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How to Claim on Income Protection for Burnout and Stress

WeCovr Editorial Team · experienced insurance advisers
Last updated Mar 15, 2026
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How to Claim on Income Protection for Burnout and Stress

TL;DR

WeCovr explains how to claim on UK income protection for burnout and stress, detailing the medical evidence needed and the support available, ensuring you get the financial safety net you deserve.

Key takeaways

  • You can claim on income protection for stress and burnout if it leads to a diagnosed medical condition like anxiety or depression.
  • A formal diagnosis from a GP and detailed medical evidence are essential for a successful mental health claim.
  • The 'Own Occupation' definition of incapacity offers the strongest protection, especially for professionals and specialists.
  • Full disclosure of any past mental health issues during application is critical to prevent your claim from being rejected.
  • Modern policies include valuable rehabilitation and back-to-work support to help you recover and return to work.

The pressures of modern work have brought mental health to the forefront of the UK's national conversation. Conditions like burnout, chronic stress, anxiety, and depression are now leading reasons for long-term absence from work. In 2023, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that a record 2.8 million people were out of work due to long-term sickness, with a significant rise attributed to mental health conditions.

For millions of working professionals, freelancers, and business owners, this raises a critical question: if stress or burnout became so severe that you had to stop working, how would you pay your bills?

This is where Income Protection insurance becomes an indispensable financial safety net. But can you actually claim for something like burnout? How do you prove a mental health condition to an insurer?

This definitive guide explains everything you need to know about claiming on your income protection policy for burnout, stress, and related mental health conditions. We'll explore the claims process, the medical evidence you'll need, crucial policy features to look for, and the invaluable back-to-work support modern insurers provide.

As an FCA-regulated expert protection broker, WeCovr helps thousands of clients navigate these complexities to secure the right cover. This article shares our insider knowledge to empower you to make informed decisions about your financial resilience.

What is Income Protection? Your Financial Shield Explained

Before diving into the claims process, it's essential to understand what Income Protection insurance is and how it works. Many people confuse it with Critical Illness Cover or Payment Protection Insurance (PPI), but it is a far more comprehensive and flexible product.

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

It acts as your replacement salary, paying out a regular, tax-free monthly sum until you can return to work, your policy term ends, or you retire—whichever comes first.

How Does Income Protection Work?

  1. You choose your level of cover: This is typically between 50% and 70% of your gross (pre-tax) annual income. The goal is to cover your essential outgoings like your mortgage, rent, bills, and food.
  2. You set a deferred period: This is a pre-agreed waiting period between when you stop working and when the policy starts paying out. It can range from 4 weeks to 52 weeks. The longer the deferred period, the lower your monthly premiums will be. A common strategy is to align it with your employer's sick pay period.
  3. You get signed off work: If you become ill or injured, you visit your GP and get medically signed off as unable to work.
  4. You make a claim: Once your absence exceeds your chosen deferred period, your claim begins, and you start receiving the monthly benefit.
  5. Payments continue: The payments will continue for as long as you meet the policy's definition of incapacity, right up until the end of the policy term (often your planned retirement age).

This long-term support is what makes Income Protection so powerful, especially for conditions like severe burnout or depression that can lead to prolonged time off work.

FeatureDescriptionWeCovr's Expert Tip
Cover Amount50-70% of your gross income.Calculate your essential monthly outgoings and ensure your cover amount is sufficient. Don't forget to factor in inflation.
Deferred PeriodThe waiting time before payments start (e.g., 4, 8, 13, 26, 52 weeks).Match this to your employer's sick pay or, if self-employed, how long your emergency savings would last.
Policy TermThe length of the policy, usually until age 60, 65, or 70.Align this with your planned retirement age to ensure you're protected for your entire working life.
Claim PayoutA regular monthly income, free from income tax and National Insurance.This provides a stable, predictable income stream when you need it most, unlike a one-off lump sum.

Can You Claim on Income Protection for Burnout and Stress?

Yes, you can absolutely claim on a modern income protection policy for being unable to work due to stress, burnout, anxiety, or depression.

