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Growth's Hidden Foundation

Growth's Hidden Foundation 2025 | Top Insurance Guides

Beyond Self-Help and Workouts: Uncover How Strategic Financial Protection Is the Unseen Pillar for Uninterrupted Personal Growth, Secure Relationships, and a Lasting Legacy, Essential in a World Where 1 in 2 Face Major Health Challenges.

We live in an age of optimisation. We track our steps, fine-tune our diets, listen to podcasts on productivity, and fill our bookshelves with guides to a better, more fulfilled self. We invest time, energy, and money into building our best lives. Yet, in this relentless pursuit of growth, a vast and dangerous blind spot exists for many: the bedrock on which all this progress is built.

What happens to your personal growth journey, your career ambitions, or the stability of your relationships when life throws its inevitable curveball? A sudden illness, a serious accident, an unexpected diagnosis – these are not distant possibilities; they are statistical certainties for a huge portion of the population. Ground-breaking research from Cancer Research UK projects that 1 in 2 people in the UK will be diagnosed with some form of cancer during their lifetime.

This isn't a scare tactic; it's a call to look beyond the gym and the mindfulness app. True, holistic well-being isn't just about strengthening your body and mind. It's about building a fortress of resilience around your life, your family, and your future. This fortress is strategic financial protection – the unseen pillar of life insurance, critical illness cover, and income protection. It's the silent partner that allows your personal growth to continue, uninterrupted, no matter what storms may come.

This guide will demystify these essential tools, revealing how they are not merely "insurance policies" but foundational investments in your peace of mind, the security of your loved ones, and the enduring power of your legacy.

The Modern Paradox of Personal Growth

The modern world is obsessed with self-improvement. From bio-hacking our sleep to mastering new skills online, the message is clear: you have the power to become a better version of yourself. This is a powerful and positive movement. It encourages proactivity, health, and lifelong learning.

However, this focus creates a subtle but dangerous paradox. We build our lives like magnificent structures, carefully crafting our careers, nurturing our relationships, and investing in our physical and mental health. But we often do so on a foundation of sand.

Imagine spending years building your dream career. You've worked late, taken courses, and made sacrifices to climb the ladder. Then, a sudden diagnosis forces you to take a year off work. Without a safety net, what happens?

  • Your focus shifts from recovery to financial survival.
  • Stress about mortgage payments and bills replaces the mental space needed for healing.
  • The career momentum you worked so hard to build evaporates.
  • Savings meant for a house deposit or your children's education are depleted.

The same applies to our relationships. The strain of a health crisis is immense. When financial panic is added to the mix, it can be devastating. A partner may have to give up their own career to become a full-time carer, adding emotional and financial pressure that can fracture even the strongest bonds.

The pursuit of personal growth is rendered fragile and vulnerable without a corresponding investment in personal protection. It’s like meticulously building a high-performance car but forgetting to install airbags or a seatbelt. It's a thrilling ride until the first, inevitable bump in the road.

What is Financial Protection? The Three Pillars Explained

Financial protection isn't a single product; it's a suite of tools designed to shield you and your loved ones from the financial consequences of death, illness, and injury. Think of them as three core pillars supporting your financial house.

Pillar 1: Life Insurance

Life Insurance pays out a lump sum or regular income upon your death. Its primary purpose is to provide for those who depend on you financially, ensuring they can maintain their standard of living, pay off debts, and face the future with security.

  • Term Life Insurance: This is the most common and affordable type. It covers you for a fixed period (the "term"), such as 25 years, often to coincide with the length of a mortgage. If you pass away within the term, your beneficiaries receive a tax-free lump sum. If you outlive the term, the policy ends, and you receive nothing.
  • Family Income Benefit: A variation of term insurance, this doesn't pay a single lump sum. Instead, it pays out a regular, tax-free monthly or annual income to your family for the remainder of the policy term. This is excellent for replacing a lost salary and managing day-to-day bills, making it feel more like a direct replacement for your earnings.
  • Whole of Life Insurance: As the name suggests, this policy covers you for your entire life, guaranteeing a payout whenever you die. It's more expensive than term insurance but is often used for legacy planning, such as covering a future Inheritance Tax (IHT) bill.
  • Gift Inter Vivos: A specialised policy designed to cover the potential IHT liability on large gifts you make during your lifetime. If you die within seven years of making the gift, it could be subject to tax. This policy pays out a lump sum to cover that bill, ensuring your intended beneficiaries receive the full value of your gift.

