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Getting Critical Illness Cover with a Family History of Ovarian Cancer

WeCovr Editorial Team · experienced insurance advisers
Last updated Mar 14, 2026
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TL;DR

WeCovr helps UK residents secure affordable Critical Illness Cover, even with a family history of ovarian cancer. Our expert brokers navigate complex insurer underwriting to find you the best possible terms.

Key takeaways

  • A family history of ovarian cancer does not automatically prevent you from getting Critical Illness Cover in the UK.
  • Insurers assess the number of affected relatives, their age at diagnosis, and any genetic test results.
  • The ABI Code on Genetic Testing and Insurance protects you from disclosing most predictive genetic test results.
  • Being proactive with NHS screening can demonstrate responsible health management to underwriters and may lead to better terms.
  • Working with an expert broker is crucial to finding the insurer with the most favourable view of your specific risk profile.

A family history of a serious condition like ovarian cancer can cast a long shadow, prompting many to consider how they would cope financially if they were also diagnosed. For women across the UK, this concern is a powerful driver for seeking financial protection. The primary question we hear at WeCovr is often filled with anxiety: "Can I even get Critical Illness Cover with my family history?"

The short answer is, in many cases, yes.

However, the path to securing cover isn't always straightforward. Insurers need to understand the level of risk you represent, and they do this through a detailed process called underwriting. This definitive guide explains exactly how insurers assess a family history of ovarian cancer, what role genetic testing and screening play, and how you can secure the vital protection you and your family deserve.

How underwriters assess genetic risks and screening history when setting CI premiums

Underwriting is the cornerstone of the insurance industry. It's the process an insurer uses to evaluate the risk of an applicant and decide whether to offer them a policy, and on what terms. For Critical Illness Cover, the underwriter's goal is to build a clear picture of your current health and your statistical likelihood of developing a serious condition in the future.

When a family history of ovarian cancer is declared, a specialist underwriter will meticulously analyse several key factors. Their decision is not based on a single piece of information but on the entire canvas of your family and personal health profile. Let's break down their assessment process.

Understanding Ovarian Cancer Risk and Its Impact on Insurance

To grasp the underwriting perspective, it's essential to understand the risk factors they are trained to identify. Ovarian cancer affects over 7,500 women in the UK each year. While anyone with ovaries can get it, a family history is one of the most significant known risk factors.

Insurers make a crucial distinction between different relatives:

  • First-degree relatives: Your mother, sisters, or daughters. A history of cancer in these relatives carries the most statistical weight.
  • Second-degree relatives: Your grandmothers, aunts, or half-sisters. This is still relevant but considered less indicative of personal risk than a first-degree relative.

The primary concern for an underwriter is a potential hereditary cancer syndrome, often linked to mutations in specific genes, most notably the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. These gene mutations significantly increase the lifetime risk of developing both breast and ovarian cancer.

Therefore, when you apply for cover, the insurer's questions are designed to pinpoint whether your family's experience suggests a sporadic case of cancer or a stronger, inherited genetic predisposition.

The Underwriter's Toolkit: How Insurers Evaluate Your Application

When you complete an application for Critical Illness Cover, you'll encounter a detailed medical questionnaire. If you declare a family history of ovarian cancer, the insurer will seek more specific information to make a fair and accurate assessment.

The Family History Questionnaire

The questions may seem intrusive, but each one is vital for the underwriter's analysis. Total honesty and accuracy are paramount.

Key QuestionWhy Insurers Ask This
Which relative(s) were diagnosed?As noted, a diagnosis in a first-degree relative (mother, sister) is statistically more significant than in a second-degree relative (grandmother, aunt).
How many relatives were affected?One isolated case is viewed very differently from two, three, or more cases on the same side of the family, which strongly suggests a hereditary link.
What was their age at diagnosis?This is one of the most critical factors. A diagnosis in a relative under the age of 50 is a major red flag for underwriters, as it points towards a potential genetic mutation. A diagnosis at 75 is considered much lower risk.
Is the history on your mother's or father's side?Insurers look for patterns. Multiple cases concentrated on one side of the family tree are more concerning than isolated cases spread across both.

Genetic Testing: The Role of BRCA1, BRCA2, and the ABI Code

The existence of genetic tests for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations adds another layer to the underwriting process. However, your rights are strongly protected by a crucial agreement between the UK government and the insurance industry.

The ABI Code on Genetic Testing and Insurance is your shield.

This code dictates how insurers can and cannot use genetic test information. Understanding it is key to feeling confident in the application process.

