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Getting Income Protection with a History of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

WeCovr Editorial Team · experienced insurance advisers
Last updated Mar 14, 2026
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Getting Income Protection with a History of Chronic Fatigue...

TL;DR

Securing UK income protection with a history of CFS/ME is challenging but possible. At WeCovr, our expert advisers help you navigate underwriting to secure valuable cover, often with an exclusion, protecting you against other illnesses and injuries.

Key takeaways

  • Insurers typically apply an 'exclusion' for ME/CFS on income protection policies, meaning you can't claim for that condition.
  • Even with an exclusion, the policy is incredibly valuable, as it still covers you for cancer, heart attacks, accidents, and thousands of other conditions.
  • Full and honest disclosure of your medical history is mandatory; failure to declare ME/CFS can void your policy at the point of claim.
  • The time since your last symptoms and any treatment is the most critical factor for underwriters.
  • Using an expert broker like WeCovr dramatically improves your chances of getting the most favourable terms available.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) can be a debilitating long-term condition, affecting every aspect of life, including your ability to work. This makes the financial safety net of income protection insurance more important than ever. Yet, for those with a history of ME/CFS, applying for this cover can feel like an impossible task.

Many people are told that cover is unavailable, or they simply assume they will be rejected. The reality, however, is more nuanced. While securing cover for ME/CFS itself is highly unlikely, it is often possible to get a comprehensive policy that protects your income against thousands of other illnesses and injuries.

This definitive guide explains how UK insurance underwriters view ME/CFS, what to expect during the application process, and how you can secure a valuable income protection policy, even with a challenging medical history.

How underwriters view MECFS and how to secure cover for other illnesses

To an insurance underwriter, risk is all about predictability. Their job is to assess the likelihood of a future claim based on an applicant's health, lifestyle, and occupation. ME/CFS presents a significant challenge from this perspective.

Key Underwriting Challenges with ME/CFS:

  • Subjective Diagnosis: There is no single diagnostic test for ME/CFS. Diagnosis is based on a collection of symptoms and the exclusion of other conditions, making it difficult for insurers to objectively assess.
  • Fluctuating Nature: The condition is characterised by periods of remission and relapse. Symptoms can vary wildly in severity and duration, making it hard to predict future work capacity.
  • High Relapse Rate: Even after a long period of recovery, the risk of relapse is a major concern for an insurer offering a long-term income benefit.
  • Overlap with Mental Health: ME/CFS is often associated with secondary conditions like depression and anxiety, which are also high-risk factors for income protection claims.

Because of this uncertainty, it is standard practice for nearly all UK insurers to decline to offer cover for claims directly or indirectly related to ME/CFS. They do this by applying an 'exclusion' to the policy.

What an ME/CFS Exclusion Really Means

An exclusion is a specific condition or set of circumstances that your policy will not cover. If you have an income protection policy with an ME/CFS exclusion, you cannot make a claim if you are unable to work due to ME/CFS or a directly related condition.

While this may sound disappointing, it is crucial to understand what the policy does cover.

An income protection policy with an ME/CFS exclusion is not a rejection; it is an offer of valuable protection against everything else.

You would still be fully covered if you were unable to work due to:

  • Cancer
  • A heart attack or stroke
  • A serious accident resulting in broken bones
  • A back injury
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
  • Most other medical conditions, illnesses, or injuries unrelated to your exclusion.

Given that musculoskeletal issues and cancer are two of the leading causes of long-term absence from work in the UK, a policy with an ME/CFS exclusion still provides an essential financial safety net.

What is Income Protection and Why is it So Important?

Before diving deeper into the application process, it's vital to understand what you're applying for.

Income Protection is a long-term insurance policy designed to replace a significant portion of your lost earnings if you are unable to work due to any illness or injury.

It pays out a regular, tax-free monthly income until you are well enough to return to work, your policy term ends, or you retire, whichever comes first. It is widely regarded by financial advisers as the most important protection policy for any working adult.