Here’s a simple comparison:

FeatureTerm Life InsuranceFamily Income BenefitWhole of Life Insurance
PurposePay off large debts (e.g., mortgage)Replace lost monthly incomeLegacy, funeral costs, IHT
PayoutTax-free lump sumTax-free regular incomeGuaranteed lump sum
Cover PeriodFixed term (e.g., 25 years)Fixed term (e.g., 25 years)Your entire life
CostMost affordableVery affordableMore expensive

Pillar 2: Critical Illness Cover (CIC)

This is the pillar that protects you, the policyholder, while you are alive. Critical Illness Cover pays out a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of a list of specific, serious conditions defined in the policy. The "big three" covered by almost every policy are:

  • Cancer (of a specified severity)
  • Heart Attack
  • Stroke

Most comprehensive policies today cover 50+ conditions, including things like multiple sclerosis, kidney failure, major organ transplant, and permanent loss of sight or hearing.

The lump sum is yours to use as you wish. It provides crucial breathing space, allowing you to:

  • Pay off your mortgage or other debts.
  • Cover medical expenses not provided by the NHS, such as specialist treatment or rehabilitation.
  • Make adaptations to your home (e.g., a wheelchair ramp).
  • Replace lost income for you or a partner who takes time off to care for you.
  • Simply reduce financial stress so you can focus 100% on your recovery.

Pillar 3: Income Protection (IP)

Often considered the foundation of any financial plan, Income Protection is designed to replace a portion of your monthly income if you are unable to work due to any illness or injury.

Unlike Critical Illness Cover, which pays a lump sum for a specific condition, IP pays a regular monthly benefit for as long as you are unable to work, potentially right up to retirement age. This makes it an incredibly powerful tool for protecting your lifestyle against a far wider range of eventualities, from a severe back injury to long-term mental health challenges like stress or depression.

Key features of Income Protection:

  • Deferred Period: This is the waiting period between when you stop working and when the policy starts paying out. It can be tailored from 1 day to 12 months, allowing you to align it with any sick pay you receive from your employer. A longer deferred period means a lower premium.
  • Benefit Amount: You can typically insure up to 50-70% of your gross monthly income. The payout is tax-free.
  • Benefit Period: This is how long the policy will pay out for. It can be a short term (e.g., 1, 2, or 5 years per claim) or a long-term policy that pays right up to your chosen retirement age (e.g., 67).
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The Domino Effect: How a Health Crisis Derails More Than Just Your Health

To truly understand the value of protection, let's move from the theoretical to the practical. Consider the story of Mark, a 42-year-old self-employed graphic designer.

Mark is the picture of modern success. He runs his own thriving business, is married with two young children, and is passionate about cycling, completing long-distance rides every weekend. He has no life insurance, thinking it's something for 'later'. He's never heard of Income Protection and believes Critical Illness Cover is for older, unhealthier people. His focus is on growing his client base and saving for a larger family home.

One Tuesday morning, Mark suffers a major stroke. He survives, but the road to recovery is long. He has weakness down his right side and significant speech difficulties. His doctors say he won't be able to work for at least 18 months, and even then, may not return to his previous capacity.

The dominoes begin to fall:

  1. Immediate Income Loss: As a freelancer, Mark has no sick pay. His income drops to zero overnight.
  2. Savings Depleted: The family's savings, earmarked for their house deposit, are now used to cover the mortgage and monthly bills. They are gone within four months.
  3. Relationship Strain: His wife, a part-time teacher, has to increase her hours and rush home to care for Mark and the children. Exhaustion and anxiety mount. Conversations shift from future dreams to immediate financial fears.
  4. Business Collapse: Without Mark at the helm, clients move on. The business he spent a decade building dissolves. His professional identity is shattered.
  5. Compromised Recovery: The constant financial stress hinders Mark's recovery. He can't afford the intensive private speech therapy recommended by his consultant. His mental health deteriorates as he feels like a burden on his family.
  6. Legacy Lost: The dream of a bigger home is gone. The plan for the children's university funds is now a distant memory. The family's financial future is set back by a decade or more.

