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Future-Proofing Your Freedom: The Growth Engine of Proactive Protection

Future-Proofing Your Freedom: The Growth Engine of...

By 2025, an estimated one in two people in the UK will receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, a stark reminder that personal growth and life's biggest dreams hinge on an often-overlooked foundation: proactive financial and health resilience. For everyone from dedicated professionals like nurses and electricians to busy tradespeople, whose livelihoods are intrinsically tied to their physical well-being, and for every family striving for stability, understanding how to truly protect your future is the ultimate act of personal development. Discover how Family Income Benefit, Income Protection, Life and Critical Illness Cover, specialized Personal Sick Pay, and strategic Life Protection – all complemented by the rapid access and expert care of private health insurance – build an impenetrable safety net. This is not merely about managing risk; it’s about unlocking unparalleled peace of mind, ensuring your relationships are secure, and providing for your loved ones with a lump sum payment on death (Gift Inter Vivos), empowering you to fully embrace your passions and pursue meaningful personal growth without the constant shadow of financial uncertainty.

We all have aspirations. Whether it’s starting a business, travelling the world, providing the best for our children, or simply mastering a new skill, personal growth is a fundamental human drive. Yet, this entire journey of self-improvement rests on a fragile assumption: that our health and our income will remain constant. The truth, however, is that life is unpredictable.

A sudden illness or injury can do more than just put your health on hold; it can derail your financial stability, create immense stress for your loved ones, and force you to abandon the very dreams you’ve worked so hard to achieve.

This is where proactive protection comes in. It's not a morbid fixation on what could go wrong. It is the single most empowering step you can take to secure your freedom. By creating a robust financial safety net, you are not just buying an insurance policy; you are investing in the certainty that you and your family can weather any storm, allowing you to pursue your life's ambitions with confidence and unparalleled peace of mind. This guide will demystify the world of personal protection, showing you how to build a fortress around your future.

The Modern UK Landscape: Why Proactive Protection is Non-Negotiable

The need for a financial safety net has never been more acute. While we are living longer, we are not necessarily living healthier lives. The statistics paint a clear and urgent picture.

  • The Cancer Challenge: The projection from Cancer Research UK that 1 in 2 people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime is a sobering call to action. A cancer diagnosis brings not only physical and emotional turmoil but also significant financial strain.
  • Cardiovascular Disease: The British Heart Foundation reports that there are around 7.6 million people living with heart and circulatory diseases in the UK. Every five minutes, someone is admitted to a UK hospital due to a heart attack.
  • The Reality of Work Absence: According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), a record 2.8 million people were out of work due to long-term sickness in 2023. Musculoskeletal problems and mental health conditions are leading causes, highlighting that disability isn't just about serious accidents; it's often the result of common, debilitating conditions.

Against this backdrop, the state-provided support system offers only a minimal cushion.

The Limits of State Support

For most employees, the primary safety net is Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). Let's be clear about what this provides.

Support Type2024/2025 RateDurationKey Limitation
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)£116.75 per weekUp to 28 weeksUnlikely to cover mortgage, rent, and bills. Not available for most self-employed people.
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)VariableDependent on assessmentMeans-tested and requires a complex application and assessment process.

The gap between £116.75 a week and the average family's outgoings is vast. For the millions of self-employed tradespeople, freelancers, and contractors in the UK, the situation is even more precarious, with often no sick pay entitlement at all. This is the 'Protection Gap', and it's a chasm that can swallow savings, homes, and dreams.

Deconstructing Your Financial Armour: A Guide to Personal Protection Policies

Understanding the different types of protection is the first step to building your personal fortress. Think of them not as individual products, but as interconnected components of a comprehensive strategy. Each serves a unique purpose, designed to trigger at different life events.

Life Insurance: The Cornerstone of Your Legacy

Life insurance pays out a sum of money upon your death. Its purpose is simple but profound: to ensure the people who financially depend on you are not left in hardship. It replaces your lost income, allowing your family to maintain their standard of living, pay off the mortgage, and fund future goals like university education.

