typically more expensive than term cover, leading to a crucial question for many UK families, business owners, and retirees: is it truly necessary?

WeCovr explains when lifetime cover is worth it and which providers excel

As expert brokers in the UK protection market, we at WeCovr specialise in demystifying products like Whole of Life insurance. Our goal is to provide you with the clarity needed to make an informed decision. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

We will explore precisely what Whole of Life cover is, who it’s designed for, and the specific scenarios where it proves invaluable. We’ll also break down the different types available, compare the UK’s leading providers, and discuss the costs involved, so you can determine if it's the right choice for your long-term financial strategy.

What is Whole of Life Insurance?

In simple terms, Whole of Life insurance is a type of life insurance policy that guarantees to pay out a lump sum when you die, whenever that may be. Unlike term insurance, which only pays out if you die within a specified period (the 'term'), this policy has no expiry date.

As long as you continue to pay your monthly or annual premiums, your beneficiaries are certain to receive the payout. This certainty is the product's core feature.

Think of it like this:

  • Term Life Insurance is like renting protection. You have cover for a set period, for example, the 25 years you're paying off your mortgage. If you outlive the term, the policy ends, and there's no payout.
  • Whole of Life Insurance is like buying a permanent financial asset for your estate. You own the cover for your entire life, and the payout is a matter of 'when', not 'if'.

Because the insurer knows it will have to pay out eventually, the premiums for Whole of Life cover are significantly higher than for term insurance for the same level of cover. You are paying for a guarantee.

Whole of Life vs. Term Life Insurance: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Understanding the fundamental differences between these two products is the first step in deciding which, if any, is right for you. While both provide a cash lump sum upon death, their purpose, structure, and cost are worlds apart.

Here’s a clear comparison of their key features:

FeatureWhole of Life InsuranceTerm Life Insurance
Policy DurationCovers you for your entire life (premiums must be maintained).Covers you for a fixed period (e.g. 10, 20, or 30 years).
Payout GuaranteeGuaranteed payout whenever death occurs.Pays out only if death occurs within the policy term.
Premium CostHigher, as cover is lifelong.More affordable and budget-friendly.
Primary PurposeInheritance tax planning, leaving a guaranteed legacy, or covering funeral costs.Covering mortgages and other debts, protecting families while children are financially dependent.
Cash ValueModern UK policies are pure protection and have no cash-in value.No cash value — if the term ends, the policy simply expires.
Ideal CandidateThose wanting to leave a fixed inheritance or plan for estate liabilities.Families with mortgages, parents of young children, or business owners covering loans.

The choice isn't about which is "better" in a general sense, but which is better suited to your specific financial goals and circumstances. For most UK families, the primary need is to replace a lost income or clear a mortgage if a parent dies unexpectedly. In these cases, affordable term insurance is often the most logical and efficient solution.

However, for a distinct set of financial planning needs, Whole of Life insurance is not just a good idea—it's essential.

When is Whole of Life Insurance a Smart Financial Move?

Whole of Life cover shines in situations where a guaranteed cash sum is needed at an unknown point in the future. Here are the four most common scenarios where it provides unparalleled value.

1. Covering an Inheritance Tax (IHT) Bill

This is arguably the most common and compelling reason to take out Whole of Life insurance in the UK.

Inheritance Tax is a tax on the estate of someone who has passed away. In the 2025/2026 tax year, the rules are:

  • Nil-Rate Band (NRB): The first £325,000 of your estate is tax-free.
  • Residence Nil-Rate Band (RNRB): An additional £175,000 is available if you pass your main residence down to direct descendants (children or grandchildren).
  • Tax Rate: Anything above these thresholds is typically taxed at a hefty 40%.

For many, especially in regions with high property values like London and the South East, their estate can easily exceed these limits. An IHT bill can run into tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds, forcing beneficiaries to sell assets, including the family home, just to pay the tax.