How Income Protection Works: The Key Components

When you set up a policy, you make several key choices:

  1. Benefit Amount: You choose how much income you want to receive each month. This is typically limited to 50-70% of your gross (pre-tax) income to ensure you have an incentive to return to work.
  2. Deferred Period: This is the waiting period between when you first stop working and when the policy starts paying out. Common options are 4, 8, 13, 26, or 52 weeks. The longer your deferred period, the lower your premium. A good strategy is to align it with any sick pay you receive from your employer.
  3. Payment Period: You decide how long the policy will pay out for. This can be a short term (e.g., 1, 2, or 5 years per claim) or a long-term plan that pays out right up until your chosen retirement age (e.g., 65 or 68). Long-term plans offer the most comprehensive protection.
  4. Definition of Incapacity: This determines the criteria you must meet to make a successful claim. The most robust definition is 'Own Occupation', which means the policy will pay out if you are unable to perform your specific job. Other definitions like 'Suited Occupation' or 'Any Occupation' are less favourable and should be carefully considered.

Real-Life Scenario:

Mark is a 40-year-old self-employed architect earning £60,000 per year. He has no employer sick pay. He takes out an income protection policy to provide a monthly benefit of £3,000 (60% of his gross income). He chooses a 13-week deferred period and a long-term payment period to age 67.

Two years later, Mark suffers a serious back injury in a cycling accident and requires surgery. He is unable to work for 14 months.

  • Months 1-3: Mark relies on his emergency savings during the 13-week deferred period.
  • Months 4-14: His income protection policy pays him £3,000 tax-free every month. This covers his mortgage, bills, and family living costs, allowing him to focus on his recovery without financial stress.

The Application Process: Your Guide to a Successful Outcome

Applying for income protection with a history of ME/CFS requires a careful and thorough approach. Full, honest disclosure is not just a recommendation; it is a legal requirement.

Step 1: Full and Honest Disclosure

When you fill out the application form, you will be asked a series of questions about your health, lifestyle, and medical history. It is imperative that you declare your diagnosis of ME/CFS, even if you have been symptom-free for many years.

The consequences of non-disclosure can be severe. If you fail to mention your condition and later need to make a claim (even for something completely unrelated), the insurer has the right to investigate your medical records. If they discover the pre-existing condition, they can declare your policy void from the start, refuse your claim, and refund your premiums. You would be left with no cover when you need it most.

Step 2: The Insurer's Questions

Once you declare ME/CFS, the insurer will ask for more detailed information. Be prepared to answer questions such as:

  • When were you first diagnosed?
  • What were your main symptoms? (e.g., fatigue, pain, brain fog)
  • How severe were your symptoms (mild, moderate, severe)?
  • What treatment or management advice did you receive? (e.g., Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Graded Exercise Therapy (GET), medication)
  • How much time, if any, did you have off work?
  • When did your symptoms last cease?
  • Are you currently receiving any treatment or follow-up consultations?

Your answers to these questions will determine the next steps.

Step 3: The GP Report (GPR)

In almost every case involving ME/CFS, the insurer will write to your GP for a full medical report (a GPR). This is the single most important piece of evidence in your application. The underwriter will use the information in your medical records to verify your answers and build a complete picture of your health history.

Pro-Adviser Tip: An experienced protection broker can be invaluable here. At WeCovr, we help our clients prepare their applications by anticipating the underwriter's questions. We can even write a cover letter to the underwriting team, summarising your history clearly and concisely. This proactive approach can significantly speed up the process and lead to a more favourable outcome.

Underwriting Outcomes: What to Expect with an ME/CFS History

The insurer's final decision will depend entirely on the specifics of your case, primarily the time since your last symptoms and treatment. The table below outlines the most likely outcomes.

Your ME/CFS HistoryLikely Income Protection OutcomeLikely Life & Critical Illness Outcome
Recent diagnosis or ongoing symptoms within the last 2 yearsDecline. The risk of a claim is considered too high and unpredictable.Possible to obtain, but likely with an exclusion for mental health.
Symptom-free for 2-5 years, no recent treatmentAccept with Exclusion. A specific exclusion for ME/CFS and related conditions (e.g., fatigue syndromes, fibromyalgia) is highly likely.Good chance of standard rates (no exclusions or premium increases).
Symptom-free for 5+ years, fully recovered, no treatmentAccept with Exclusion (most likely). In rare cases with a very strong recovery, standard terms might be possible, but an exclusion is still the norm.Excellent chance of standard rates.