There are two main types to consider:

  • Term Life Insurance: This is the most common and affordable type. It covers you for a fixed period (the 'term'), such as 25 years to match your mortgage. If you pass away during the term, it pays out.
    • Level Term: The payout amount remains the same throughout the policy term. Ideal for providing a lump sum for your family's general living costs.
    • Decreasing Term: The payout amount reduces over time, usually in line with a repayment mortgage. It's a cost-effective way to ensure your largest debt is cleared.
  • Whole of Life Insurance: This policy guarantees a payout whenever you die, as long as you keep up with the premiums. It is often used for Inheritance Tax (IHT) planning or to leave a guaranteed legacy.
FeatureLevel Term InsuranceDecreasing Term InsuranceWhole of Life Insurance
PurposeFamily protection, interest-only mortgageRepayment mortgage, debt clearanceInheritance tax, legacy planning
PayoutFixed lump sumDecreasing lump sumFixed lump sum
TermFixed period (e.g., 25 years)Fixed period (e.g., 25 years)Your entire life
CostAffordableMost affordableMore expensive

Real-Life Example: Sarah and Tom, both 35, have just bought their first home with a £300,000 mortgage over 30 years. They have two young children. They take out a joint decreasing term policy for £300,000 to clear the mortgage and a separate level term policy for £250,000 to provide a lump sum for childcare and living costs if one of them were to pass away.

Critical Illness Cover (CIC): Financial First Aid for a Serious Diagnosis

What if you don't pass away, but are diagnosed with a life-altering illness like cancer, a heart attack, or multiple sclerosis? You might be unable to work for an extended period, or permanently. This is where Critical Illness Cover is invaluable.

CIC pays out a tax-free lump sum on the diagnosis of a specified serious illness. This money is yours to use as you see fit. It provides financial breathing space, allowing you to focus completely on your recovery without worrying about the bills.

How the payout can be used:

  • Clear or reduce your mortgage.
  • Cover lost earnings for you or a partner who takes time off to care for you.
  • Pay for private medical treatment or specialist therapies not available on the NHS.
  • Make adaptations to your home (e.g., wheelchair access).
  • Simply reduce financial stress, which is a crucial part of recovery.

It's vital to understand that policies vary. The number of conditions covered can range from 40 to over 100. When comparing policies, it's not just about the number of conditions, but the definitions of those conditions. An expert adviser can help you navigate the small print to find the most comprehensive cover.

Income Protection (IP): Your Monthly Salary Safeguard

Income Protection is arguably the most fundamental protection policy for anyone who works. While CIC and Life Insurance provide a one-off lump sum for specific events, Income Protection provides a regular, tax-free monthly income if you are unable to work due to any illness or injury.

Think of it as your own personal sick pay scheme that doesn't run out after 28 weeks.

Key features of Income Protection:

  • The "Own Occupation" Definition: This is the gold standard. It means the policy will pay out if you are unable to perform your specific job. For a surgeon with a hand tremor or an electrician with a back injury, this is critical. Other definitions like "suited occupation" or "any occupation" are less comprehensive and should be carefully considered.
  • The Deferment Period: This is the waiting period from when you stop work to when the payments begin. It can be anything from one day to 12 months. The longer the deferment period you choose, the lower your premium. You can align it with your employer's sick pay scheme or your personal savings.
  • Level of Cover: You can typically insure up to 60-70% of your gross salary. This is to ensure you have an incentive to return to work and because the payout is tax-free.

Income Protection vs. State Support: A Comparison

FeatureIncome ProtectionStatutory Sick Pay (SSP)
Benefit AmountUp to 70% of your salary (e.g., £2,000+/month)£116.75 per week
Payment DurationUntil you recover, retire, or the policy endsMaximum of 28 weeks
Reason for ClaimAny illness or injury preventing you from workingMust be classified as 'sick' by an employer
Who is CoveredAnyone who applies (Employed & Self-Employed)Most employees (not the self-employed)

At WeCovr, we believe that holistic wellbeing is key to a resilient life. That's why, in addition to helping you secure the right financial protection, we provide our customers with complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. It's a small way we can support your journey to better health, which is the ultimate form of protection.

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Specialised Protection for the UK's Self-Reliant Workforce

The 4.25 million self-employed people in the UK are the backbone of the economy. From builders and plumbers to graphic designers and IT contractors, their income is directly linked to their ability to show up and work. For this group, standard protection products can be adapted, and some specialised policies are essential.

Personal Sick Pay: Short-Term Cover for Immediate Needs

While Income Protection is the ideal long-term solution, some self-employed individuals, particularly those in manual trades, need more immediate cover. Personal Sick Pay (also known as Accident, Sickness & Unemployment cover) is a type of short-term income protection.

It's designed to pay out quickly, often with 'day one' or 'week one' deferment periods, for a limited duration, typically 12 or 24 months. For a plasterer who breaks their wrist and can't work for six weeks, this cover is a lifeline. It bridges the gap before long-term IP might kick in or covers shorter-term issues that don't trigger a long-term claim.

For the Family: Why Family Income Benefit Might Be a Smarter Choice

Family Income Benefit (FIB) is a variation of term life insurance. Instead of paying a single lump sum upon death, it pays out a regular, tax-free monthly or annual income to your family until the policy's end date.