How Whole of Life Insurance Solves This:

A Whole of Life policy can be taken out for a sum assured that matches your estimated IHT liability. The crucial step is to write the policy 'in trust'. This legally separates the policy payout from your estate.

When you die, the insurance payout goes directly to the trust beneficiaries, who can then use the tax-free cash to pay the IHT bill. This leaves the rest of your estate intact for them to inherit as you intended.

Example: Margaret, a widow, has an estate worth £800,000, including her home. Her total tax-free allowance is £500,000 (£325k NRB + £175k RNRB).

  • Taxable Estate: £800,000 - £500,000 = £300,000
  • Potential IHT Bill: 40% of £300,000 = £120,000 Margaret takes out a Whole of Life policy for £120,000 and places it in trust for her children. When she passes away, her children receive the £120,000 payout quickly and tax-free, use it to pay HMRC, and inherit the entire £800,000 estate without having to sell any assets.

2. Leaving a Guaranteed Legacy

Perhaps you want to ensure a specific amount of money reaches your children, grandchildren, or a chosen charity, no matter what happens to your other investments or assets.

Term insurance is unsuitable for this, as you will likely outlive the policy. Savings and investments can fluctuate in value and may be depleted by care costs in later life.

A Whole of Life policy provides a cast-iron guarantee. By paying the premiums, you are effectively creating a tax-free lump sum that will be delivered to your chosen beneficiaries upon your death, fulfilling your wish to leave a lasting gift. This is particularly popular for funding grandchildren's university fees or a house deposit.

3. Funding Funeral Costs

The cost of a funeral in the UK continues to rise. According to the 2024 SunLife Cost of Dying report, the average cost of a basic funeral now stands at £4,141, with the total cost of dying (including professional fees and a send-off) reaching £9,658.

This can be an unexpected and significant expense for a grieving family to bear. A smaller Whole of Life policy, often referred to as an 'Over 50s Plan', can be a simple way to cover these final expenses. These plans typically offer guaranteed acceptance with no medical questions for UK residents aged 50-80, making them accessible even for those with health conditions. The payout is fixed and can be used to pay the funeral director directly, providing both financial help and peace of mind.

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4. Supporting a Dependant with a Lifelong Need

For parents or guardians of a child with a severe disability or medical condition, the future can be a source of constant worry. If the child will require financial support and care for their entire life, what happens when you are no longer around to provide it?

A Whole of Life policy, held in a specialist trust, can provide the necessary capital to fund their ongoing care, accommodation, and living expenses long after you're gone. This ensures their quality of life is protected, providing a level of security that other financial products cannot match.

Understanding the Different Types of Whole of Life Policies

Not all Whole of Life policies are created equal. The type you choose will have a significant impact on your premiums and the certainty of the plan. The main options in the UK are:

Policy TypePremiumsSum Assured (Payout)Best For...
Balanced / Guaranteed CoverFixed for life. They never change.Guaranteed and fixed from the start.Those who value certainty and want to budget for the long term (e.g., for IHT planning).
Maximum / Reviewable CoverStart lower but are reviewed periodically (e.g., every 5-10 years) and will likely increase.Can be linked to the performance of an investment fund, or the premium increases maintain the cover level.Younger individuals with lower initial budgets who expect their income to rise significantly. Carries risk.
Over 50s PlanFixed for life (or until a certain age, e.g., 90).Guaranteed but usually smaller amounts (e.g., up to £20,000).Covering funeral costs, especially for those with health issues, as acceptance is guaranteed.

Our Expert View on Reviewable Premiums:

While Maximum Cover with reviewable premiums may seem tempting due to the lower initial cost, we at WeCovr advise extreme caution. The premium increases at review points, which are based on your age at that time, can be substantial. In later life, when your income may be fixed, these rising costs can become unaffordable. If you then have to cancel the policy, you lose all the money you've paid in and are left with no cover. For the majority of people, the predictability of a Guaranteed (Balanced) Premium policy is a far safer and more prudent choice.

