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Freedom to Flourish: Your Growth Shield

Freedom to Flourish: Your Growth Shield 2025

The Unseen Blueprint for Unstoppable Growth: Why Proactive Personal Protection, from Safeguarding Your Income Across All Careers to Private Health Access, is the Ultimate Catalyst for Financial Freedom and Thriving in a 2025 Where 1 in 2 UK Individuals Will Face Cancer.

We all have ambitions. Whether it's climbing the career ladder, launching a business, raising a family, or simply building a life filled with security and opportunity, our focus is naturally on growth. We invest in our skills, our businesses, and our futures. But what about the foundations upon which all this growth is built? In the relentless pursuit of our goals, we often overlook the single most critical element: our ability to earn an income and maintain our health.

This isn't just about having a rainy-day fund. This is about building a formidable shield against life's most profound challenges. The reality we face in 2025 is sobering. According to landmark projections from Cancer Research UK, a staggering one in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. This isn't a distant, abstract statistic; it's a future reality for our friends, our families, and potentially ourselves. When illness or injury strikes, it doesn't just impact our health; it can shatter our financial stability, derail our ambitions, and replace freedom with fear.

This is where proactive personal protection becomes not just a safety net, but the ultimate catalyst for unstoppable growth. Think of it as the unseen blueprint for your success. It's the life insurance that ensures your family's home is secure. It's the critical illness cover that provides a financial cushion to focus on recovery, not bills. It's the income protection that replaces your salary when you can't work. And it's the private medical access that puts you in control of your health journey.

This comprehensive guide will illuminate why a robust protection strategy is the most powerful investment you can make in your financial freedom and your family's future. It's time to shift our mindset from reactive panic to proactive power, ensuring that no matter what life throws our way, we have the freedom to flourish.

The Shifting Landscape: Why 2025 Demands a New Approach to Financial Security

The world of work and finance has fundamentally changed. The "job for life" culture has been replaced by a dynamic, often precarious, landscape. This new reality, combined with mounting pressure on our public services, makes personal financial resilience more critical than ever.

The Evolving UK Workforce: The structure of our economy is transforming. Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows a significant rise in self-employment and freelance work over the past decade. While this offers flexibility and autonomy, it comes at a cost: the loss of a traditional employer safety net. There is no statutory sick pay beyond a basic level, no death-in-service benefit, and no company health plan. For millions of tradespeople, creatives, consultants, and gig economy workers, if you don't work, you don't get paid.

Pressure on the NHS: The National Health Service is a national treasure, but it is under unprecedented strain. As of early 2025, NHS England waiting lists remain at historically high levels, with millions of people waiting for routine consultations and procedures. While emergency care remains world-class, the delay in accessing diagnostics and elective treatments can have a profound impact, not only on health outcomes but also on one's ability to work and live a normal life. This has fuelled a surge in interest for private medical insurance as a means of bypassing these queues.

The Cost of Living and Financial Fragility: Even for those in stable employment, financial buffers are thin. With the persistent cost of living pressures, many UK households have little to no savings. A 2024 study by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) highlighted that a significant portion of the adult population would be unable to cover an unexpected bill of just a few hundred pounds. Now, imagine the financial devastation of being unable to work for six months or a year. The consequences are immediate and severe: inability to pay the mortgage or rent, mounting debt, and immense stress.

This trifecta of employment insecurity, healthcare delays, and low financial resilience creates a perfect storm. The state safety net, through benefits like Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), is modest at best and designed to prevent destitution, not maintain a lifestyle. Relying on it is not a plan; it's a gamble with your entire financial future.

Decoding Your Personal Protection Toolkit: A Plain English Guide

Understanding the different types of protection can feel like learning a new language. Let's break down the core products into simple, practical terms. Think of these as the essential tools you need to build your financial fortress.

Life Insurance

This is the cornerstone of financial protection for anyone with dependents or significant debts like a mortgage. Its purpose is to pay out a sum of money upon your death.