In fact, mental health conditions are now one of the single biggest reasons for claims across the UK insurance industry. Major insurers report that around a third of all new income protection claims are for mental health issues. This demonstrates that insurers are not only prepared for these claims but are actively paying them.

However, there is a crucial distinction to understand:

  • "Stress" and "burnout" are not, in themselves, formal medical diagnoses. You cannot claim simply for "feeling stressed."
  • A successful claim requires a recognised medical condition. Chronic stress and burnout very often lead to diagnosable psychiatric conditions such as anxiety disorder, clinical depression, or adjustment disorder.

Your claim will be based on the diagnosis given by your GP or a consulting psychiatrist, not on the label of "burnout." Your GP will sign you off work for a specific medical reason (e.g., "mixed anxiety and depressive disorder"), and this is what forms the basis of your income protection claim.

Key Fact: Insurers pay out for the inability to work caused by a diagnosed illness. If stress leads to a doctor diagnosing you with depression and signing you off work, your policy is designed to respond.

The Claims Process: A Step-by-Step Guide for Mental Health Claims

Knowing you can claim is one thing; navigating the process is another. It can feel daunting, especially when you are already struggling with your mental health. Here is a clear, step-by-step guide to what you can expect.

Step 1: Prioritise Your Health and See Your GP

This is the most important first step, both for your well-being and for any future claim.

  • Book an appointment with your GP. Be open and honest about your symptoms, how you are feeling, and how your work is impacting your health.
  • Your GP will assess you and, if they agree you are medically unfit to work, they will issue a Fit Note (formerly a sick note).
  • This official medical certification is the foundational piece of evidence for your claim. Without it, you cannot proceed.

Step 2: Contact Your Insurer or Broker

As soon as it looks like your absence might last longer than your policy's deferred period, you should notify your insurer to begin the claims process.

  • Find your policy documents and have your policy number ready.
  • If you arranged your policy through a broker like WeCovr, contact us first. A good broker acts as your advocate and can guide you through the insurer's process, helping you complete forms and ensuring you have all the necessary information, which can significantly reduce stress.
  • The insurer's claims department will log your intention to claim and send you a claims pack.

Step 3: Complete the Claim Form

The claim form will ask for detailed information about you, your job, your income, and your condition. Be prepared to provide:

  • Personal details: Name, address, policy number.
  • Employment details: Your job title, key duties, and employer's contact information.
  • Financial details: Your income before you stopped working (payslips or accounts will be needed).
  • Medical details: The nature of your illness, the date you first saw your GP, and your GP's contact information. You will also need to provide consent for the insurer to access your medical records.

Adviser Tip: Be as detailed and accurate as possible. When describing your job duties, think about the cognitive and emotional demands, not just the physical tasks. For a stress claim, factors like high pressure, decision-making responsibility, and intense concentration are highly relevant.

Step 4: Providing Medical Evidence

This is the core of the assessment process. The insurer's claims assessor needs to understand your diagnosis, the severity of your symptoms, and why they prevent you from doing your job.

The evidence required will typically include:

  • A report from your GP: The insurer will write to your GP (with your permission) to get a full report on your condition, treatment, and prognosis.
  • Your medical records: They may request copies of your records to see the history of your condition.
  • Reports from specialists: If you have been referred to a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist, the insurer will want to see their reports and treatment plans.
  • Independent Medical Assessment (IMA): Insurers have the right to ask you to see an independent medical specialist for a second opinion. This is a standard part of the process for complex or long-term claims. It is not a sign they disbelieve you; it's a way for them to get a clear, objective view of your condition and your capacity for work.

Step 5: The Deferred Period

Your policy will not pay out immediately. You must wait for the deferred period to pass. For example, if you have a 13-week deferred period, you need to be signed off work for 13 continuous weeks before your payments can begin.

It is vital to start the claim process well before the deferred period ends so the insurer has time to complete its assessments.

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Step 6: Claim Assessment and Decision

The insurer's claims team will review all the information: your claim form, your financial evidence, and all the medical reports. They are assessing one key thing: do you meet your policy's definition of incapacity? (More on this below, as it's critical).

If they have all the evidence they need and it confirms you are unable to work due to your diagnosed condition, they will approve your claim.