The Crucial Role of 'Writing Your Policy in Trust'

We've mentioned this already, but it's so important it deserves its own section. Writing your Whole of Life policy in trust is one of the single most important things you can do in estate planning.

What is a Trust?

A trust is a simple legal arrangement that makes the life insurance policy a separate entity from your estate. You (the settlor) place the policy into the trust, and you appoint trustees (people you trust, often your adult children or a solicitor) to manage it. You also name the beneficiaries (the people you want to receive the money).

Why is it so important?

  1. It Avoids Inheritance Tax: Because the policy is no longer legally part of your estate, the payout is not included in the IHT calculation. This is the key to using the policy to pay the tax bill, not add to it.
  2. It Bypasses Probate: Probate is the legal process of validating a will and distributing the estate. It can take many months, sometimes even years. A policy in trust is not subject to probate. The trustees can access the insurance payout much faster—often within a few weeks of the death certificate being issued. This provides your family with cash exactly when they need it most.
  3. It Gives You Control: The trust deed specifies exactly who should benefit from the policy. This avoids any ambiguity and ensures the money goes to the right people, according to your wishes.

Most insurers provide standard trust forms free of charge, and the process is relatively straightforward. At WeCovr, we consider this a non-negotiable part of the process for relevant policies and guide all our clients through completing the forms correctly.

Who are the Leading Whole of Life Insurance Providers in the UK?

The UK market is home to a number of highly-rated, financially strong insurers. The "best" provider for you will depend on your age, health, the amount of cover you need, and the specific features you value. As impartial brokers, we compare the whole market to find the optimal fit.

Here’s a snapshot of some of the leading players and what they're known for:

ProviderKey FeaturesBest For...WeCovr's Expert Take
Legal & GeneralStrong brand recognition, flexible options, excellent service. Offer both guaranteed and reviewable premium options.A trusted, all-round choice, particularly for straightforward Inheritance Tax planning.A go-to provider for reliability and robust cover. Their trust services are well-regarded and easy to use.
AvivaOne of the UK's largest insurers. Comprehensive policy features and strong claims payment record.Clients who value a household name and a financially strong company with a wide range of products.A solid, dependable option. Their application process is smooth, and they have a good reputation for customer support.
Royal LondonA mutual company (owned by its members, not shareholders). Consistently wins awards for service and claims handling.Individuals who prefer an ethical, customer-focused approach and value an outstanding claims reputation.Royal London's mutual status often translates into excellent customer service. They are a top contender, especially for service-conscious clients.
AIG LifeKnown for competitive pricing, especially on larger sums assured. Offer a unique approach to trusts and underwriting.High-net-worth individuals, business owners, and those with more complex estate planning needs.AIG can be exceptionally competitive for larger policies. Their 'Smart Health' service offers excellent added-value benefits.
VitalityUnique model that rewards healthy living with reduced premiums and other perks. Cover is linked to an activity and health tracking programme.Health-conscious individuals who are motivated to engage with the wellness programme to actively manage their premiums.A fantastic option for those who are fit and active. The potential to keep premiums low is a powerful incentive, but it requires ongoing engagement.

The Cost of Whole of Life Insurance: What Influences Your Premiums?

The price you pay for Whole of Life insurance is highly personal and is based on the level of risk the insurer believes it is taking on. The main factors that determine your premium are:

  • Your Age: The younger and healthier you are when you take out the policy, the cheaper your fixed premiums will be for life.
  • Your Health: The insurer will ask detailed questions about your medical history, including any pre-existing conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
  • Your Family's Medical History: A history of hereditary conditions like certain cancers or heart disease in close relatives can impact your premium.
  • Your Lifestyle: Insurers will ask about smoking, vaping, alcohol consumption, and any high-risk hobbies (e.g., mountaineering, motorsports). Smokers can expect to pay almost double the premium of a non-smoker.
  • The Sum Assured: The higher the payout you want, the higher the premium.
  • The Policy Type: Guaranteed (Balanced) premiums will be higher initially than Reviewable (Maximum) premiums.

