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How to Claim Income Protection for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

WeCovr Editorial Team · experienced insurance advisers
Last updated Mar 14, 2026
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How to Claim Income Protection for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

TL;DR

WeCovr helps you navigate complex income protection claims for chronic fatigue syndrome (MECFS) by comparing UK insurers and ensuring your policy is structured correctly for long-term support and financial peace of mind.

Key takeaways

  • Income protection can pay a monthly income if MECFS stops you working, but claims are complex due to the condition's fluctuating nature.
  • Detailed medical evidence, including a consultant's diagnosis and a personal symptom diary, is crucial for a successful CFS claim.
  • Insurers use 'own occupation' or other definitions of incapacity; 'own occupation' is the gold standard for MECFS claims.
  • Full disclosure of any prior fatigue-related symptoms during the application is essential to avoid claims being declined later on.
  • Expert advice from a specialist broker can help you choose a strong fit for your needs and support you through the difficult claims process.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), is a complex and debilitating long-term illness that can rob you of your health, your career, and your financial stability. The profound, persistent fatigue and other severe symptoms it causes make holding down a job incredibly difficult, if not impossible.

For those affected, an Income Protection policy can be the single most important financial safety net they have. It is designed to replace a significant portion of your lost income, month after month, allowing you to focus on managing your health without the added stress of financial ruin.

However, successfully claiming on an income protection policy for ME/CFS is notoriously challenging. The "invisible" and fluctuating nature of the illness often leads to misunderstandings and scepticism from insurers.

This comprehensive guide is designed to demystify the process. As expert protection advisers, we will walk you through every critical step: from choosing a strong fit for your needs before you need it, to gathering the correct evidence and successfully navigating a claim. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge needed to secure the financial support you are entitled to.

Understanding ME/CFS and Its Devastating Impact on Work

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a serious, multi-system disease. It is far more than just "feeling tired." According to the NHS, key symptoms include:

  • Overwhelming, persistent fatigue that is not relieved by rest.
  • Post-exertional malaise (PEM): A severe worsening of symptoms after even minor physical or mental exertion.
  • Cognitive difficulties (often called "brain fog"), affecting memory and concentration.
  • Unrefreshing sleep.
  • Widespread muscle or joint pain.
  • Other symptoms can include headaches, sore throats, flu-like feelings, and problems with heart rate and blood pressure.

The condition affects an estimated 250,000 people in the UK. For many, its onset is sudden, often following a viral infection. The impact on a person's ability to work is profound. The cognitive dysfunction can make office work impossible, while the physical fatigue and PEM can prevent any form of sustained activity. The fluctuating nature of the illness—with "good" days and "bad" days—makes maintaining a regular work schedule unsustainable for many.

This is precisely the scenario income protection was created for: a long-term illness preventing you from earning a living.

What is Income Protection and How Does It Work?

Income Protection is a type of long-term insurance policy that provides a regular, tax-free monthly income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. It acts as your financial replacement, covering essential outgoings like your mortgage, rent, bills, and food.

Key Features of Income Protection:

FeatureExplanation
Monthly PayoutReplaces 50-70% of your gross (pre-tax) monthly income. The payout itself is tax-free under current rules.
Deferred PeriodThis is the waiting period between when you first stop working and when the policy starts paying out. You choose this when you take out the policy. Common options are 4, 8, 13, 26, or 52 weeks. A longer deferred period results in a lower premium.
Payment TermThe policy will pay out for as long as you are unable to work, right up until the policy's end date (typically your chosen retirement age, e.g., 65 or 68). This is different from short-term policies.
Definition of IncapacityThis is the most critical part of the policy. It defines the criteria you must meet to be considered "incapacitated" and eligible to claim. We will explore this in detail next.

Real-Life Scenario: How Income Protection Provides a Lifeline

Meet David, a 42-year-old self-employed IT consultant earning £60,000 a year. Five years ago, on the advice of a broker, he took out an 'own occupation' income protection policy. It was set to pay out £3,000 per month after a 13-week deferred period.

Following a severe viral infection, David develops classic ME/CFS symptoms. He struggles on for a few months but finds the brain fog and exhaustion make his complex job impossible. His GP signs him off work.