Step 7: Receiving Payments and Ongoing Support

Once your claim is approved, you will begin receiving your monthly benefit. These payments are made directly to your bank account and are tax-free under current UK rules.

The claim doesn't stop there. The insurer will maintain regular contact to check on your progress. They will also provide access to a range of support services designed to help you recover and, when the time is right, get back to work.

The Most Important Clause: Your Policy's 'Definition of Incapacity'

Whether your claim is successful hinges almost entirely on this one clause in your policy. It defines the test the insurer uses to decide if you are "incapacitated" and therefore eligible for payment. There are three main types.

Definition of IncapacityHow it WorksWho it's best for
Own OccupationGold Standard. You are covered if you are unable to perform the material and substantial duties of your specific job.Everyone, but especially professionals, specialists, and skilled workers (e.g., surgeons, lawyers, electricians).
Suited OccupationYou are covered only if you cannot do your own job or any other job you are suited to by education, training, or experience.This is less robust. An architect with stress might not be able to do their job, but an insurer could argue they are "suited" to work as a university lecturer.
Any Occupation / ADLsThe weakest definition. You are only covered if you are so unwell you cannot do any kind of work, or if you fail to perform a set number of "Activities of Daily Living" (e.g., washing, dressing).Generally not recommended for comprehensive protection as it's very difficult to meet the claim criteria.

For a mental health claim, the 'Own Occupation' definition is by far the most suitable. It protects your career and income based on the unique demands of your profession. If the stress of being a high-flying barrister prevents you from working in that role, an 'Own Occupation' policy will pay out, even if you are physically capable of doing a less demanding job.

When you compare policies with WeCovr, we always highlight the definition of incapacity as it's one of the most important factors in determining the quality of a policy.

Proving Your Claim: Secrets to Strong Medical Evidence

For a mental health claim, the quality of your medical evidence is everything. Vague statements are not enough; insurers need objective information.

Here’s how to build a strong case:

  1. Be Specific with Your Doctor: Don't just say "I feel stressed." Describe your symptoms in detail.
    • Cognitive: "I have trouble concentrating for more than 10 minutes," "I can't make decisions," "My memory is poor."
    • Emotional: "I feel persistently anxious and overwhelmed," "I have lost interest in all activities," "I have moments of panic at the thought of work."
    • Physical: "I am constantly exhausted," "I can't sleep through the night," "I have daily tension headaches."
  2. Link Symptoms to Your Job: Explain to your GP why these symptoms prevent you from working. For example, "As an accountant, I need to concentrate on complex spreadsheets for hours, but my inability to focus means I risk making serious errors."
  3. Follow Medical Advice: If your GP recommends therapy (like CBT), medication, or a referral to a specialist, follow that advice. This demonstrates to the insurer that you are actively trying to recover, which they look upon very favourably.
  4. Keep a Diary: A personal journal detailing your daily symptoms, their severity, and how they impact your ability to function can be a powerful piece of supporting evidence to share with your doctor and the insurer. It provides a real-time record of your struggles.

Beyond the Payout: The Hidden Value of Rehabilitation Support

Modern income protection is about more than just a monthly cheque. Insurers have a vested interest in helping you get better, and they provide an incredible array of support services, often at no extra cost. For mental health claims, this support can be life-changing.

These "value-added" services can include:

  • Fast-track access to therapy: Waiting lists for mental health support on the NHS can be long. Insurers can often arrange and pay for a course of private therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), within days of a claim being accepted.
  • Vocational rehabilitation: Specialists work with you to plan a sustainable return to work. This might involve:
    • Negotiating a phased return with your employer.
    • Helping to modify your role or working environment.
    • Providing coaching on stress management techniques.
  • 24/7 Virtual GP and Mental Health Helplines: Most top-tier policies now include access to a digital GP service and confidential helplines staffed by trained counsellors, available to you and often your family, from day one of the policy.

At WeCovr, we believe in a proactive approach to well-being. That's why all our protection clients get complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. Managing physical health through good nutrition and exercise has a proven positive impact on mental resilience, forming part of a holistic plan for well-being and recovery.

Special Considerations: Self-Employed, Directors, and Business Owners

Your employment status significantly impacts your protection needs. Unlike employees, who may have some employer sick pay, business owners and freelancers are on their own from day one.