This is not an exaggeration. It is the reality for thousands of families across the UK every year. A single health event, without a financial shield, creates a devastating chain reaction that impacts finances, relationships, mental health, and future aspirations.

The Unseen Foundation: How Protection Fuels Growth and Well-being

Now, let's rewind Mark's story. Imagine that a year earlier, a financial adviser had helped him put a robust protection plan in place. He took out an Income Protection policy to cover 60% of his income and a Critical Illness policy to clear his mortgage.

When Mark has his stroke, the picture is completely different.

  1. Critical Illness Payout: Within weeks of his diagnosis, a tax-free lump sum from his CIC policy is paid into his bank account. He immediately uses it to pay off the entire remaining mortgage. The family's single biggest monthly expense is eliminated forever.
  2. Income Protection Kicks In: After his chosen 3-month deferred period, his IP policy starts paying him a regular monthly tax-free income. This covers all the family's essential bills and groceries.
  3. Focus on Recovery: With the financial pressure removed, Mark and his wife can focus entirely on his health. He enrols in the intensive private speech therapy. His mental space is clear for rehabilitation, not for worrying about bills.
  4. Relationship Security: His wife doesn't have to work extra hours. She can support Mark emotionally and be present for the children. Their relationship is strengthened by the crisis, not fractured by it.
  5. Preserved Ambitions: The house deposit savings remain untouched. The children's future remains secure. When Mark is ready, he can think about rebuilding his business from a position of security, not desperation.

In this scenario, financial protection didn't just prevent a disaster. It actively enabled a better outcome. It provided:

  • Psychological Freedom: The peace of mind to heal without fear.
  • Relationship Resilience: The ability for a partnership to focus on care, not cash.
  • Uninterrupted Well-being: The resources for the best possible recovery.
  • Legacy Protection: The preservation of the family's long-term financial goals.

This is the true power of protection. It transforms a potential catastrophe into a manageable challenge. It's the silent, unseen foundation that allows you to continue growing, even when life tries to knock you down.

Tailoring Your Shield: Protection for Every Walk of Life

Financial protection is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Your needs change depending on your career, family situation, and business structure. A good broker, like us at WeCovr, will help you navigate these options to build a plan that is perfectly suited to you.

For the Self-Employed & Freelancers

This group is arguably the most financially vulnerable. With no employer sick pay, no death-in-service benefits, and a fluctuating income, a personal safety net is not a luxury; it's an absolute necessity.

  • Income Protection: This is the number one priority. It becomes your personal sick pay scheme, providing a financial lifeline if you're unable to work.
  • Critical Illness Cover: A lump sum can provide a buffer to keep your business afloat or simply cover personal costs while you recover, without having to dip into business funds.
  • Life Insurance: Essential if you have a partner or children who rely on your income to cover the mortgage and living costs.

For Company Directors & Business Owners

As a company director, you have unique, tax-efficient options available.

  • Executive Income Protection: This is an Income Protection policy that is owned and paid for by your limited company. The premiums are typically an allowable business expense, making it highly tax-efficient. The benefit is paid to the company, which then distributes it to you via PAYE.
  • Relevant Life Cover: This allows your company to pay for your personal life insurance. Again, the premiums are usually considered a legitimate business expense, and it doesn't count towards your annual pension allowance. It’s a huge perk that provides family protection in a very cost-effective way.
  • Key Person Insurance: This protects the business itself. It's a life insurance or critical illness policy taken out on a crucial employee (like a founder, top salesperson, or technical expert). If that person dies or becomes critically ill, the policy pays out to the business to cover lost profits, hire a replacement, or pay off business loans.