After 13 weeks with no income, his income protection policy kicks in. The insurer, after reviewing his GP and specialist consultant reports, starts paying him £3,000 every month. This money allows David to keep paying his mortgage and support his family without draining his life savings. He can now focus entirely on managing his condition, safe in the knowledge that his finances are secure for the long term.

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The Single Most Important Detail: Your Policy's 'Definition of Incapacity'

When it comes to claiming for ME/CFS, no part of your policy is more important than the definition of incapacity. This wording dictates the test the insurer will apply to see if you qualify for a payout. Choosing the wrong definition can make a successful claim almost impossible.

There are three main types, and the difference between them is vast.

1. Own Occupation (The Gold Standard)

This is the best possible definition. The policy will pay out if you are unable to perform the material and substantial duties of your own specific job.

  • Why it's essential for ME/CFS: It protects your career. An architect who can no longer concentrate on complex plans or a surgeon whose fatigue prevents them from standing for hours can claim, even if they could theoretically perform a less demanding role like stacking shelves. For ME/CFS, where your capacity for your professional duties is lost, this is the most robust and fair definition.

2. Suited Occupation

This is a weaker definition. The policy will only pay out if you are unable to do your own job OR any other job to which you are reasonably suited by way of your education, training, or experience.

  • The risk for ME/CFS claims: An insurer could argue that although you can't be a high-flying solicitor anymore, your skills mean you are 'suited' to a less stressful paralegal or administrative role. They could then decline your claim, even if your symptoms make that alternative role practically impossible.

3. Any Occupation / Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

This is the most basic and restrictive definition, often found in cheaper or older policies.

  • Any Occupation: Only pays if you are so ill you cannot perform any paid work at all.
  • Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Only pays if you fail to perform a set number of basic physical tasks, such as washing, dressing, feeding yourself, or walking a certain distance.

Why these are unsuitable for ME/CFS: Many people with ME/CFS can still perform basic ADLs, especially on "good" days. However, they are completely incapable of the sustained effort required for any form of employment. A claim on an ADL-based policy for ME/CFS is highly likely to fail.

At WeCovr, we strongly recommend an 'Own Occupation' definition for all our clients, especially professionals, business owners, and anyone whose job requires specific skills or concentration. It provides the greatest certainty at the point of claim.

Definition of IncapacityAssessment CriteriaSuitability for ME/CFS
Own OccupationCan you do your specific job?Excellent (Gold Standard)
Suited OccupationCan you do your job or a similar one?Poor (High risk of claim decline)
Any Occupation / ADLCan you do any job or perform basic tasks?Very Poor (Extremely difficult to claim)

Applying for Cover: The Importance of Full and Honest Disclosure

If you are healthy now and considering income protection, the application process is your first critical step. Insurers will ask detailed questions about your health and medical history.

For a condition like ME/CFS, which often has a gradual onset or may be preceded by periods of unexplained fatigue or stress, absolute honesty is paramount.

The Duty of Fair Presentation

Under UK insurance law, you have a "duty of fair presentation." This means you must disclose everything that could be considered relevant to an insurer's decision to offer you cover. This includes:

  • Any past or present GP visits for 'tiredness all the time' (TATT).
  • Any investigations into fatigue.
  • Any history of stress, anxiety, or depression.
  • Any previous diagnoses, even if they were later dismissed or resolved.

Failing to disclose information can have severe consequences:

  • Claim Declined: The insurer discovers the non-disclosure when you claim and refuses to pay out.
  • Policy Voided: The insurer cancels the policy from the start, as if it never existed. They may refund your premiums, but you will be left with no cover when you need it most.

Potential Underwriting Outcomes

When you apply and disclose a history of fatigue, an insurer may decide on one of the following:

  1. Standard Terms: If the issue was minor, isolated, and a long time ago with no recurrence, you may be offered cover at the standard price.
  2. Premium Loading: If they perceive a slightly higher risk, they may offer you cover but at an increased monthly premium.
  3. Exclusion: The most common outcome for a history of fatigue-related issues. The insurer will offer a policy but with an explicit exclusion for claims related to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, ME, or mental health conditions. While this provides cover for other illnesses or injuries, it will not protect you from ME/CFS.
  4. Postponement or Decline: If you have current, unresolved, or very recent symptoms of fatigue, the insurer will likely postpone a decision for 6-12 months or decline your application outright.