The key takeaway is that for anyone with a full recovery of a few years or more, obtaining an income protection policy with an exclusion is a realistic and achievable goal.

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Why a Policy with an Exclusion is Still Hugely Valuable

It's easy to be discouraged by an exclusion, but focusing on what's excluded misses the bigger picture. You are not insuring against one condition; you are insuring your income against thousands of possibilities.

According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), in 2023, the most common causes for new income protection claims were:

  1. Musculoskeletal issues: (30%) - e.g., back pain, joint problems, fractures.
  2. Cancer: (17%)
  3. Mental Health: (12%)
  4. Neurological conditions: (9%) - e.g., MS, Parkinson's
  5. Heart & Circulatory conditions: (6%)

Source: ABI data. Percentages are approximate and can vary year-on-year.

A policy with an ME/CFS exclusion would provide full financial support for claims in all of these categories (with the possible exception of mental health, if a linked exclusion is also applied).

Scenario: The Power of an Excluded Policy

Chloe, a 35-year-old marketing manager, had ME/CFS in her twenties but has been symptom-free for six years. She works with an expert broker and secures an income protection policy with an exclusion for ME/CFS.

Three years later, she is diagnosed with breast cancer. She needs a year off work for chemotherapy and recovery.

The Result: Her income protection policy pays out exactly as planned. She receives her monthly benefit, which allows her to pay her rent and bills without worry. The exclusion for ME/CFS was completely irrelevant to her claim. Without this policy, she would have faced severe financial distress.

This is why we always advise clients that a policy with an exclusion is infinitely better than no policy at all.

Alternatives and Complementary Cover If IP Is Not an Option

If you have very recent or ongoing ME/CFS symptoms, a full income protection policy may be declined. However, this does not mean you have to go without any protection.

Critical Illness Cover (CIC)

What it is: Critical Illness Cover pays out a tax-free lump sum on the diagnosis of a specific, serious illness listed in the policy. Common conditions include most cancers, heart attack, and stroke.

Relevance for ME/CFS:

  • ME/CFS itself is not a condition covered by CIC policies.
  • It is often much easier to get CIC with a history of ME/CFS than it is to get income protection.
  • You may be offered cover with a mental health exclusion (e.g., for Multiple Sclerosis, which can have psychological symptoms), but cover for cancer, heart attack and stroke is often available at standard rates.

A CIC lump sum can be used to pay off a mortgage, cover medical expenses, or provide a financial cushion while you are out of work.

Life Insurance

What it is: Life Insurance pays out a lump sum to your loved ones if you pass away during the policy term.

Relevance for ME/CFS:

  • A history of ME/CFS rarely impacts a life insurance application.
  • Unless there are other significant health issues, you can almost always get life insurance at standard premium rates.
  • This is essential cover for anyone with dependents, a mortgage, or other financial liabilities.

There are two main types:

  • Term Life Insurance: Provides cover for a fixed period (e.g., 25 years to cover a mortgage). It only pays out if you die within that term.
  • Whole of Life Insurance: Provides cover that lasts for your entire life and guarantees a payout whenever you die. These are often used for Inheritance Tax (IHT) planning or to leave a guaranteed legacy.

Important Note on Whole of Life Policies:

It is essential to understand that modern whole of life policies sold in the UK are straightforward pure protection plans. They do not have a cash-in value or investment component. If you stop paying the premiums, the cover ceases, and you get nothing back. These plans are transparent and affordable for their purpose.

Older, more complex investment-linked or with-profits whole of life plans worked differently, combining insurance with an investment element. These are rarely sold today due to their high costs and poor performance. At WeCovr, we focus exclusively on comparing modern, guaranteed pure protection policies.

Special Considerations for Business Owners & the Self-Employed

For those who run their own business or are self-employed, the need for income protection is even more acute due to the lack of employer-provided sick pay.