To give you an idea, here are some illustrative monthly premiums for a non-smoker in good health seeking £100,000 of guaranteed Whole of Life cover.

Age at ApplicationEstimated Monthly Premium
30£75 - £90
40£110 - £135
50£175 - £210
60£290 - £350

Disclaimer: These figures are for illustration purposes only and are not a quote. The actual premium you pay will depend on your individual circumstances and the insurer chosen. (Estimates based on market data, January 2025).

The table clearly shows why taking out cover earlier in life is so advantageous. A 30-year-old could secure a policy for life for less than £100 a month, whereas waiting until 60 could more than triple that cost.

Beyond the Payout: Added-Value Benefits and Wellness Programmes

Modern life insurance policies are about more than just a cheque on death. To stay competitive, most leading insurers now include a suite of valuable benefits that you and your family can use from the moment your policy begins, at no extra cost.

These can include:

  • 24/7 Virtual GP: Skip the NHS waiting list and speak to a UK-based GP via phone or video call, often within hours. Prescriptions can be sent directly to your local pharmacy.
  • Mental Health Support: Access to a set number of confidential counselling and therapy sessions per year for issues like stress, anxiety, or bereavement.
  • Second Medical Opinion Service: If you or a family member receive a serious diagnosis, you can have your case reviewed by a world-leading medical expert to confirm the diagnosis and explore treatment options.
  • Nutrition and Fitness Plans: Access to personalised diet plans and fitness programmes to help you improve your health.

At WeCovr, we firmly believe that proactive health is as important as reactive protection. That’s why, on top of the insurer's benefits, we provide all our clients with complimentary access to our very own AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero. It’s our way of supporting your long-term health journey. A healthier lifestyle not only improves your quality of life but can also be a key factor in securing lower insurance premiums.

Are There Alternatives to Whole of Life Insurance?

Whole of Life is a specific tool, and it's important to consider the alternatives that might be a better fit for your needs and budget.

  • Term Life Insurance: As discussed, this is the ideal solution for covering time-limited liabilities. If your main concern is paying off the mortgage and protecting your children until they are financially independent, term insurance is almost always the more appropriate and affordable choice.
  • Family Income Benefit: This is a type of term insurance that pays out a regular, tax-free monthly or annual income rather than a single lump sum. It's designed to replace a lost salary and can feel more manageable for a family trying to budget month-to-month.
  • Investing: Some people argue that instead of paying high premiums for Whole of Life cover, you could invest the difference in premiums between a term policy and a whole of life policy. While this can work in theory, it requires discipline, investment expertise, and a tolerance for risk. The value of investments can go down as well as up, and the market could be at a low point when the funds are needed. Insurance provides a guarantee that investing cannot.

Special Considerations for Business Owners and Company Directors

For those running their own business, personal and business finances are often intertwined. Protection insurance is not just a personal matter; it's a critical component of business continuity planning.

  • Relevant Life Insurance: This is a highly tax-efficient way for a limited company to provide 'death-in-service' benefits for a director or employee. The company pays the premiums, which are typically an allowable business expense, and there are no P11D benefit-in-kind implications for the individual. The payout goes to the individual's family, tax-free. It's an excellent alternative to a personal life policy for directors.
  • Key Person Insurance: This protects the business itself. The policy is taken out on the life of a 'key person'—someone whose death or critical illness would cause a significant financial loss to the company (e.g., a founder, top salesperson, or technical expert). The payout goes to the company to cover lost profits, recruit a replacement, or repay debt.
  • Shareholder or Partnership Protection: In a business with multiple owners, what happens if one dies? Their shares will pass to their estate. Do the remaining owners have the funds to buy those shares back? Shareholder Protection uses life insurance policies (either term or whole of life) on each owner to provide the capital for the surviving owners to purchase the deceased's shares from their heirs. This is funded by a cross-option agreement and ensures the business stays in the hands of those running it.