Adviser Insight: This is where an expert broker adds huge value. Instead of you applying directly to an insurer and risking a decline on your permanent record, we can approach multiple insurers on an anonymous basis. We present your medical history without your name, allowing us to gauge which insurer is likely to offer the most favourable terms before you submit a formal application.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Successful ME/CFS Claim

If you have an income protection policy and have been diagnosed with ME/CFS, forcing you to stop work, you need to begin the claims process. This requires a methodical and well-documented approach.

Step 1: Notify Your Insurer As soon as your GP signs you off work and it becomes clear that your absence will last longer than your policy's deferred period, contact your insurer's claims department. They will send you the necessary claim forms.

Step 2: Complete the Claim Form in Detail The claim form is your first chance to state your case. Be thorough, accurate, and honest.

  • Describe your job duties in detail.
  • Explain, symptom by symptom, exactly how ME/CFS prevents you from performing those duties. Use concrete examples (e.g., "The cognitive fog prevents me from concentrating on legal documents for more than 10 minutes," or "Post-exertional malaise means that a client meeting leaves me bed-bound for the following 48 hours.").

Step 3: Assemble Your Medical Evidence (The Core of Your Claim) This is the most critical stage. Insurers need objective, third-party evidence to validate your claim.

  • GP's Report: The insurer will write to your GP for a report. It's helpful to have a supportive GP who understands your condition.
  • Specialist Consultant's Report: This is vital. A formal diagnosis and report from a specialist in ME/CFS (such as a Neurologist, Immunologist, or a consultant at a specialist NHS or private ME/CFS service) carries immense weight with insurers. It moves the diagnosis from a GP's opinion to a specialist's conclusion.
  • A Personal Symptom and Activity Diary: This is your secret weapon. For a fluctuating illness, a diary provides powerful evidence. Meticulously log your daily symptoms, energy levels (e.g., on a scale of 1-10), activities undertaken, and the subsequent impact (i.e., post-exertional malaise). This demonstrates the debilitating pattern of the illness, countering any suggestion that "good days" mean you're fit for work.

Step 4: Provide Financial Evidence You will need to prove your pre-incapacity earnings.

  • Employed: Provide recent payslips and your P60.
  • Self-Employed/Company Director: Provide your last 1-3 years of finalised business accounts or your SA302 tax calculations from HMRC.

Step 5: The Insurer's Assessment Process Once they have your evidence, the insurer's claims team will begin their assessment. They may:

  • Request an Independent Medical Examination (IME): They may ask you to see a doctor of their choosing for a second opinion. Be honest with this doctor, but be mindful of PEM—do not "push through" and present as more capable than you are, as this will be noted.
  • Conduct a Claims Assessment Interview: This is usually a telephone call with a claims assessor or a nurse. They will ask detailed questions about your condition and how it affects your daily life and ability to work. Again, consistency and honesty are key.

Step 6: The Claim Decision Following the assessment, the insurer will either accept the claim, decline it, or request further information. If accepted, you will begin receiving your monthly payments.

A successful claim is not the end of the process. For a long-term condition like ME/CFS, the claim will be subject to ongoing review.

  • Regular Updates: Expect the insurer to request updated medical information from your GP or specialist every 6 to 24 months.
  • Rehabilitation Support: Modern insurers are increasingly focused on rehabilitation. They may offer access to occupational therapists or other specialists to help you manage your condition. Crucially, for ME/CFS, you must ensure any support offered is appropriate. Graded Exercise Therapy (GET) was once common but is now recognised by NICE as potentially harmful for ME/CFS patients. Pacing and energy management are the recommended approaches. A good insurer will understand this distinction.
  • Partial or Proportionate Payments: Many modern 'own occupation' policies include a valuable feature for a partial return to work. If your health improves enough for you to return to your old job on a part-time basis with reduced earnings, the policy can pay a proportionate benefit to top up your income. This provides a supportive and flexible ramp back into work, if and when you are able.

Essential Protection for Business Owners and the Self-Employed

For those who run their own business, the financial risk posed by a condition like ME/CFS is even more acute. There is no employer sick pay to fall back on.