For Families and Homeowners

The moment you have dependents or a mortgage, your need for protection skyrockets.

  • Life Insurance: At a minimum, you should have enough cover to pay off your mortgage and any other large debts. This ensures your family can stay in their home.
  • Family Income Benefit: This is an excellent and often more affordable alternative or supplement to lump-sum cover. It provides a steady, predictable income stream to replace your salary, which can be easier for a grieving partner to manage.
  • Critical Illness Cover: Having this alongside life insurance ensures you are protected against a life-changing illness, not just death. It prevents your family from having to drain savings or sell the home if you suffer a serious health event.

For Tradespeople & Those in High-Risk Jobs

If you're an electrician, plumber, scaffolder, or nurse, you face a higher risk of injury or illness that could stop you from working.

  • Income Protection: Essential cover, but ensure the "definition of incapacity" is right for you. An "own occupation" definition is best, as it means the policy will pay out if you are unable to do your specific job, not just any job.
  • Personal Sick Pay: These are often shorter-term policies, sometimes called Accident, Sickness & Unemployment (ASU) cover. They typically pay out for a maximum of 12 or 24 months and can be easier to claim on for less severe conditions than a full IP policy. They can be a good starting point or a supplement to a long-term plan.

The Numbers Don't Lie: Why You Can't Afford to Ignore the Statistics

Relying on luck is not a strategy. The statistics paint a clear picture of the risks we all face.

  • Claims are Paid: There is a common misconception that insurers don't pay out. This is false. According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), in 2023, the protection industry paid out a staggering £6.85 billion in life, critical illness, and income protection claims.

    • 97.3% of all claims were paid.
    • 99.3% of Whole of Life claims were paid.
    • 96.9% of Term Life claims were paid.
    • 91.3% of Critical Illness claims were paid.
    • 92.2% of Income Protection claims were paid. The tiny percentage of declined claims is almost always due to non-disclosure (not being honest on the application) or the condition not meeting the policy definition.
  • The Health Reality: The need is undeniable.

    • Cancer: As mentioned, 1 in 2 people will get cancer. (Cancer Research UK)
    • Heart & Circulatory Disease: In the UK, someone is admitted to hospital due to a heart attack roughly every five minutes. (British Heart Foundation)
    • Long-Term Sickness: Around 2.8 million people in the UK were reported as long-term sick (off work for four weeks or more) in early 2024, a record high. (Office for National Statistics)

These aren't just numbers on a page. They represent real people and real families whose lives have been turned upside down. Protection insurance is the bridge that helps them cross from crisis to stability.

Beyond the Policy: The Added Value of Modern Protection

In today's market, a protection policy is often much more than just a promise of a future payout. Insurers are increasingly competing to provide "value-added benefits" that you can use from day one, helping you stay healthy.

These can include:

  • 24/7 Virtual GP Services: Access to a GP via phone or video call, often with same-day appointments.
  • Mental Health Support: Access to counselling sessions and mental well-being apps.
  • Second Medical Opinion Services: If you're diagnosed with a serious illness, you can get your case reviewed by a world-leading specialist.
  • Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Services: Support to help you get back on your feet after an injury or operation.
  • Fitness and Nutrition Programmes: Discounts on gym memberships and access to health experts.

At WeCovr, we believe in this holistic approach to well-being. We don't just find you the right policy; we want to support your health journey. That's why, in addition to the fantastic benefits offered by insurers, we provide our clients with complimentary access to CalorieHero, our proprietary AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. We see it as our commitment to you, helping you invest in your health today while we help you protect your future.

Your Roadmap to a Resilient Future: A Step-by-Step Guide

Securing your financial foundation might seem complex, but it can be broken down into simple, manageable steps.

Step 1: Assess Your Situation Take a clear-eyed look at your finances.

  • Debts: What is your outstanding mortgage? Do you have car loans, credit cards, or personal loans?
  • Income: What is your monthly take-home pay? How much would your household income drop by if you couldn't work?
  • Dependents: Who relies on you? A partner, children, or even ageing parents?
  • Expenses: What are your essential monthly outgoings (housing, food, utilities, transport)?