  • Term Life Insurance: This is the most common and affordable type. You choose a sum of money (the 'sum assured') and a period of time (the 'term'), for example, the length of your mortgage. If you pass away within that term, the policy pays out the tax-free lump sum to your beneficiaries. It’s perfect for covering debts and providing for your family until your children are financially independent.
  • Family Income Benefit: A variation of term insurance, but instead of a single lump sum, it pays out a regular, tax-free monthly or annual income to your family for the remainder of the policy term. This can be easier to manage than a large lump sum and is designed to replace your lost salary to cover ongoing living costs.
  • Whole of Life Insurance: As the name suggests, this policy is guaranteed to pay out whenever you die, as long as you've kept up with the premiums. Because the payout is certain, it's more expensive than term insurance. It's often used as part of inheritance tax (IHT) planning or to leave a guaranteed legacy.

Critical Illness Cover (CIC)

What if you don't pass away, but suffer a life-altering illness? This is where CIC comes in. It pays out a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of a specific list of serious medical conditions defined in the policy.

  • Core Purpose: The money is yours to use as you wish. It could be used to pay off your mortgage, adapt your home, fund private treatment, or simply replace lost income while you focus on recovery.
  • Conditions Covered: The 'big three' conditions typically covered are cancer, heart attack, and stroke. However, comprehensive policies can cover over 50 different conditions, including multiple sclerosis, major organ transplant, and Parkinson's disease.
  • The Importance of Definitions: The key is in the detail. The definition of a condition (e.g., the severity of a cancer) can vary between insurers. This is where expert advice is crucial to ensure you get the cover that's right for you.

Income Protection Insurance (IP)

Often described as the most important financial protection product for anyone of working age, Income Protection is your personal sick pay policy.

  • How it Works: If you are unable to work due to any illness or injury (not just the 'critical' ones), this policy will pay you a regular, tax-free monthly income after a pre-agreed waiting period. This income continues until you can return to work, the policy term ends (usually at your chosen retirement age), or you pass away.
  • The 'Deferred Period': This is the waiting period from when you stop working to when the payments start. It can be anything from one day to 12 months. The longer your deferred period (e.g., to match your employer's sick pay), the lower your premium.
  • 'Own Occupation' Cover: This is the gold standard of IP. It means the policy will pay out if you are unable to do your specific job. Other, less robust definitions like 'suited occupation' or 'any occupation' may not pay out if the insurer believes you could do another type of work. For professionals and skilled workers, 'own occupation' is essential.
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A Clear Comparison of Your Protection Options

To help you see the differences at a glance, here’s a simple comparison table:

FeatureLife InsuranceCritical Illness CoverIncome Protection
TriggerDeathDiagnosis of a specified serious illnessInability to work due to any illness or injury
PayoutTypically a one-off lump sumOne-off lump sumRegular monthly income
PurposeProtect dependents, clear debts, cover funeral costsCover costs during recovery, pay for treatmentReplace lost salary to cover living expenses
DurationPays out on death during the term (or whenever for Whole of Life)Pays out once on diagnosisCan pay out multiple times, for long periods
Best ForAnyone with dependents or a mortgageAnyone wanting a financial cushion against major illnessAlmost every working adult, especially the self-employed

The Entrepreneur's Shield: Essential Protection for Business Owners, Directors, and the Self-Employed

For those who run their own businesses or work for themselves, the need for a robust protection strategy is magnified. You are the engine of your enterprise, and if that engine stops, the consequences can be catastrophic not just for you and your family, but for your business and employees too.

For the Self-Employed, Freelancers, and Tradespeople

You are your own safety net. With no employer sick pay or death-in-service benefits, the responsibility falls squarely on your shoulders.

  • Income Protection is Non-Negotiable: This is the most critical cover. It directly replaces your lost earnings, allowing you to keep paying your bills, mortgage, and business overheads while you recover. For tradespeople in riskier jobs like electricians or builders, specialist policies known as Personal Sick Pay can offer short-term cover that's easier to qualify for and pays out quickly.
  • Critical Illness Cover for Capital: A CIC payout can provide a vital injection of cash if you're hit by a serious illness. This could allow you to hire temporary help for your business or simply give you the breathing space to recover without worrying about business finances.
  • Life Insurance for Family & Business Debts: Ensures your personal and business loans are cleared and your family is not left with financial burdens.

