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Financial Armor for Life's Unpredictable Journey

Financial Armor for Life's Unpredictable Journey 2025

In a world where nearly 1 in 2 people will face a cancer diagnosis and life's uncertainties loom, true personal growth isn't just about self-care – it's about strategic resilience. Discover how proactive financial safeguards like Income Protection, Critical Illness Cover, Family Income Benefit, tailored Personal Sick Pay for tradespeople and nurses, and private health insurance are the unseen foundations protecting your future, relationships, and potential from unexpected setbacks.

We dedicate ourselves to personal growth. We join gyms, practise mindfulness, eat well, and build strong relationships. We climb career ladders and chase our dreams. Yet, the strongest foundations can be shaken by events entirely outside our control—a sudden illness, a serious accident, a life-changing diagnosis. The stark reality, according to Cancer Research UK, is that 1 in 2 people in the UK will be diagnosed with some form of cancer during their lifetime.

This isn't about fear; it's about foresight. True resilience is a two-pronged strategy: nurturing your well-being while simultaneously building a fortress around your financial future. This fortress, your 'financial armour', is a carefully constructed set of protection policies designed to shield you, your family, and your business from the financial shockwaves of ill health or unforeseen tragedy. It’s the invisible framework that allows you to focus on recovery, not bills.

This definitive guide will explore the essential components of that armour, showing you how to strategically protect your most valuable asset: your ability to earn an income and provide for those you love.

Why 'It Won't Happen to Me' is a Dangerous Myth

It's human nature to possess an optimism bias. We see troubling statistics and instinctively feel they apply to others. However, the data paints a clear picture of the risks faced by the UK's working population.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), an estimated 2.8 million people were out of the workforce due to long-term sickness in early 2024, a significant increase over the past few years. The reasons are varied, but they highlight the everyday vulnerabilities we all share:

  • Musculoskeletal Issues: Back pain, neck problems, and other joint issues are a leading cause of long-term absence, particularly affecting those in physically demanding roles.
  • Mental Health: Conditions like depression, stress, and anxiety are now a primary reason for sickness absence, affecting individuals in all professions.
  • Serious Illness: Beyond the shocking cancer statistics, heart attacks, strokes, and other critical conditions can strike without warning, leading to extended periods away from work.

The financial consequences can be devastating. Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) in the UK provides a minimal safety net of just £116.75 per week (2024/25 rate) for a maximum of 28 weeks. For most households, this represents a catastrophic drop in income, barely enough to cover a fraction of typical monthly outgoings like mortgage payments, council tax, and utility bills.

Without a private safety net, families are forced to rely on savings, take on debt, or even risk losing their homes. This financial stress compounds the emotional and physical trauma of illness, hindering recovery and placing immense strain on relationships. Building your financial armour isn't pessimism; it's a pragmatic act of self-reliance and care for your loved ones.

Your Income: The Engine of Your Life

Your ability to earn an income is the engine that powers your entire life. It pays for your home, your holidays, your children's future, and your retirement. Protecting it should be your number one financial priority. Two key policies are designed specifically for this purpose: Income Protection and Personal Sick Pay.

Income Protection (IP): Your Monthly Salary Lifeline

Income Protection is widely regarded by financial experts as the most crucial form of financial protection. It’s designed to do one thing brilliantly: replace a significant portion of your monthly income if you are unable to work due to any illness or injury.

How does it work?

  • Benefit Amount: You can typically cover between 50% and 70% of your gross monthly income. This is paid tax-free.
  • Deferred Period: This is the pre-agreed waiting period before the policy starts paying out. It can range from 1 day to 12 months. The longer the deferred period you choose, the lower your monthly premium. A common strategy is to align it with your employer's full sick pay period.
  • Payment Period: This dictates how long the policy will pay out for. A 'long-term' policy, the gold standard, will pay out until you either return to work, retire, or the policy term ends—whichever comes first. This could be for decades if necessary. Short-term plans, which pay out for a limited period (e.g., 1, 2, or 5 years), are also available as a more budget-friendly option.

A critical detail to understand is the definition of incapacity. The best policies use an 'Own Occupation' definition. This means the policy will pay out if you are unable to perform the specific duties of your own job. Other, less robust definitions like 'Suited Occupation' or 'Any Occupation' may only pay out if you're unable to do any job, which is a much harder threshold to meet.