Executive Income Protection

If you are a director of your own limited company, you can take out an Executive Income Protection policy.

  • How it works: The policy is owned and paid for by your business. If you are unable to work, it pays a monthly benefit to the business, which then continues to pay you a salary via PAYE.
  • Key Advantage: The monthly premiums are typically considered an allowable business expense, making it highly tax-efficient. This can often be more cost-effective than a personal plan.

Key Person Insurance

This is a different type of business policy that protects the business itself.

  • How it works: It pays a lump sum to the business if a key individual (like a founder or top salesperson) dies or is diagnosed with a specified critical illness.
  • Relevance to ME/CFS: While ME/CFS is not a specified critical illness, a claim could be made under a Total Permanent Disability (TPD) clause if one is included. However, the TPD definition is extremely strict (requiring you to be permanently and irreversibly unable to ever work again), making it much harder to claim on than an 'own occupation' income protection policy.

For any self-employed person, freelancer, or company director, a robust income protection policy is not a luxury—it is a fundamental part of a sound business continuity plan.

WeCovr: Your Partner in Protection Planning

Navigating the world of income protection, especially with the threat of a complex condition like ME/CFS, can be daunting. This is where a discussion with an independent insurance broker is invaluable.

At WeCovr, we specialise in helping our clients find the most robust and appropriate cover for their needs.

  • We listen: We take the time to understand you, your job, and your financial situation.
  • We search the market: We compare policies from all the UK's leading insurers to find the right 'own occupation' cover at the most competitive price.
  • We manage the application: We guide you through the health questionnaires, ensuring your disclosures are accurate and complete to secure your policy's validity.
  • We're here for you: If the worst happens and you need to claim, our team is on hand to offer guidance and support throughout the process.

As part of our commitment to our clients' long-term wellbeing, we also provide complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered nutrition and calorie tracking app. Managing diet and health is a key part of living with a chronic condition, and this is just one of the ways we support our customers beyond the policy itself.

Don't leave your financial future to chance. Let us help you put the right protection in place.

Can I get income protection if I already have an ME/CFS diagnosis?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to get new income protection cover for ME/CFS if you have already been diagnosed. Insurers will place an exclusion on the condition or decline the application altogether. This highlights the critical importance of securing a policy when you are in good health, as it protects you against future, unforeseen illnesses. If you have an existing policy from before your diagnosis, you should be able to make a claim.

How much does income protection insurance cost?

The cost of income protection varies significantly based on several factors: your age, your occupation (a manual worker pays more than an office worker), your health and smoker status, the amount of cover you need, the deferred period you choose, and the policy term. For example, a healthy 35-year-old non-smoker in a low-risk office job might pay £30-£50 per month for £2,500 of monthly cover with a 13-week deferred period. The only way to get an accurate price is to get a personalised quote.

Is the monthly payout from a personal income protection policy taxable?

No. For personal income protection policies where you pay the premiums from your post-tax income, any monthly benefit you receive from a claim is paid completely free of UK income tax. This makes it a very efficient way to protect your lifestyle. For Executive Income Protection paid by a business, the benefit is paid to the company and then distributed as salary, which is subject to tax and National Insurance in the usual way.

What should I do if my ME/CFS income protection claim is declined?

If your claim is unfairly declined, do not give up. Your first step is to launch a formal complaint with the insurer's internal disputes team, providing any additional evidence you have. If they do not resolve the issue to your satisfaction, you have the right to escalate your case, free of charge, to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). The FOS is an independent body that will review your case and make a binding decision. Having a broker to help you with this process can be extremely valuable.

Your health is precious, but your ability to earn an income is what underpins your entire financial life. A diagnosis of ME/CFS can take away both. By putting a comprehensive 'own occupation' income protection policy in place today, you can guarantee that if you are ever unable to work, your finances will be safe.

Contact our friendly team of experts at WeCovr today. We can provide you with a free, no-obligation comparison quote and help you build a financial safety net that gives you true peace of mind.

Sources

  • NHS
  • Office for National Statistics (ONS)
  • Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
  • Association of British Insurers (ABI)
  • Action for ME
  • The ME Association
  • NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence)

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!