Conclusion: Is Whole of Life Insurance Right for You?

Whole of Life insurance is a premium product designed for specific, long-term financial planning objectives. It is not a replacement for term insurance and is not necessary for every individual.

It is likely to be the right choice if you find yourself in one of these situations:

  • Your estate is large enough to be liable for a significant Inheritance Tax bill.
  • You want to leave a guaranteed financial legacy of a specific amount to your heirs or a charity.
  • You need to provide lifelong financial support for a dependant.
  • You need to fund a business succession plan (e.g., a shareholder buyout).

For most other protection needs, such as covering a mortgage or providing for a young family until they are independent, the affordability and suitability of term insurance make it the superior option.

The world of life insurance can be complex, with different products, providers, and features to consider. The best way to determine the right path for your unique circumstances is to seek expert advice.

At WeCovr, we specialise in helping people across the UK find the right protection at the right price. We'll take the time to understand your needs, compare policies from all the UK's leading insurers, and provide a clear, jargon-free recommendation. Contact our friendly team today for a no-obligation chat and a free quote.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the payout from Whole of Life insurance taxable?

Generally, the lump sum payout from a UK life insurance policy is paid free of income tax and capital gains tax. However, if the policy is not written in trust, the payout will form part of your legal estate and could be subject to Inheritance Tax (IHT) if your total estate exceeds the available tax-free allowances. This is why writing the policy in trust is so critical for estate planning.

Can I cash in my Whole of Life policy?

Most modern Whole of Life 'protection' policies in the UK do not have a cash-in or 'surrender' value. If you stop paying the premiums, the cover simply lapses and you get nothing back. Some older or investment-linked policies (like with-profits endowments) did have a surrender value, but cashing them in almost always represents poor value for money compared to the final payout.

What happens if I stop paying my Whole of Life premiums?

If you stop paying your premiums, the policy will enter a grace period (usually 30 days). If you do not resume payments, the policy will lapse, and your cover will end permanently. You will not receive any of the money you have paid in premiums back. It is vital to ensure the premiums are affordable for you for the long term before taking out a policy.

Do I need a medical exam to get Whole of Life insurance?

It depends. All applicants must complete a detailed health and lifestyle questionnaire. For younger applicants and smaller sums assured, this may be all that is required. For older applicants, those with pre-existing medical conditions, or those seeking a very large amount of cover, the insurer may request further evidence. This could include a report from your GP, a nurse screening (where a nurse visits to take your height, weight, blood pressure, and a blood/urine sample), or a full medical examination.

How is Whole of Life different from an Over 50s Plan?

An Over 50s Plan is technically a type of Whole of Life insurance, but there are key differences. Standard Whole of Life requires full medical underwriting, meaning your health is assessed to determine your premium, and you can get large amounts of cover. Over 50s Plans have guaranteed acceptance with no medical questions, but the maximum sum assured is much lower (typically capped around £20,000), and they have an initial waiting period (usually 1-2 years) where they will not pay out for death by natural causes. They are designed primarily for funeral costs.

Why life insurance and how does it work?

What is Life Insurance?

Life insurance is an insurance policy that can provide financial support for your loved ones when you or your joint policy holder passes away. It can help clear any outstanding debts, such as a mortgage, and cover your family's living and other expenses such costs of education, so your family can continue to pay bills and living expenses. In addition to life insurance, insurance providers offer related products such as income protection and critical illness, which we will touch upon below.

How does it work?

Life insurance pays out if you die. The payout can be in the form of a lump sum payment or can be paid as a replacement for a regular income. It's your decision how much cover you'd like to take based on your financial resources and how much you'd like to leave to your family to help them deal with any outstanding debts and living expenses. Your premium depends on a number of factors, including your occupation, health and other criteria.

The payout amount can change over time or can be fixed. A level term or whole of life policy offers a fixed payout. A decreasing term policy offers a payout that decreases over the term of the cover.