  • You can NEVER be asked to take a genetic test to get insurance.
  • For predictive genetic tests (taken when you have no symptoms to predict future risk), insurers CANNOT ask for the results for most policies.
  • The current financial limits are £500,000 for Life Insurance and £300,000 for Critical Illness Cover. If your total cover with that insurer is below these amounts, they are forbidden from asking for, or using, the result of a predictive genetic test you may have had.
  • If you apply for cover ABOVE these limits, the insurer can ask for the results of a predictive test if you have already taken one.
  • The code DOES NOT apply to diagnostic genetic tests (i.e., a test performed after you have been diagnosed with a condition to confirm its cause).

This code means that for the vast majority of Critical Illness policies, a positive BRCA test result that you know about remains your private information.

Proactive Screening: A Positive Signal to Insurers

If you are identified as being at high risk due to your family history, the NHS may have invited you to a screening programme. This typically involves regular monitoring, such as CA-125 blood tests and transvaginal ultrasounds.

Many applicants worry that being in a screening programme will be viewed negatively. The opposite is true.

Engaging with NHS screening is a significant positive factor for underwriters.

It demonstrates that:

  • You are actively managing your health.
  • Your health is being professionally monitored.
  • Any issues are likely to be caught at the earliest, most treatable stage.

Providing a history of normal, clear screening results can significantly improve your chances of getting cover on favourable terms. Conversely, ignoring medical advice to be screened could be seen as a higher risk.

Potential Underwriting Outcomes: From Standard Rates to Exclusions

After assessing all the information, the underwriter will make a decision. This isn't a simple "yes" or "no". There are several possible outcomes, and the decision will vary between insurers. This is why using an expert broker like WeCovr is so vital—we know which insurers are likely to provide the most favourable outcome for your specific circumstances.

Here are the common decisions:

  1. Standard Terms: You are offered the policy at the standard premium rate with no changes. This is common where the risk is deemed low (e.g., one second-degree relative diagnosed at an old age).
  2. Premium Loading (A "Rating"): The insurer offers you the policy but increases the premium by a set percentage (e.g., +50%, +75%, +150%). This reflects the increased statistical risk of a claim. The cover remains fully comprehensive.
  3. An Exclusion: The insurer offers the policy but excludes claims related to a specific condition. In this case, it would typically be a "cancer exclusion". This means the policy would not pay out for any cancer diagnosis, but it would still provide full cover for all other specified conditions, such as heart attack, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and dozens of others. This can still be an incredibly valuable policy.
  4. Postponement: The insurer delays their decision for a set period (e.g., 6-12 months). This might happen if you are currently awaiting test results or have recently been referred for further investigation. They want to wait for a stable and clear health picture.
  5. Decline: In the highest-risk scenarios, the application may be declined. This is rare and typically reserved for cases with multiple, very young, first-degree relatives affected, especially if combined with a known adverse genetic test result for a policy over the ABI Code limits.
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Real-Life Underwriting Scenarios

To make this clearer, let's look at some hypothetical examples.

Applicant ProfileLikely Underwriting OutcomeUnderwriter's Rationale
Sarah, 35: Her paternal grandmother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at age 72. No other family history. Sarah is not in any screening programme.Standard TermsA single, second-degree relative diagnosed late in life is not considered a significant risk factor for hereditary cancer. The risk is seen as standard for the population.
Chloe, 40: Her mother was diagnosed at age 48. Following NHS advice, Chloe had a predictive BRCA test, which came back negative. She applies for £150,000 of CI cover.Standard TermsThe mother's young age is a significant risk factor. However, Chloe's negative predictive test result is a powerful mitigating factor. As the cover is below the £300,000 ABI limit, the insurer couldn't have asked for the result anyway, but providing it voluntarily (with broker advice) demonstrates a much lower personal risk.
Emma, 38: Her mother was diagnosed at 52 and her maternal aunt at 55. Emma has not been tested and is on an NHS waiting list for screening.Premium Loading (+75% to +150%) or a Cancer ExclusionTwo close relatives on the same side of the family, with one diagnosed relatively young, points to a moderate-to-high hereditary risk. Different insurers will view this differently. Some will offer full cover with a premium increase; others will only offer it with a cancer exclusion.
Priya, 42: Her sister was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at 45. Priya had a predictive test and knows she carries the BRCA1 gene mutation. She applies for £400,000 of CI cover.Cancer Exclusion or DeclineThis is a high-risk scenario. The combination of a first-degree relative diagnosed young and a known positive genetic test result (which the insurer can ask for as the cover amount is over £300,000) presents a very high statistical likelihood of a cancer claim. Cover may only be available with an exclusion, or it may be declined by some insurers.

What is Critical Illness Cover and Why is it So Important?

With all this focus on underwriting, it's easy to lose sight of what Critical Illness Cover is and the profound peace of mind it provides.