FeatureLong-Term Income ProtectionShort-Term Income Protection
Payment PeriodPays until you return to work, retire, or the policy endsPays for a fixed period (e.g., 1, 2, or 5 years)
Ideal ForComprehensive protection against career-ending illnessCovering shorter-term sickness; more budget-conscious
CostHigher premium for more extensive coverLower premium
Best Definition'Own Occupation' is essential'Own Occupation' is still preferable

Real-Life Example: Sarah, a 40-year-old marketing manager earning £50,000 a year, is diagnosed with a severe form of rheumatoid arthritis. She can no longer manage the daily commute or the long hours at a desk. Her employer's sick pay runs out after six months. Thankfully, she has a long-term Income Protection policy with a 6-month deferred period. The policy starts paying her £2,500 a month (60% of her gross income), allowing her to continue paying her mortgage and bills while she focuses on managing her condition.

Personal Sick Pay: Tailored for the Hands-On Professional

For many, especially the self-employed and those in trades, the term "Personal Sick Pay" is used to describe a specific type of short-term income protection. These policies are perfectly designed for people whose income stops the moment they can't physically work. Think of electricians, plumbers, nurses, builders, and freelance creatives.

Key features that make it suitable for these roles include:

  • Shorter Deferred Periods: You can often choose a 'Day 1' or 'Week 1' waiting period, providing almost immediate financial support.
  • Focus on Accidents: While covering illness too, these plans are invaluable for injuries like broken bones, which are a higher risk in manual trades.
  • Affordability: Because the payment period is capped (usually at 1 or 2 years), the premiums are significantly lower than for long-term IP, making it accessible for those with fluctuating incomes.

Real-Life Example: Dave, a 35-year-old self-employed electrician, falls from a ladder and breaks his wrist, needing surgery. He is told he won't be able to work for at least three months. His Personal Sick Pay policy, with a one-week deferred period, kicks in after the first seven days. It pays him a pre-agreed benefit of £1,800 a month, ensuring he can cover his business overheads and personal bills without draining his savings.

Facing a Serious Diagnosis: Critical Illness Cover (CIC)

While Income Protection shields your monthly budget, Critical Illness Cover is designed to provide a large, tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with a specified serious condition. The goal is to absorb major financial shocks, giving you choices and breathing room at a time of immense stress.

A CIC payout can be used for anything you wish, but common uses include:

  • Paying off a mortgage or other large debts
  • Funding private medical treatment or specialist care
  • Making disability-friendly adaptations to your home
  • Replacing a partner's income so they can take time off to care for you
  • Simply providing a financial buffer to reduce worry

The number of conditions covered varies by insurer, but the vast majority of claims are for three core conditions.

ConditionPercentage of Claims (Approximate)Description
Cancer~60%A wide range of specified cancers are covered, with definitions varying by severity.
Heart Attack~15%Policies have specific definitions based on clinical evidence and severity.
Stroke~10%Covers strokes of a specified severity, resulting in permanent symptoms.

Source: Association of British Insurers (ABI) claims statistics.

It is absolutely vital to check the policy's Key Features Document. The definitions for conditions like cancer can be complex, and what one insurer covers, another might not. This is where the expertise of a specialist broker becomes invaluable. At WeCovr, we help clients navigate these nuances, comparing definitions from all the UK's leading insurers to find the policy that offers the most comprehensive protection for their needs.

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Protecting Your Loved Ones After You're Gone

The ultimate act of love is ensuring your family is financially secure even if you're no longer there. Life insurance is the primary tool for this, but it comes in different forms, each suited to different needs.

Life Insurance vs. Family Income Benefit (FIB)

The most common type of life insurance is Level Term Insurance. It pays out a fixed, tax-free lump sum if you die within the policy term. This is ideal for clearing a large debt like an interest-only mortgage or providing a substantial inheritance.

However, an often overlooked and incredibly powerful alternative is Family Income Benefit (FIB). Instead of a single lump sum, FIB pays out a regular, tax-free monthly or annual income to your family. This income is paid from the date of the claim until the end of the policy term.

Why is FIB so effective?

  • Budget Alignment: It replaces your lost monthly salary, making it easier for your surviving partner to manage the household budget without the stress of handling a large, intimidating lump sum.
  • Cost-Effective: Because the total potential payout decreases as the policy term progresses, FIB is often significantly cheaper than a level term policy with a comparable overall value.
  • Peace of Mind: It ensures the bills are paid month after month, covering everything from the mortgage to school fees and groceries.
FeatureLevel Term Life InsuranceFamily Income Benefit (FIB)
Payout TypeSingle, tax-free lump sumRegular, tax-free income
Primary UseClear large debts (e.g., mortgage), provide inheritanceReplace lost monthly income, cover ongoing family costs
CostGenerally more expensiveOften more affordable, especially for young families
Best ForCovering a specific large liabilityProtecting a family's ongoing lifestyle

Real-Life Example: The Miller family have two young children and 20 years left on their mortgage. They take out a 20-year Family Income Benefit policy to provide £2,000 a month. If one of the parents were to pass away five years into the policy, the plan would pay the surviving partner £2,000 every month for the remaining 15 years, providing a total of £360,000 to see them through until the children are financially independent.