Why choose FIB?

  • Budgeting Made Easy: For a surviving partner suddenly faced with managing finances alone, a regular income can be far less daunting than a large lump sum. It directly replaces the lost monthly salary.
  • Cost-Effective: Because the total potential payout decreases over time (as there are fewer years left in the term), FIB is often more affordable than an equivalent level term policy.
  • Tailored Protection: You can set the income to cover specific costs like rent, childcare, and school fees, ensuring your family's lifestyle is maintained precisely.

Real-Life Example: A 40-year-old freelance writer with a young family wants to ensure his partner and children have £2,500 a month to live on if he dies. He takes out a 20-year FIB policy. If he were to pass away five years into the policy, his family would receive £2,500 every month for the remaining 15 years.

Advanced Strategies for Business Owners and Directors

For those running their own companies, personal and business finances are often intertwined. Protection insurance is not just a personal safety net; it's a crucial tool for business continuity and tax-efficient planning.

Key Person Insurance: Protecting Your Most Valuable Asset

Who is indispensable to your business? Is it the star salesperson who brings in 50% of your revenue? The technical genius with all the coding knowledge? The founder whose vision drives the company?

Key Person Insurance is a policy taken out by the business on the life or health (with critical illness cover) of such a crucial individual. If that person dies or becomes seriously ill, the policy pays out to the business.

This capital injection can be used to:

  • Cover the cost of recruiting and training a replacement.
  • Repay a business loan that the key person may have guaranteed.
  • Compensate for the loss of profits during the period of disruption.
  • Reassure investors, lenders, and clients that the business is stable.

Executive Income Protection: A Director's Essential Benefit

This is a company-owned Income Protection policy for an employee, typically a director. Unlike a personal policy, the company pays the premiums.

The advantages are significant:

  • For the Company: The premiums are usually considered a legitimate business expense, making them tax-deductible. It's a powerful way to attract and retain top talent.
  • For the Director: The benefit is not treated as a P11D benefit-in-kind, so there is no personal tax liability on the premium. It ensures their income is protected without them having to pay for it from their post-tax salary.

Inheritance Tax Planning: The Gift Inter Vivos Solution

Many people wish to pass on wealth to their children during their lifetime, perhaps for a house deposit or to start a business. However, under UK Inheritance Tax (IHT) rules, if you die within seven years of making a large gift, it may still be considered part of your estate and subject to tax.

This is where a ‘Gift Inter Vivos’ policy comes in. It is a specialised, 7-year decreasing term life insurance policy.

  • You take out a policy for the amount of the potential IHT liability on the gift.
  • The cover amount reduces each year, in line with the 'taper relief' rules for IHT on gifts.
  • If you die within the seven-year period, the policy pays out to cover the tax bill, ensuring your loved ones receive the full value of the gift.

It's a simple, cost-effective way to engage in estate planning with confidence.

The Synergistic Power of Private Health Insurance

While protection policies provide a financial backstop, Private Health Insurance (PMI) provides a direct route to faster healthcare. It's not a replacement for our cherished NHS, but a powerful complement to it, particularly in an era of growing waiting lists.

How PMI enhances your overall resilience:

  • Speed of Access: Get a diagnosis and start treatment faster. For conditions like cancer, early intervention is critical and can significantly improve outcomes.
  • Choice and Control: Choose your specialist, consultant, and the hospital where you are treated.
  • Enhanced Wellbeing: Many modern PMI policies include extensive mental health support, access to virtual GPs 24/7, and physiotherapy sessions, helping you manage health issues before they become debilitating.

The synergy with other policies is powerful. A swift diagnosis through PMI can allow you to make a CIC claim sooner. Faster treatment can mean you spend less time off work, reducing the length of an Income Protection claim. It completes the circle of proactive health and wealth management.

Building Your Proactive Protection Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide

Feeling overwhelmed? That's normal. The key is to take a structured approach.

  1. Assess Your Needs: This is the foundation. Ask yourself:

    • What are my essential monthly outgoings (mortgage/rent, bills, food)?
    • Who depends on my income?
    • How much debt do I have (mortgage, loans, credit cards)?
    • What savings do I have, and how long would they last?
    • What sick pay does my employer provide?
  2. Understand the Options: Use the information in this guide to understand which products address which risks. A mortgage might call for Decreasing Term Life, while a freelancer's income needs Income Protection.