Critical Illness Cover is a long-term insurance policy that pays out a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of the specific serious illnesses listed in your policy documents.

  • How it works: You pay a fixed monthly premium. If you are diagnosed with a covered condition during the policy term and survive for a short period (typically 10-14 days), the insurer pays the full sum assured.
  • What it covers: Policies vary, but most UK providers cover 50+ conditions as standard. While cancer is the most common reason for a claim, policies also cover life-altering events like:
    • Heart Attack
    • Stroke
    • Multiple Sclerosis
    • Kidney Failure
    • Major Organ Transplant
    • Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease
    • Paralysis
    • Loss of limbs
  • Who is it for? It's designed for anyone who would face financial hardship if a serious illness struck. The payout can be used for anything: to clear a mortgage, pay for private treatment, replace lost income, or adapt your home. It gives you the financial breathing space to focus on your recovery, not your bills.
  • Typical Cover Levels: The right amount of cover depends on your circumstances. Common approaches include covering your mortgage balance, replacing 2-5 years of your gross annual salary, or a combination of both.

Even if an insurer can only offer you a policy with a cancer exclusion, it remains an extremely valuable safety net against a huge range of other devastating conditions.

Beyond the Lump Sum: Exploring Other Protection Options

Critical Illness Cover is a fantastic product, but it's not the only tool available. A comprehensive protection plan often involves a combination of policies. If you face challenges getting CI cover, or want to build a more robust plan, consider these alternatives.

Income Protection Insurance

Often described by experts as the most important protection policy of all, Income Protection (IP) is designed to replace your earnings if you're unable to work due to any illness or injury.

  • How it works: Instead of a lump sum, it pays a regular, tax-free monthly income (usually 50-65% of your gross salary) until you can return to work, or until the policy ends (e.g., at retirement).
  • Key Advantage: Underwriting for IP can sometimes be more lenient for family history than for CI cover. The assessment is based on your ability to perform your job, not on a specific diagnosis. For many conditions, you might be able to work despite a diagnosis, whereas a CI policy would have paid out. It covers a broader range of eventualities, including stress, depression, and musculoskeletal issues, which are the leading causes of long-term work absence.

Life Insurance

Underwriting for Life Insurance is generally more generous regarding a family history of cancer than it is for Critical Illness Cover. The statistical impact on life expectancy is different from the risk of diagnosis.

  • Term Life Insurance: This is the most common type of life cover. It pays out a lump sum if you die within a set term (e.g., the 25 years of your mortgage). It's simple, affordable, and ideal for protecting your family and debts.
  • Family Income Benefit: This is a variation of term insurance. Instead of a lump sum, it pays your family a regular, tax-free income from the point of claim until the policy term expires. This can be easier for a family to manage than a large one-off payment.
  • Whole of Life Insurance: These policies are designed to provide a guaranteed payout upon death, whenever it occurs. It's crucial to understand how modern policies work:
    • Modern Pure Protection Plans: The vast majority of Whole of Life policies sold in the UK today are pure protection plans with no cash-in value. You pay a premium, and the policy guarantees a payout on death. If you stop paying premiums, the cover ceases, and you get nothing back. At WeCovr, we specialise in comparing these transparent and affordable plans, which are perfectly suited for covering a future Inheritance Tax (IHT) liability or leaving a guaranteed legacy.
    • Older Investment-Linked Plans: You may have heard of older 'with-profits' or 'unit-linked' whole of life plans. These were complex products where part of your premium paid for insurance and the rest was invested. They were expensive, opaque, and their performance was not guaranteed. Many people who surrendered them early found the value was less than the total premiums they had paid in. These plans are rarely sold today.

Protection for Business Owners, Directors and the Self-Employed

If you run your own business, are a company director, or are self-employed, the financial shock of a critical illness is amplified. You don't have the safety net of statutory sick pay or employer-funded benefits.

  • Self-Employed: For freelancers and sole traders, Personal Income Protection and Critical Illness Cover are not luxuries; they are fundamental parts of a sound business plan. They act as your personal safety net, ensuring your household bills can be paid if you are too ill to earn.
  • Company Directors: You can arrange cover more tax-efficiently through your limited company.
    • Executive Income Protection: The company pays the premiums for an income protection policy for a director. These premiums are typically an allowable business expense, making it highly tax-efficient.
    • Key Person Insurance: This is a life and/or critical illness policy taken out by the business on a vital employee or director. If that person becomes critically ill, the payout goes directly to the business to cover lost profits, recruit a replacement, or clear debts. The underwriting is performed on the individual "key person", so their family history of cancer would be assessed as described above.
    • Shareholder Protection: This ensures business continuity. It uses life and critical illness policies on each shareholder, written in trust. If one shareholder becomes critically ill, the policy pays out to the remaining shareholders, providing them with the funds to buy out the ill shareholder's equity at a pre-agreed price.