Self-Employed and Freelancers

If you are self-employed, your income stops the moment you do. Income protection is the direct replacement for a corporate sick pay scheme. Insurers will assess your income based on your recent trading history, typically looking at your salary and dividends if you're a limited company director, or your net profit if you're a sole trader.

Company Directors: Business Protection Options

If you are a director of your own limited company, you have access to highly tax-efficient forms of protection paid for by the business.

  • Executive Income Protection: This is an income protection policy owned and paid for by your company. The premiums are typically an allowable business expense, making it a very tax-efficient way to secure your personal income. If you claim, the benefit is paid to the company, which then distributes it to you via PAYE. Underwriting for ME/CFS is the same as for a personal policy.
  • Key Person Insurance: This is life and/or critical illness cover designed to protect the business itself. It provides a cash injection to the business if a key individual—such as a founder or top salesperson—is unable to work due to death or serious illness. This money can be used to cover lost profits or recruit a replacement.
  • Shareholder Protection: If a shareholder in a private limited company dies or becomes critically ill, this insurance provides the remaining shareholders with the funds to buy their shares. This ensures a smooth transition and prevents the shares from passing to family members who may not want or be able to contribute to the business.

The WeCovr Advantage: Why Use an Expert Broker?

Navigating the insurance market with a pre-existing condition like ME/CFS can be complex and frustrating. This is where an expert, independent broker makes all the difference.

  1. Whole-of-Market Expertise: We work with all major UK insurers. We know the specific underwriting stances of each company and can place your application with the insurer most likely to offer favourable terms. This saves you from multiple applications and potential declines.
  2. Strategic Application Packaging: We don't just submit a form. We help you present your medical history in a clear, comprehensive way that pre-empts underwriter questions. This demonstrates that your condition is well-managed and historical, increasing the chance of a better outcome.
  3. Direct Underwriter Access: As an FCA-regulated broking firm, we have direct lines of communication with underwriting teams. We can discuss your case anonymously before you even apply, and we can negotiate on your behalf to challenge unfair decisions or clarify medical evidence.
  4. No Extra Cost to You: Our service is completely free for you to use. We receive a commission from the insurer you choose, which is already built into the premium. You pay the same price as going direct, but with the added benefit of our expert guidance.
  5. Added Value: As part of our commitment to our clients' long-term wellbeing, WeCovr provides complimentary access to our AI-powered wellness and calorie tracking app, CalorieHero, helping you stay on top of your health goals.

Applying for protection with a history of ME/CFS is a journey that requires specialist knowledge. Don't go it alone. Let our experts guide you to the protection you and your family deserve.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I have to declare my ME/CFS if I have been symptom-free for over 10 years?

Yes, absolutely. You must answer all questions on an insurance application form truthfully and completely. Your duty of disclosure covers your entire medical history. Failing to declare a past condition, even from long ago, constitutes non-disclosure and could lead to your policy being cancelled and any future claim being rejected.

Will my premiums be higher because of my ME/CFS history?

Not necessarily. For income protection, the most common outcome is not a premium increase (a 'loading') but an exclusion for ME/CFS and related conditions. This means you pay the standard rate for your age, occupation, and smoking status, but you cannot claim for the excluded condition. For life insurance, a past history of fully recovered ME/CFS is very unlikely to affect your premiums at all.

Can I get life insurance if I am currently suffering from ME/CFS?

In many cases, yes. Getting life insurance is generally much more straightforward than income protection. If your ME/CFS is mild to moderate and you are still working, you can often secure life insurance. If your symptoms are severe or there are associated mental health conditions like clinical depression, the insurer may postpone a decision until your health stabilises, or they might apply a premium loading.

What happens if my ME/CFS returns after I have a policy with an exclusion?

If your ME/CFS symptoms return and you are unable to work as a result, you would not be able to make a claim on your income protection policy due to the exclusion. However, your policy remains fully active and in force. If you later recovered from the relapse and then, a year later, were diagnosed with cancer and unable to work, your policy would pay out in full as this is an entirely new and unrelated condition.

Sources

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

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.

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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