  3. Prioritise: You may not be able to afford every type of cover at once. A common hierarchy of importance for a working family is:

    1. Income Protection: To protect your income stream, which pays for everything else.
    2. Life Insurance: To clear the mortgage and provide for your dependants.
    3. Critical Illness Cover: To provide a lump sum for major health shocks.
  4. Seek Expert Advice: This landscape is complex. An independent broker doesn't just sell you a policy; they provide advice. At WeCovr, we conduct a thorough fact-find to understand your unique circumstances. We then use our expertise and market knowledge to compare plans from all the major UK insurers, finding you the most suitable cover at a competitive price. We handle the paperwork and are there to support you if you ever need to claim.

  5. Review Regularly: Your protection needs are not static. Getting married, having children, moving house, getting a pay rise, or starting a business are all key life events that should trigger a review of your cover to ensure it's still fit for purpose.

Beyond the Policy: A Culture of Personal Resilience

True future-proofing isn't just about insurance. It's about cultivating a lifestyle that builds resilience from the ground up. Your health is your greatest asset, and the daily choices you make are your first line of defence.

  • Nourish Your Body: A balanced diet rich in whole foods is fundamental to preventing chronic disease.
  • Move Every Day: Regular physical activity is proven to reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers, as well as being a powerful tool for mental health.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Quality sleep is non-negotiable for cognitive function, immune response, and emotional regulation.
  • Manage Stress: Chronic stress is a silent enemy. Incorporate practices like mindfulness, time in nature, or hobbies that bring you joy to keep stress levels in check.

This is why, at WeCovr, we champion this holistic view. Our complimentary CalorieHero app is a practical tool to help our clients take control of their nutrition, forming one part of a wider strategy to live a healthier, more resilient life. A healthier life can even lead to lower insurance premiums—a true win-win.

Conclusion: Protection as the Ultimate Enabler of Your Growth

Viewing insurance purely as a cost or a defence against disaster is to miss the point entirely. Proactive financial protection is one of the most positive, life-affirming investments you can make.

It is the act of telling your family, "No matter what happens to me, you will be secure."

It is the foundation that gives you the confidence to take a calculated risk, to start that new venture, to change careers, or to pursue a passion project, knowing that a health setback won't lead to financial ruin.

It is the mechanism that transforms crippling anxiety about the future into a calm certainty, freeing up your mental and emotional energy to focus on what truly matters: your personal growth, your relationships, and the pursuit of a meaningful, fulfilling life. Don't leave your future to chance. Build your fortress today and unlock the freedom to become the person you were meant to be.


What is the difference between Income Protection and Critical Illness Cover?

This is a common and important question. They cover different needs.

Income Protection (IP) pays you a regular, ongoing monthly income if you are unable to work due to any illness or injury. It's designed to replace your salary to cover your bills and living costs.

Critical Illness Cover (CIC) pays out a one-off, tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of the specific serious illnesses listed in the policy. It's designed to provide a major financial injection to cover large costs, adapt your life, or reduce financial stress during recovery. Many people have both, as they serve different but complementary purposes.

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

Yes, in many cases you can. It is absolutely crucial that you fully and honestly disclose any pre-existing conditions during your application. The insurer will then assess the risk. Depending on the condition, its severity, and how well it is managed, the outcome could be:
  • You are offered cover on standard terms.
  • You are offered cover with a "loading," which means your premium will be higher than standard.
  • You are offered cover with an "exclusion," meaning the policy will not pay out for death related to that specific condition.
  • In some cases, cover may be postponed or declined.
An experienced broker is invaluable here, as they know which insurers have more favourable underwriting for certain conditions.

Is protection insurance expensive?

The cost of cover varies widely based on several factors:
  • The product: Decreasing term life insurance is very affordable, while Whole of Life or comprehensive Income Protection will cost more.
  • Your age: The younger and healthier you are when you apply, the cheaper your premiums will be. This is a key reason to act early.
  • Your health and lifestyle: Smokers will pay significantly more than non-smokers. Your BMI, medical history, and alcohol consumption also play a role.
  • The amount of cover and policy term: A larger payout or a longer term will increase the cost.
For many people, meaningful cover is surprisingly affordable. For example, a healthy 30-year-old could get hundreds of thousands of pounds of life insurance for the price of a few cups of coffee a week.

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

Going direct to an insurer means you only see one product and one price. An independent broker like WeCovr works for you, not the insurance company. The benefits are:

1. Expert Advice: We assess your personal circumstances to recommend the right type and level of cover. We explain the jargon and policy details.
2. Market Access: We compare policies and prices from a wide range of leading UK insurers to find the best value for you.
3. Application Support: We help you complete the application forms correctly, which is vital for ensuring a future claim is paid.
4. Trust and Advocacy: If you need to make a claim, we can provide support and guidance, acting as your advocate.
5. Specialist Knowledge: We have experience in finding cover for clients with complex needs, such as those with medical conditions or in high-risk jobs.

Related guides

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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