Gift Inter Vivos: A Smart Inheritance Tax Solution

For those in the fortunate position of being able to pass on significant wealth, Inheritance Tax (IHT) can be a major concern. A Gift Inter Vivos (which translates as 'gift between the living') insurance policy is a specialist tool to address this.

In the UK, if you gift a large sum of money or an asset and then die within seven years, that gift may still be considered part of your estate for IHT purposes. The tax liability on the gift reduces on a sliding scale, known as 'taper relief', between years three and seven.

A Gift Inter Vivos policy is a life insurance plan designed to pay out a lump sum that covers the potential IHT bill on the gift. The amount of cover decreases over the seven years, mirroring the reducing tax liability. This ensures the beneficiaries of your gift receive it in full, without an unexpected tax bill.

Beyond the NHS: The Role of Private Medical Insurance (PMI)

The NHS is a national treasure, unparalleled in its provision of emergency and critical care. However, for non-urgent diagnostics and procedures, waiting lists have become a significant concern. According to NHS England data, the median wait time for non-urgent consultant-led treatment was over 14 weeks in 2024, with hundreds of thousands waiting much longer.

Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is a policy that covers the cost of private healthcare. It acts as a powerful complement to the NHS, giving you control over when and where you are treated.

Key benefits include:

  • Bypassing Waiting Lists: Get diagnosed and treated faster, reducing anxiety and potentially leading to better health outcomes.
  • Choice and Comfort: Choose your specialist, consultant, and hospital from an approved network. Benefit from a private room and more flexible visiting hours.
  • Access to Specialist Treatments: Some policies provide access to new drugs or treatments that may not yet be available on the NHS due to funding decisions.

It's important to understand that PMI does not typically cover chronic conditions or emergency services (A&E), which remain the domain of the NHS. Instead, it offers a parallel path for elective and non-emergency care, giving you and your family peace of mind and swift access to the best medical attention when you need it most.

Specialist Armour: Protection for Business Owners and Directors

For entrepreneurs, freelancers, and company directors, the line between personal and business finances is often blurred. An illness that affects you personally can have a catastrophic impact on the business you've worked so hard to build. Specialist business protection is designed to shield your company from this risk.

Key Person Insurance

Who in your business is indispensable? A visionary founder, a star salesperson who brings in 50% of the revenue, a technical lead with unique knowledge? This is your 'key person'.

Key Person Insurance is a life and/or critical illness policy taken out and paid for by the business on that individual. If the key person dies or suffers a critical illness, the policy pays a lump sum directly to the business. This money can be used to:

  • Cover lost profits during the disruption.
  • Fund the recruitment and training of a replacement.
  • Reassure lenders and investors.
  • Repay business loans that might be recalled.

It is a vital tool for ensuring business continuity and survival during a crisis.

Relevant Life Cover

Standard 'death-in-service' schemes are a fantastic employee benefit but can be complex and expensive for small businesses to set up. Relevant Life Cover is a highly tax-efficient alternative that allows a company to provide a life insurance benefit for an individual employee or director.

The key advantages are:

  • Tax-Efficient: Premiums are typically treated as an allowable business expense for the company.
  • No P11D Benefit: Unlike many other perks, it is not usually considered a 'benefit in kind', so there is no extra income tax for the employee.
  • Trust-Based Payout: The benefit is paid into a discretionary trust, meaning it does not form part of the employee's estate for IHT purposes and is paid directly to their family.

Executive Income Protection

This works just like a personal Income Protection policy, but it is paid for by the business on behalf of a director or key employee. It offers the same crucial protection of a replacement monthly income in the event of illness or injury.

The structure is again highly tax-efficient. The premiums are generally an allowable business expense, and the benefit is paid to the company, which then distributes it to the employee via PAYE. It's an exceptional way to attract and retain top talent by offering a level of security that goes far beyond statutory sick pay.

Crafting Your Personalised Protection Plan

Building your financial armour isn't about buying every policy available. It's about a strategic, personalised approach.