With critical illness policies, a payout is made if you’re diagnosed with a terminal illness with a remaining life expectancy of less than 12 months. While income protection policies ensure you can continue to meet your financial commitments if you are forced to take an extended break from work. If you can’t work because you’ve had an accident, fallen sick, or lost your job through no fault of your own, income protection insurance pays you an agreed portion of your salary each month.

Income protection is particularly helpful for people in dangerous occupations who want to be sure their mortgage will always be covered. Income protection only covers events beyond your control: you’re much less likely to be covered if you’re fired from your job or if you injure yourself deliberately.

Questions to ask yourself regarding life insurance

Just ask yourself:
👉 Who would pay your mortgage or rent if you were to pass away or fall seriously ill?
👉 Who would pay for your family’s food, clothing, study fees or lifestyle?
👉 Who would provide for the costs of your funeral or clear your debts?
👉 Who would pay for your costs if you're unable to work due to serious illness or disability?

Many families don’t realise that life, income protection and critical illness insurance is one of the most effective ways to protect their finances. A great insurance policy can cover costs, protect a family from inheriting debts and even pay off a mortgage.

Many would think that the costs for all the benefits provided by life insurance, income protection insurance or critical illness insurance are too high, but the great news is in the current market policies are actually very inexpensive.

Benefits offered by income protection, life and critical illness insurance

Life insurance, income protection and critical illness insurance are indispensable for every family because a child loses a parent every 22 minutes in the UK, while every single day tragically 60 people suffer major injuries on the UK roads. Some people become unable to work because of sickness or disability.

Life insurance cover pays out a lump sum to your family, loved ones or whomever you choose to get the money. This can be used to secure the financial future of your loved ones meaning they would not have to struggle financially in the event of your death.

If it's a critical illness cover, the payout happens sooner - upon diagnosis of a serious illness, disability or medical condition, easing the financial hardship such an event inevitably brings.

Income protection insurance can be very important for anyone who relies on a pay check to cover their living costs, but it's especially important if you’re self-employed or own a small business, where your employment and income is a bit less stable. It pays a regular income if you can't work because of sickness or disability and continues until you return to paid work or you retire.

In a world where 1 in 4 of us would struggle financially after just four weeks without work, the stark reality hits hard – a mere 7% of UK adults possess the vital shield of income protection. The urgency of safeguarding our financial well-being has never been more palpable.

Let's face it – relying on savings isn't a solution for everyone. Almost 25% of people have no savings at all, and a whopping 50% have £1,000 or less tucked away. Even more concerning, 51% of Brits – that's a huge 27 million people – wouldn't last more than one month living off their savings. That's a 10% increase from 2022.

And don't even think about state benefits being a safety net. The maximum you can expect from statutory sick pay is a mere £109.40 per week for up to 28 weeks. Not exactly a financial lifeline, right?

Now, let's tackle a common objection: "But I have critical illness insurance. I don't need income protection too." Here's the deal – the two policies apply to very different situations. In a nutshell:

  • Critical illness insurance pays a single lump sum if you're diagnosed with or undergo surgery for a specified potentially life-threatening illness. It's great for handling big one-off expenses or debts.
  • Income protection, on the other hand, pays a percentage of your salary as a regular payment if you can't work due to illness or injury. It's the superhero that tackles those relentless monthly bills.

Types of life insurance policies

Common reasons for getting a life insurance policy are to:
✅ Leave behind an amount of money to keep your family comfortable
✅ Protect the family home and pay off the mortgage in full or in part
✅ Pay for funeral costs

Starting from as little as a couple of pounds per week, you can do all that with a Life Policy.

Level Term Life Insurance
One of the simplest forms of life insurance, level term life insurance works by selecting a length of time for which you would want to be covered and then deciding how much you would like your loved ones to receive should the worst happen. Should your life insurance policy pay out to your family, it would be in a lump sum amount that can be used in whatever way the beneficiary may wish.