For Company Directors and Business Owners

Beyond your personal needs, you must also protect the health and continuity of the business itself. Fortunately, there are highly tax-efficient ways to do this.

  • Key Person Insurance: Is there someone in your business whose loss would be financially devastating? A top salesperson, a technical genius, or a visionary leader? Key Person Insurance is a policy taken out by the business on that individual. If they die or suffer a critical illness, the policy pays out to the business, providing the funds to recruit a replacement, cover lost profits, or reassure lenders.
  • Executive Income Protection: This is an Income Protection policy paid for by the business for a director or employee. The premiums are typically an allowable business expense, making it a very tax-efficient way to provide a crucial benefit. The payout is made to the business, which then pays the individual via PAYE.
  • Relevant Life Cover: A tax-efficient alternative to a personal life insurance plan for directors and employees. The business pays the premiums, which are usually an allowable business expense, yet the payout goes directly to the employee's family, free of inheritance tax. It's a powerful and cost-effective employee benefit that doesn't count towards annual pension allowances.
  • Shareholder or Partnership Protection: What happens if a business partner or co-shareholder dies? Their shares would typically pass to their family, who may have no interest or ability to run the business. This can lead to conflict or a forced sale. Shareholder Protection provides a lump sum to the remaining partners, allowing them to buy the deceased's shares from their estate at a fair, pre-agreed price, ensuring a smooth and stable transition of ownership.

Business Protection at a Glance

ProductWho is it for?Who pays the premium?Who receives the payout?Key Benefit
Key Person InsuranceA vital employee or directorThe businessThe businessBusiness continuity and financial stability
Executive Income ProtectionDirectors and employeesThe business (tax-deductible)The business, then paid to the individualTax-efficient income replacement
Relevant Life CoverDirectors and employeesThe business (tax-deductible)The individual's family (tax-free)Tax-efficient personal life cover
Shareholder ProtectionBusiness partners/co-shareholdersThe partners or the businessThe surviving partnersEnables a smooth buyout of shares

Beyond the Payout: The Hidden Wellness Benefits of Modern Protection

Today's protection policies are about much more than just a cheque. Insurers recognise that helping you stay healthy or get back on your feet faster is in everyone's best interest. As a result, many modern policies come packed with value-added benefits, often available from day one, at no extra cost.

These 'wellness' services transform your policy from a dormant document into a proactive health and well-being partner.

  • 24/7 Virtual GP Services: Skip the wait for a GP appointment. Access a UK-based doctor via phone or video call at any time, from anywhere in the world. Get consultations, diagnoses, and private prescriptions quickly.
  • Mental Health Support: The link between physical and mental health is undeniable. Many policies now include access to a set number of confidential counselling or therapy sessions, providing crucial support for stress, anxiety, and depression.
  • Second Medical Opinions: If you receive a serious diagnosis, getting a second opinion from a world-leading expert can provide peace of mind or open up alternative treatment paths. This service is often included as standard.
  • Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation: For musculoskeletal issues, early intervention is key. Policies can provide access to physiotherapy sessions to help you recover from injury faster and get back to work sooner.
  • Health and Lifestyle Support: From nutritional advice and fitness programmes to smoking cessation support, insurers are actively helping their customers lead healthier lives.

At WeCovr, we passionately believe in this holistic approach. We don't just help you secure the right insurance policy; we want to support your long-term health and well-being. That's why we go the extra mile. As a demonstration of our commitment, all our protection clients receive complimentary access to our proprietary AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero. It’s a simple, effective tool to help you build and maintain healthy habits, empowering you to take control of your well-being every single day.

The Inheritance Tax Question: Gifting and Protecting Your Legacy

For those with significant assets, planning for the future involves thinking about how to pass on your wealth efficiently. Inheritance Tax (IHT) can significantly reduce the value of the estate you leave to your loved ones.