  1. Assess Your Situation: Start by asking the hard questions. What are your essential monthly outgoings? How long would your savings last? What sick pay does your employer provide? Do you have dependants? What debts do you have?
  2. Prioritise Your Needs: The foundation of any plan is typically Income Protection. From there, consider CIC and Life Insurance based on your debts and family circumstances.
  3. Set a Realistic Budget: Protection should be affordable. It's better to have a slightly lower level of cover that you can maintain than an expensive policy you cancel after a year.
  4. Be Completely Honest: When applying for insurance, you must disclose your full medical history and lifestyle choices. Non-disclosure is the primary reason for the small number of claims that are declined.
  5. Seek Expert Advice: The UK protection market is complex, with dozens of providers and subtle but crucial differences in policy wording. Using an expert independent broker like WeCovr is essential. We don't work for one insurer; we work for you. Our role is to search the entire market, from Aviva to Zurich, to find the policy with the right features, the most robust definitions, and the best value for your unique circumstances.

Beyond Insurance: Cultivating Everyday Resilience

While insurance protects your finances, proactive health management protects your physical and mental well-being. The two go hand in hand.

  • Diet & Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in whole foods is proven to reduce the risk of many conditions covered by critical illness policies, including heart disease, strokes, and some cancers.
  • Physical Activity: Regular exercise strengthens your body, boosts your immune system, and is one of the most powerful tools for managing mental health.
  • Quality Sleep: Prioritising 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night is fundamental for cognitive function, cellular repair, and emotional regulation.
  • Stress Management: Finding healthy outlets for stress, whether through mindfulness, hobbies, or social connection, is crucial for long-term health.

At WeCovr, we believe in supporting our clients' overall well-being. That's why, in addition to finding you the best protection policies, we provide our clients with complimentary access to CalorieHero, our proprietary AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. It's a practical tool to help you build the healthy habits that form the first line of defence in your personal resilience strategy.

Your Future is Worth Protecting

Life's journey is inherently unpredictable. While we can't control every outcome, we can control how prepared we are. Building your financial armour through a thoughtful combination of Income Protection, Critical Illness Cover, Life Insurance, and perhaps PMI, is one of the most profound acts of responsibility and self-care you can undertake.

It's an investment not in what might go wrong, but in the certainty that you and your loved ones will be able to cope if it does. It's the peace of mind that allows you to live your life more fully, safe in the knowledge that your future, your potential, and your family are protected.

Don't leave it to chance. Take the first step today towards building a resilient future.

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Protection

Is protection insurance expensive?

The cost of protection insurance varies widely depending on your age, health, occupation, the type of cover, and the amount of benefit you need. However, it is often far more affordable than people assume. For example, a healthy 30-year-old could secure meaningful Income Protection or Life Insurance for the price of a few cups of coffee a week. An independent broker can help find a policy that fits your specific budget.

Do insurers actually pay out claims?

Yes, absolutely. This is a common misconception. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) publishes annual statistics that consistently show the vast majority of claims are paid. In 2022, the protection industry paid out over £6.8 billion, with 97.4% of all claims being successful. The main reason for a claim being declined is 'non-disclosure' – where the applicant was not truthful about their medical history or lifestyle on the application form.

What if I have a pre-existing medical condition?

You can still get cover, although the process may be more detailed. Depending on the condition, an insurer might offer you cover on standard terms, apply an increased premium (a 'loading'), or place an exclusion on your policy relating to that specific condition. It is vital to be completely honest. A specialist broker is invaluable here, as they know which insurers are more favourable for certain conditions and can guide you to the best potential outcome.

How much cover do I actually need?

There's no single answer, as it's based on your personal circumstances. For Income Protection, a good starting point is to calculate your essential monthly outgoings. For Life Insurance, a common rule of thumb is to seek cover for 10 times your annual salary, or enough to clear your mortgage and other major debts. An adviser can perform a detailed needs analysis to give you a precise recommendation.

What's the difference between 'guaranteed' and 'reviewable' premiums?

Guaranteed premiums are fixed for the entire length of the policy. You will pay the same amount every month, providing budget certainty. Reviewable premiums are re-assessed by the insurer at regular intervals (e.g., every five years). They may start cheaper but can increase over time based on the insurer's claims experience and other factors, potentially becoming much more expensive in the long run. For most people, guaranteed premiums are the preferred choice.

Why should I use a broker like WeCovr instead of going direct to an insurer?

Going direct to an insurer only gives you one option and one price. A specialist broker like WeCovr works for you, not the insurance company. We provide several key advantages:

  • Whole-of-Market Access: We compare policies and prices from all the major UK insurers to find the best fit for you.
  • Expert Advice: We understand the complex policy definitions and can explain the differences, ensuring you get the most robust cover, not just the cheapest.
  • Application Support: We help you complete the application forms correctly, minimising the risk of non-disclosure issues.
  • Claims Advocacy: If you ever need to claim, we can provide support and guidance to help you through the process.

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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