Decreasing Term Life Insurance
Decreasing term life insurance works in the same way as level term, except the lump sum payment amount upon death decreases with time. The common use for decreasing term life cover is to protect against mortgage repayment as the lump sum decreases along with the principal of the mortgage itself.

Increasing Term Life Insurance
Increasing term life insurance aims to pay out a cash sum growing each year if the worst happens while covered by the policy. With increasing term life cover amount insured increases annually by a fixed amount for the length of the policy. This can protect your policy's value against inflation, which could be advantageous if you’re looking to maintain your loved ones’ living standards, continue paying off your mortgage in line with its repayment schedule and cover your children’s education fees.

Whole of Life Insurance
Whereas term life insurance policies only pay out if you pass away during their term, whole of life insurance pays out to your beneficiaries whenever this should happen. The most common uses for whole life insurance are to cover the costs of a funeral or as a vehicle for your family's inheritance tax planning.

Family Income Benefit
Family income benefit is a somewhat lesser-known product in the family of life insurance products. Paying out a set amount every month of year to your beneficiaries, it is the most cost-effective way of maintaining your family's living standards to an age where you'd expect them to be able to support themselves financially. The most common use would be for a family with children who are not working yet so are unable to take care of themselves financially.

Relevant Life Insurance
Relevant Life Insurance is a tax-efficient policy for a director or single employee. A simple level term life insurance product, it is placed in a specific trust to ensure its tax efficiency. The premiums are tax deductible and any benefit payable should a claim arise is also paid out tax free, which makes it an attractive product for entrepreneurs and their businesses.

Important Fact!

There is no need to wait until the renewal of your current policy.
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!

Why is it important to get life insurance early?

👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their life, income protection, and critical illness insurance cover in place before running into some serious issues. Critical illness and income protection insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.

👉 We insure our cars, houses, bicycles and even bags! Yet our life and health are the most precious things we have.

Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy life, income protection, critical illness and private medical health insurance can be made much simpler with the help of FCA-authorised advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of life insurance policies available in the market, including income protection, critical illness and other types of policies most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.

It certainly won't do any harm if you speak with one of our experienced FCA-authorised insurance partner experts who are passionate about advising people on financial matters related to life insurance and are keen to provide you with a free consultation.

You can discuss with them in detail what affordable life, income protection, critical illness or private medical health insurance plan for the necessary peace of mind they would recommend! WeCovr works with some of the best advisers in the market.

By tapping the button below, you can book a free call with them in less than 30 seconds right now:

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Life, income protection, and/or critical illness insurance are safety nets, very important at a difficult time. If anything happened to you before your cover ends, your life or critical illness insurance would pay a lump sum to your family and/or you (if you took a critical illness or income protection cover) to help cover the losses. Being diagnosed with a critical illness can be devastating, and it won't help matters to be also worrying about how you would cope financially. With a life, income protection, or critical illness policy, you can choose how much cover you need, how you want the policy to pay out, and whether you want cover for both you and your partner. Income protection insurance pays you a regular income if you can't work because of sickness or disability and continues until you return to paid work or you retire. Also known as permanent health insurance, it is quite important for anyone who relies on a paycheck to cover their living costs, but it's particularly important if you're self-employed or own a small business, where your income might be a bit less stable.

Life, income protection, and critical illness insurance pay out millions to families every day. Your expert will explain to you that you need to be honest and open when applying for your insurance.

If you're single with no dependants then it may be that you don't need life assurance. However, if you were to become seriously ill and unable to work, you may benefit from a critical illness or income protection policy. They can help you keep up to date with your rent, bills, food, and other expenses.

It's free to use WeCovr to find life, income protection, and critical illness insurance - we never charge you for quotes. Critical illness, income protection, and life insurance is an investment that pays many times over for you and/or your loved ones.

Life, income protection, and critical illness insurance are important financial products that insurance companies take a lot of care and diligence, so speaking to real human beings ensures that they understand your requirements fully so that you can get the right cover.

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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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