In the UK, everyone has a 'nil-rate band', currently £325,000, on which no IHT is paid. There is also a 'residence nil-rate band' for passing on a main home to direct descendants. However, anything above these thresholds is typically taxed at a hefty 40%.

One common IHT planning strategy is to make gifts during your lifetime. A gift made to an individual is known as a 'Potentially Exempt Transfer' (PET). If you live for seven years after making the gift, it falls completely outside of your estate for IHT purposes and no tax is due.

However, there is a catch. If you die within seven years of making the gift, it becomes a 'failed PET' and is added back into your estate for IHT calculation. A sliding scale, known as 'taper relief', applies to the tax due on the gift if you die between years three and seven.

This is where a specialist insurance policy called Gift Inter Vivos comes in.

  • What is it? It is a specific type of term life insurance policy designed to cover the potential IHT liability on a large gift.
  • How it works: The policy is taken out for a seven-year term. The sum assured is set to match the potential IHT bill. Crucially, the level of cover can be set up to decrease over the seven years, mirroring the 'taper relief' scale. This makes the policy more affordable than one with a level sum assured.
  • The Result: If you were to pass away within the seven-year window, the policy pays out, providing your beneficiaries with the exact funds needed to settle the IHT bill on the gift, ensuring your gift is received in full as you intended.

Building Your Personalised Protection Blueprint: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating your protection strategy doesn't have to be complicated. By following a logical process, you can build a plan that is perfectly tailored to your life.

Step 1: Assess What You Need to Protect Think about the financial bedrock of your life. Make a list:

  • Your mortgage or rent
  • Monthly bills (utilities, council tax, food)
  • Childcare and education costs
  • Personal and business loans
  • Providing a future income for your family
  • Covering your own income if you can't work

Step 2: Calculate How Much Cover You Need This is a 'how long is a piece of string?' question, but there are some helpful rules of thumb:

  • Life Insurance: A common starting point is 10 times your annual gross salary. Alternatively, add up your mortgage, other debts, and a lump sum to provide an income for your family.
  • Critical Illness Cover: Consider a sum that would clear your mortgage and provide an income for one to two years to allow for a stress-free recovery.
  • Income Protection: You can typically cover up to 60-70% of your gross annual income. This is usually sufficient as the payout is tax-free and you won't have work-related expenses.

Step 3: Understand Your Budget Be realistic about what you can afford in monthly premiums. Some protection is infinitely better than none. It’s better to have a slightly smaller, affordable policy that you keep, than an expensive one you cancel after a few years. An expert adviser can help you prioritise and find the best value for your budget.

Step 4: The Duty of Honesty and Disclosure When you apply for insurance, you will be asked questions about your health, lifestyle (e.g., smoking and alcohol consumption), occupation, and hobbies. It is absolutely vital that you answer these questions completely and honestly. This is known as your 'duty of disclosure'. Failing to disclose something, even accidentally, could give the insurer grounds to void your policy and refuse a claim just when you need it most.

Step 5: Seek Expert, Independent Advice The protection market is vast, with dozens of insurers offering hundreds of different policy variations. The definitions, terms, and conditions can be complex and confusing. Trying to navigate this alone can be overwhelming and lead to costly mistakes.

This is where an independent broker like WeCovr is invaluable. We are not tied to any single insurer. Our role is to act on your behalf. We take the time to understand your unique personal and financial circumstances. Then, we search the entire market to find the most suitable policies, comparing not just on price, but on the quality of the cover and the insurer's claims record. We demystify the jargon, handle the paperwork, and ensure you get a robust protection plan that gives you true peace of mind.

Debunking Common Myths about Personal Protection

Misconceptions often prevent people from putting this vital financial planning in place. Let's tackle some of the most common myths head-on.