Step 2: Understand Your Needs Based on your assessment, define what you need to protect.

  • "I need to ensure my mortgage is paid off if I die or get seriously ill." -> Life and/or Critical Illness Cover.
  • "I need to make sure my family can pay the bills each month if I can't work." -> Income Protection or Family Income Benefit.
  • "I need to protect my business from the financial impact of losing my business partner." -> Key Person Insurance.

Step 3: Explore Your Options Familiarise yourself with the three pillars: Life Insurance, Critical Illness Cover, and Income Protection. Understand the key differences and think about how they might fit together. For example, a common strategy is to have a Life and Critical Illness policy to clear the mortgage, combined with an Income Protection policy to cover monthly bills.

Step 4: Seek Expert Advice This is the most crucial step. You could go directly to an insurer, but you would only see their products. Using an independent expert broker like WeCovr is a smarter choice. We have a whole-of-market view.

  • We compare policies from all the major UK insurers to find the right cover at the best price.
  • We help you understand the jargon and the small print, such as the different definitions of incapacity for income protection.
  • We guide you through the application process, helping you complete it accurately to ensure any future claim is paid.
  • We tailor the plan specifically to you, whether you're a freelancer, a company director, or a parent.

Conclusion: Build Your Life on Bedrock, Not Sand

The journey of personal growth is a lifelong pursuit. It's about building a life of purpose, connection, and achievement. But the most ambitious architect would never build a skyscraper on an unstable plot of land.

Strategic financial protection is the bedrock. It's the firm, unshakeable ground that gives you the confidence to build higher. It's the assurance that a sudden storm won't wash away everything you've worked for.

It's time to expand our definition of self-care. It’s not just about the green smoothie or the morning meditation. It's also about having the wisdom and foresight to protect yourself and the people you love from financial hardship.

Investing in Life Insurance, Critical Illness Cover, and Income Protection is not an expense. It is a profound investment in your most valuable assets: your future, your family's security, your peace of mind, and your ability to grow, thrive, and leave the legacy you intend, no matter what life throws your way.


Isn't protection insurance really expensive?

This is a common myth. The cost of protection insurance varies widely based on your age, health, lifestyle (e.g., whether you smoke), the type of cover, and the amount of benefit. For a young, healthy non-smoker, comprehensive cover can be surprisingly affordable, often costing less than a couple of weekly coffees. The key is to get advice to tailor the cover to your budget. A broker can adjust policy features, like the term length or deferred period, to make it fit your financial situation.

Do I really need it if I'm young and healthy?

This is actually the best time to get it. Premiums are calculated based on risk, so the younger and healthier you are, the cheaper your cover will be. By taking out a policy when you are young, you lock in that low premium for the entire policy term. While you might feel invincible, statistics show that serious illness and accidents can happen at any age. Getting cover early is the most cost-effective way to protect your future self.

Will the insurance company actually pay out?

Yes, overwhelmingly so. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) publishes annual statistics showing that the vast majority of claims are paid. In 2023, over 97% of all protection claims were successful. The very small number of declined claims are typically due to either 'non-disclosure' (the applicant not providing accurate information about their health or lifestyle at the start) or the condition claimed for not meeting the definition in the policy terms. Working with a broker helps ensure your application is accurate and you understand the cover you're buying.

What's the difference between Income Protection and Critical Illness Cover?

They serve different but complementary purposes. Critical Illness Cover pays a one-off, tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with a specific serious illness listed on the policy. It’s designed to handle large, immediate costs like paying off a mortgage or funding private treatment. Income Protection pays a regular, tax-free monthly income if you are unable to work due to any illness or injury (not just a specific list). It's designed to replace your salary and cover ongoing living costs for potentially a very long time. Many people choose to have both to create a comprehensive safety net.

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

In many cases, yes. It's essential to be completely honest about your medical history on your application. The insurer will assess your condition. Depending on its nature and severity, they might offer cover on standard terms, increase the premium, or place an 'exclusion' on the policy (meaning you wouldn't be able to claim for that specific condition). In some cases, they may decline cover. An experienced broker is invaluable here, as they know which insurers are more sympathetic to certain conditions and can help you find the best possible outcome.