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The cost of life insurance depends on several factors, including your age, occupation, health status, and the level of coverage you choose. Your life insurance policy is tailored to your needs, and the cost can vary based on the sum assured, policy term, and other factors.

Some life insurance policies offer an option to add critical illness cover as a rider or as a separate policy. This provides a lump sum payment if you are diagnosed with a critical illness covered by your policy, offering financial support during a difficult time.

Yes, life insurance is available to self-employed individuals to provide financial protection for their loved ones in the event of their death. It ensures that your family can maintain their standard of living and cover expenses such as mortgage payments, bills, and education costs.

If you outlive your life insurance policy and it expires without a claim, you will not receive any payout. Term life insurance policies are designed to provide coverage for a specific period, and once that period ends, the policy terminates without any residual value. However, you can typically renew or purchase a new policy if you still need coverage.

Critical illness insurance provides a lump sum payment if you're diagnosed with a serious illness covered by your policy, offering financial support during a difficult time. It can help cover medical expenses, mortgage payments, and other financial obligations while you focus on recovery.

Critical illness insurance covers a range of serious illnesses and medical conditions specified in your policy, such as cancer, heart attack, stroke, and organ failure. The lump sum payment can be used to cover medical treatment, ongoing care, and living expenses during your recovery.

The cost of critical illness insurance varies depending on factors such as your age, health status, lifestyle, and the level of coverage you choose. Our experts can provide personalised quotes to help you find affordable coverage.

Yes, you can have critical illness insurance alongside your health insurance coverage. Critical illness insurance provides additional financial protection specifically for serious illnesses, complementing your health insurance benefits.

Critical illness insurance policies typically have exclusions for pre-existing conditions and certain medical conditions not covered by the policy. It's essential to review the terms and conditions of your policy to understand what is and isn't covered.

Some critical illness insurance policies may provide coverage for recurring illnesses, while others may not. It's crucial to review the policy terms and understand the specific conditions under which you can make additional claims for recurring illnesses. Your insurer can provide more details on their coverage for recurring critical illnesses.

Yes, you can customise your life insurance policy to suit your individual needs and circumstances. Options may include choosing the sum assured, policy term, premium payment frequency, and additional riders for enhanced coverage.

If you miss a premium payment for your life insurance policy, your coverage may lapse, and your policy could be terminated. However, many insurers offer a grace period during which you can make the payment to keep your policy active. It's essential to contact your insurer to discuss your options if you're unable to make a payment.

Yes, you can typically change the beneficiary of your life insurance policy at any time by completing a beneficiary change form provided by your insurer. It's essential to keep your beneficiary designation up to date to ensure that the proceeds are distributed according to your wishes.

Term life insurance provides cover for a fixed period, such as 10, 20 or 30 years, and pays out a lump sum if you die during that time. It’s often chosen to protect a mortgage or to provide financial support while dependants still rely on your income. Whole-of-life insurance is designed to last for the rest of your life and guarantees a payout whenever you die, as long as premiums are maintained. It’s usually more expensive than term insurance and is sometimes used to help with inheritance tax planning or to leave a guaranteed legacy.

Some term life insurance policies offer the option to convert to a whole life insurance policy without the need for a medical exam or new underwriting. This conversion feature allows you to maintain coverage beyond the term of your policy and provides lifelong protection.

Some life insurance policies offer accelerated death benefits or living benefits that allow you to access a portion of the death benefit if you are diagnosed with a terminal illness. This feature provides financial assistance to help cover medical expenses and other costs during your final months.

While having savings can provide a financial cushion during tough times, income protection insurance offers additional security by replacing a portion of your income if you're unable to work due to illness or disability. It ensures that you can maintain your standard of living and cover essential expenses even if your savings are depleted.

Yes, self-employed individuals can claim income protection insurance if they're unable to work due to illness or disability. Income protection provides a regular income stream to replace lost earnings, helping self-employed individuals cover their living expenses and business costs during periods of incapacity.

The waiting period, also known as the elimination period, is the length of time you must wait after becoming unable to work due to illness or disability before you can start receiving benefits from your income protection insurance policy. Waiting periods typically range from 30 to 90 days, but longer waiting periods may result in lower premiums.