MythThe Reality
"It's too expensive."The cost varies hugely based on age, health, and cover amount. For a healthy 30-year-old, meaningful cover can cost less than a few weekly coffees. An adviser can tailor a plan to any budget.
"I'm young and healthy, I don't need it."Illness and injury can strike at any age. In fact, you are more likely to be off work for an extended period than you are to die before retirement. Locking in lower premiums while you are young and healthy is the smartest move.
"The state will look after me."Statutory Sick Pay is just £116.75 per week (2024/25 rate) and only lasts for 28 weeks. After that, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is the main benefit, which is not enough to cover most people's essential outgoings.
"Insurers never pay out."This is one of the biggest myths. According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), in 2023, insurers paid out over 97% of all protection claims, totalling more than £6.8 billion. Claims are declined almost exclusively due to non-disclosure or the claim not meeting the policy definition.
"I have cover through my employer."Employer benefits are a great start, but are they enough? 'Death in service' is typically 2-4 times your salary, often less than needed. Company sick pay may be limited, and the cover ceases the moment you leave the job. Personal policies are owned by you and go wherever you go.

Conclusion: From Financial Fragility to Fortified Freedom

In a world of uncertainty, building a life of growth, ambition, and prosperity requires more than just hard work and optimism. It requires a solid, unshakeable foundation. Proactive personal protection is that foundation.

It is the unseen force that allows you to take calculated risks in your career or business, knowing your family's financial security is not on the line. It is the peace of mind that empowers you to focus 100% on recovery if illness strikes, free from the crushing weight of financial worry. It is the mechanism that ensures your legacy is one of provision, not debt.

Viewing life insurance, critical illness cover, and income protection as a mere expense is a fundamental mistake. They are an investment—an investment in certainty, in stability, and in your freedom to flourish. By taking proactive steps today to build your financial shield, you are not just planning for the worst; you are creating the very best conditions for your success, today and for all the years to come.

Do I need a medical examination to get life insurance or income protection?

Not always. For many people, especially those who are younger and applying for a standard amount of cover, insurers can make a decision based on the answers you provide on the application form. However, if you are older, have a pre-existing medical condition, or are applying for a very large sum assured, the insurer may request a GP report, a nurse screening, or a full medical examination. This is to ensure they have a clear picture of the risk they are taking on. Honesty on your application form is the most important factor.

Can I get protection insurance if I have a pre-existing medical condition?

Yes, it is often still possible, but it depends on the specific condition, its severity, and how well it is managed. There are several possible outcomes: you may be offered cover on standard terms; you may be offered cover with a "loading" (an increased premium); you may be offered cover with an "exclusion" (the policy will not pay out for claims related to that specific condition); or, in some cases, cover may be declined. A specialist broker can help you approach the insurers most likely to offer favourable terms for your specific condition.

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

Guaranteed premiums mean the amount you pay each month is fixed for the entire life of the policy. It will not change unless you alter the cover. Reviewable premiums may start off cheaper, but the insurer has the right to review and increase them over the term of the policy, typically every 5 years. This can be based on their general claims experience or your increasing age. While initially attractive, reviewable premiums can become very expensive over time. Guaranteed premiums provide long-term certainty and are usually recommended.

How does my job or hobby affect my application?

Insurers assess risk, so if your occupation (e.g., a scaffolder or deep-sea diver) or hobbies (e.g., mountaineering or motorsports) are considered high-risk, it may affect your application. This could result in higher premiums or specific exclusions related to that activity. It is crucial to be upfront about your job and hobbies to ensure your policy is valid. For Income Protection, your occupation is a key factor in determining the premium and the terms you are offered.

Are the payouts from life insurance, critical illness, and income protection tax-free?

For personal policies paid for with your own post-tax money, the answer is generally yes. The lump sum from a life insurance or critical illness policy is paid tax-free. The monthly income from a personal Income Protection policy is also paid tax-free. However, it's important to consider Inheritance Tax (IHT). A life insurance payout will form part of your legal estate and could be subject to IHT. To avoid this, it is highly recommended that most life insurance policies are written 'in trust', which means the payout goes directly to your chosen beneficiaries, bypassing your estate and any IHT liability.

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.

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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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