How much cover do I need?

There is no single right answer, as it's entirely personal. For life insurance, a common rule of thumb is to cover your mortgage and any other large debts, plus a "family fund" to cover living costs, which is often calculated as 10 times your annual salary. For critical illness, many people aim to cover their mortgage. For income protection, you can typically cover 50-70% of your gross income. The best way to determine the right amount is to conduct a detailed budget and speak to an adviser who can help you quantify your needs accurately.


Why life insurance and how does it work?

What is Life Insurance?

Life insurance is an insurance policy that can provide financial support for your loved ones when you or your joint policy holder passes away. It can help clear any outstanding debts, such as a mortgage, and cover your family's living and other expenses such costs of education, so your family can continue to pay bills and living expenses. In addition to life insurance, insurance providers offer related products such as income protection and critical illness, which we will touch upon below.

How does it work?

Life insurance pays out if you die. The payout can be in the form of a lump sum payment or can be paid as a replacement for a regular income. It's your decision how much cover you'd like to take based on your financial resources and how much you'd like to leave to your family to help them deal with any outstanding debts and living expenses. Your premium depends on a number of factors, including your occupation, health and other criteria.

The payout amount can change over time or can be fixed. A level term or whole of life policy offers a fixed payout. A decreasing term policy offers a payout that decreases over the term of the cover.

With critical illness policies, a payout is made if you’re diagnosed with a terminal illness with a remaining life expectancy of less than 12 months. While income protection policies ensure you can continue to meet your financial commitments if you are forced to take an extended break from work. If you can’t work because you’ve had an accident, fallen sick, or lost your job through no fault of your own, income protection insurance pays you an agreed portion of your salary each month.

Income protection is particularly helpful for people in dangerous occupations who want to be sure their mortgage will always be covered. Income protection only covers events beyond your control: you’re much less likely to be covered if you’re fired from your job or if you injure yourself deliberately.

Questions to ask yourself regarding life insurance

Just ask yourself:
👉 Who would pay your mortgage or rent if you were to pass away or fall seriously ill?
👉 Who would pay for your family’s food, clothing, study fees or lifestyle?
👉 Who would provide for the costs of your funeral or clear your debts?
👉 Who would pay for your costs if you're unable to work due to serious illness or disability?

Many families don’t realise that life, income protection and critical illness insurance is one of the most effective ways to protect their finances. A great insurance policy can cover costs, protect a family from inheriting debts and even pay off a mortgage.

Many would think that the costs for all the benefits provided by life insurance, income protection insurance or critical illness insurance are too high, but the great news is in the current market policies are actually very inexpensive.

Benefits offered by income protection, life and critical illness insurance

Life insurance, income protection and critical illness insurance are indispensable for every family because a child loses a parent every 22 minutes in the UK, while every single day tragically 60 people suffer major injuries on the UK roads. Some people become unable to work because of sickness or disability.

Life insurance cover pays out a lump sum to your family, loved ones or whomever you choose to get the money. This can be used to secure the financial future of your loved ones meaning they would not have to struggle financially in the event of your death.

If it's a critical illness cover, the payout happens sooner - upon diagnosis of a serious illness, disability or medical condition, easing the financial hardship such an event inevitably brings.

Income protection insurance can be very important for anyone who relies on a pay check to cover their living costs, but it's especially important if you’re self-employed or own a small business, where your employment and income is a bit less stable. It pays a regular income if you can't work because of sickness or disability and continues until you return to paid work or you retire.

In a world where 1 in 4 of us would struggle financially after just four weeks without work, the stark reality hits hard – a mere 7% of UK adults possess the vital shield of income protection. The urgency of safeguarding our financial well-being has never been more palpable.

Let's face it – relying on savings isn't a solution for everyone. Almost 25% of people have no savings at all, and a whopping 50% have £1,000 or less tucked away. Even more concerning, 51% of Brits – that's a huge 27 million people – wouldn't last more than one month living off their savings. That's a 10% increase from 2022.