Income protection insurance is designed to provide financial support if you're unable to work due to illness or disability, not for redundancy. However, some policies may offer optional redundancy cover or unemployment cover as an additional benefit, providing a lump sum or monthly payments if you're made redundant.

The tax treatment of income protection insurance benefits depends on whether the premiums were paid with pre-tax or after-tax dollars. Benefits from policies funded with after-tax dollars are typically tax-free, while benefits from policies funded with pre-tax dollars may be subject to income tax. It's essential to consult with a tax advisor to understand the tax implications of your income protection insurance benefits.

Income protection insurance provides a regular income stream if you're unable to work due to illness or disability, while critical illness insurance provides a lump sum payment if you're diagnosed with a covered critical illness, such as cancer, heart attack, or stroke. Critical illness insurance offers financial support to cover medical expenses, living costs, or other obligations during your recovery.

Income protection insurance policies typically have a waiting period (also known as an elimination period) during which you do not receive benefits. If you become unable to work before this waiting period ends, you will not receive any income protection benefits until the waiting period has elapsed. It's important to have sufficient savings or other financial resources to cover your expenses during this initial period.

Many income protection insurance policies allow you to increase your coverage amount if your income rises, without the need for additional underwriting or medical examinations. This feature, sometimes called a 'guaranteed insurability option,' ensures that your coverage keeps pace with your increasing income and financial obligations.

The maximum age to purchase critical illness insurance varies depending on the insurer and the specific policy. While some insurers may offer critical illness insurance up to age 70 or beyond, others may have lower age limits. It's essential to check with insurers to determine their age eligibility criteria for purchasing critical illness insurance.

Whether you can get critical illness insurance if you have pre-existing conditions depends on the insurer's underwriting guidelines and the specific medical conditions. Some insurers may offer coverage with exclusions for pre-existing conditions, while others may decline coverage altogether. It's essential to disclose any pre-existing conditions when applying for critical illness insurance and discuss your options with insurers.

While health insurance provides coverage for medical expenses, critical illness insurance offers financial protection for broader expenses associated with a serious illness, such as lost income, household bills, and lifestyle changes. Critical illness insurance complements health insurance by providing additional financial support during a challenging time, ensuring that you can focus on recovery without worrying about financial burdens.

If you don't make a claim on your critical illness insurance during the policy term, you won't receive a benefit payout. However, having critical illness insurance provides peace of mind knowing that you're financially protected if you're diagnosed with a covered critical illness during the policy term. It's a form of financial preparation for unexpected events and offers valuable protection for you and your family.

If you outlive your critical illness insurance policy and don't make a claim for a covered critical illness during the policy term, the coverage will expire, and you won't receive a benefit payout. Critical illness insurance provides financial protection for a specific period, typically until a specified age or policy term, and offers peace of mind knowing that you're prepared for the unexpected.

Yes, many insurers offer optional riders or add-ons that you can add to your critical illness insurance policy for enhanced coverage. Common riders may include waiver of premium, which waives future premium payments if you become disabled, or return of premium, which refunds a portion of your premiums if you don't make a claim during the policy term. It's essential to review available riders with insurers to customise your coverage to meet your specific needs.

To make a claim on your critical illness insurance policy, you'll need to notify your insurer of your diagnosis and submit a claim form along with any required medical documentation, such as medical reports, test results, and physician statements. Once your claim is reviewed and approved by the insurer, you'll receive the lump sum benefit payment, which you can use to cover medical expenses, living costs, or other financial needs during your recovery.

As we age, the likelihood of encountering health complications increases for us all. In the event that you develop a severe medical condition, critical illness protection can assist with the expenses of crucial bills – enabling you to concentrate on recuperation or adjusting to your new health circumstance.

The typical expense of a Critical Illness protection policy will fluctuate based on aspects such as your age and medical background. As per our investigation, you can secure a policy starting from as low as £8 (for a non-smoking 21-year-old individual).

The most prevalent critical illnesses in the UK are cancer, cardiac arrest, and cerebrovascular accident (stroke).

Cancer is one of the primary causes for critical illness insurance claims in the UK. Cancer constitutes over 80% of critical illness cover claims for females and about 45% of critical illness claims for males.

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