The Application Process: Honesty is the a strong fit for your needs

When applying for any insurance, you enter into a contract of 'utmost good faith'. This means you have a legal duty to answer all questions from the insurer truthfully and completely.

Never, ever be tempted to omit your family history of cancer from an application.

Insurers have the right to access your medical records (with your permission via the Access to Medical Reports Act) at the point of a claim. If they discover you failed to disclose relevant information (a "material non-disclosure"), they have the right to:

  • Void the policy from the start: This means they would act as if the policy never existed.
  • Refuse the claim: Your family would receive no payout.
  • Refund some or all of your premiums: This is of little comfort when you're facing a life-changing diagnosis and were counting on a six-figure sum.

The consequences are devastating. Always be upfront. A good broker can help you position the information accurately and find an insurer who will treat you fairly.

How WeCovr Secures the Best Terms for You

Navigating the insurance market with a complex family history can be daunting. This is where WeCovr's expertise becomes your greatest asset.

  1. Unrivalled Market Knowledge: We work with all the major UK insurers. Crucially, we know their underwriting stances. An insurer who might apply a +150% premium loading for Emma's scenario above might be sitting next to another who would offer a simple cancer exclusion for the standard price. We know who to approach to get you the most favourable terms.
  2. Expert Application Support: We guide you through the application form, ensuring every question is answered with the precision underwriters need. This minimises delays and prevents issues at the claim stage.
  3. Pre-Application Enquiries: For complex cases, we can speak to senior underwriters on an anonymous basis before submitting a formal application. This gives us a clear indication of the likely outcome and saves you from having a decline on your record.
  4. A Holistic Approach: We look at your entire situation. If Critical Illness Cover proves difficult, we will build robust alternative strategies using Income Protection and Life Insurance to ensure you are not left exposed.
  5. Ongoing Customer Care: As a WeCovr client, you'll receive complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered nutrition and calorie tracking app. We believe in supporting our clients' long-term health and wellbeing.

Our service is provided at no extra cost to you. We receive a commission from the insurer you choose, so you get expert, impartial advice without paying a fee.

FAQs: Your Critical Illness Cover Questions Answered

Do I have to tell an insurer about my family's history of ovarian cancer?

Yes, absolutely. You are legally required to answer all questions on an insurance application form honestly and completely. Failing to disclose a known family history of cancer is a 'material non-disclosure' and could lead to your policy being cancelled and any future claim being rejected.

Will having a BRCA gene test affect my ability to get insurance?

For most people, no. The ABI Code on Genetic Testing and Insurance prevents insurers from asking for the results of predictive genetic tests (like for BRCA) for policies up to £500,000 of life cover or £300,000 of critical illness cover. Since most policies fall below these limits, your test result remains your private information. Insurers can never ask you to take a test.

If I get a cancer exclusion on my critical illness policy, is it still worth having?

Yes, it is still an incredibly valuable policy. While it would not pay out for a cancer diagnosis, it would still provide a full, tax-free lump sum for a wide range of other serious conditions such as heart attack, stroke, multiple sclerosis, major organ transplant, and dementia. These events can be just as financially devastating as cancer.

Is Income Protection a better option if I have a high-risk family history of cancer?

It can be an excellent alternative or addition. Income Protection underwriting focuses on your ability to work, not on a specific diagnosis. It covers inability to work from any medical cause, including stress and injury. The underwriting can sometimes be more lenient for family history, making it a vital safety net. Many of our clients opt for a combination of both Life Insurance and Income Protection.

Take the Next Step Towards Peace of Mind

A family history of ovarian cancer is a serious matter, but it should not be a barrier to securing financial peace of mind. The UK insurance market is competitive, and with expert guidance, you can navigate the underwriting process to find the right cover at the best possible price.

Don't let uncertainty hold you back. Understanding your options is the first step to protecting your financial future.

Ready to explore your options with a friendly, no-obligation chat? The experts at WeCovr are here to help. We'll compare quotes from across the market and work tirelessly to find the policy that's right for you.

Sources

  • NHS
  • Cancer Research UK
  • Office for National Statistics (ONS)
  • Association of British Insurers (ABI)
  • Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

Disclaimer: This is general guidance only and does not constitute formal tax or financial advice. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances, policy terms, and HMRC interpretation, which cannot be guaranteed in advance. Whenever applicable, businesses and individuals should always consult a qualified accountant or tax adviser before arranging such policies.

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WeCovr is an FCA‑regulated insurance broker. We may earn a commission if you purchase a policy via us. This guide is written to be impartial and informational.

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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 experienced 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.

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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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