And don't even think about state benefits being a safety net. The maximum you can expect from statutory sick pay is a mere £109.40 per week for up to 28 weeks. Not exactly a financial lifeline, right?

Now, let's tackle a common objection: "But I have critical illness insurance. I don't need income protection too." Here's the deal – the two policies apply to very different situations. In a nutshell:

  • Critical illness insurance pays a single lump sum if you're diagnosed with or undergo surgery for a specified potentially life-threatening illness. It's great for handling big one-off expenses or debts.
  • Income protection, on the other hand, pays a percentage of your salary as a regular payment if you can't work due to illness or injury. It's the superhero that tackles those relentless monthly bills.

Types of life insurance policies

Common reasons for getting a life insurance policy are to:
✅ Leave behind an amount of money to keep your family comfortable
✅ Protect the family home and pay off the mortgage in full or in part
✅ Pay for funeral costs

Starting from as little as a couple of pounds per week, you can do all that with a Life Policy.

Level Term Life Insurance
One of the simplest forms of life insurance, level term life insurance works by selecting a length of time for which you would want to be covered and then deciding how much you would like your loved ones to receive should the worst happen. Should your life insurance policy pay out to your family, it would be in a lump sum amount that can be used in whatever way the beneficiary may wish.

Decreasing Term Life Insurance
Decreasing term life insurance works in the same way as level term, except the lump sum payment amount upon death decreases with time. The common use for decreasing term life cover is to protect against mortgage repayment as the lump sum decreases along with the principal of the mortgage itself.

Increasing Term Life Insurance
Increasing term life insurance aims to pay out a cash sum growing each year if the worst happens while covered by the policy. With increasing term life cover amount insured increases annually by a fixed amount for the length of the policy. This can protect your policy's value against inflation, which could be advantageous if you’re looking to maintain your loved ones’ living standards, continue paying off your mortgage in line with its repayment schedule and cover your children’s education fees.

Whole of Life Insurance
Whereas term life insurance policies only pay out if you pass away during their term, whole of life insurance pays out to your beneficiaries whenever this should happen. The most common uses for whole life insurance are to cover the costs of a funeral or as a vehicle for your family's inheritance tax planning.

Family Income Benefit
Family income benefit is a somewhat lesser-known product in the family of life insurance products. Paying out a set amount every month of year to your beneficiaries, it is the most cost-effective way of maintaining your family's living standards to an age where you'd expect them to be able to support themselves financially. The most common use would be for a family with children who are not working yet so are unable to take care of themselves financially.

Relevant Life Insurance
Relevant Life Insurance is a tax-efficient policy for a director or single employee. A simple level term life insurance product, it is placed in a specific trust to ensure its tax efficiency. The premiums are tax deductible and any benefit payable should a claim arise is also paid out tax free, which makes it an attractive product for entrepreneurs and their businesses.

Important Fact!

There is no need to wait until the renewal of your current policy.
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!

Why is it important to get life insurance early?

👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their life, income protection, and critical illness insurance cover in place before running into some serious issues. Critical illness and income protection insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.

👉 We insure our cars, houses, bicycles and even bags! Yet our life and health are the most precious things we have.

Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy life, income protection, critical illness and private medical health insurance can be made much simpler with the help of FCA-authorised advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of life insurance policies available in the market, including income protection, critical illness and other types of policies most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.

It certainly won't do any harm if you speak with one of our experienced FCA-authorised insurance partner experts who are passionate about advising people on financial matters related to life insurance and are keen to provide you with a free consultation.

You can discuss with them in detail what affordable life, income protection, critical illness or private medical health insurance plan for the necessary peace of mind they would recommend! WeCovr works with some of the best advisers in the market.

By tapping the button below, you can book a free call with them in less than 30 seconds right now:

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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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Important Information

Since 2011, WeCovr has helped thousands of individuals, families, and businesses protect what matters most. We make it easy to get quotes for life insurance, critical illness cover, private medical insurance, and a wide range of other insurance types. We also provide embedded insurance solutions tailored for business partners and platforms.

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About WeCovr

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