For the Self-Employed and Freelancers

Income Protection is not a "nice-to-have"—it's an essential business continuity tool.

  • Proving Income: When you apply and when you claim, you will need to prove your earnings. This is typically done using your last 1-3 years of certified accounts, SA302 tax calculations, or records of your drawings.
  • Calculating Cover: An adviser can help you work out the appropriate level of cover based on your average pre-tax profits or personal drawings.
  • No Sick Pay: With no employer safety net, a shorter deferred period (e.g., 4 or 8 weeks) might be more suitable, balanced against your emergency savings.

For Company Directors

Company directors have a unique position and can choose between personal or business-funded protection.

  • Personal Income Protection: This is a policy you take out and pay for yourself from your post-tax income. The benefit is paid to you personally and is tax-free.
  • Executive Income Protection: This is a more tax-efficient option for many directors. The business takes out the policy on the director, and the premiums are usually treated as an allowable business expense, reducing the company's corporation tax bill.
    • When a claim is made, the benefit is paid to the company.
    • The company then pays the director's salary through the payroll (PAYE) as normal.
    • This keeps the director on the payroll, maintaining their service record and pension contributions. It's an excellent way for a business to look after its most vital people.

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.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

While most genuine claims are paid, some are declined. The vast majority of rejections are for one simple, avoidable reason.

  1. Non-Disclosure at Application: This is the number one reason for an income protection claim being rejected. When you apply for cover, you have a duty to answer all questions about your health and lifestyle fully and honestly. If you had treatment for anxiety five years ago and don't mention it, the insurer could void your policy and refuse your claim years later. Always disclose everything. An experienced broker can help you position this information correctly with insurers.
  2. Misunderstanding the Deferred Period: Some people try to claim before their waiting period is over. Ensure you are clear on when your payments are due to start.
  3. Not Meeting the Definition of Incapacity: If you have a restrictive 'Any Occupation' policy, you might be too unwell to do your own job but still not meet the criteria for a claim. This highlights the importance of getting the right 'Own Occupation' cover from the start.
  4. Insufficient Medical Evidence: A claim can be delayed or declined if your GP's report is vague or doesn't confirm you're unfit to work. Proactive communication with your doctor is key.

Choosing the Right Policy is Your First, Best Step

Successfully claiming for burnout or stress begins long before you get ill. It starts with choosing a high-quality policy with the right features. Working with an independent protection expert like WeCovr ensures you compare the whole market and find a plan that will be there for you when you need it.

We help you focus on the details that matter:

  • A strong 'Own Occupation' definition of incapacity.
  • An insurer with a proven claims record for mental health.
  • The right deferred period and policy term for your circumstances.
  • Guaranteed premiums that won't rise over time.
  • Valuable rehabilitation support and wellness benefits.

The peace of mind that comes from knowing you have a robust financial plan in place is, in itself, a powerful way to reduce financial anxiety. Don't leave your income to chance.

Take the first step towards securing your financial future today. Contact our expert team for a free, no-obligation quote and discover how affordable comprehensive income protection can be.

Do I have to disclose past mental health issues when I apply for income protection?

Yes, absolutely. You have a legal duty to answer all questions on the application form honestly and completely. This includes any past consultations, treatments, or time off work for conditions like anxiety, depression, or stress. Failure to disclose this information, even if it was minor or a long time ago, is called 'non-disclosure' and is the leading reason for claims being rejected. It is always better to declare it. An adviser can help find an insurer who will look at your history favourably.

What happens if my income protection claim for stress is rejected?

If your claim is rejected, the insurer must provide a clear written explanation of their decision. You have the right to appeal. The first step is to complain directly to the insurer, providing any new evidence that supports your case. If you are not satisfied with their final response, you can escalate your complaint, free of charge, to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). The FOS will independently review your case and make a binding decision.

Is the monthly income from an income protection claim taxable?

For a personal income protection policy that you pay for with your own post-tax money, the monthly benefit you receive during a claim is completely free from income tax and National Insurance under current HMRC rules. For an Executive Income Protection policy paid for by your business, the benefit is paid to the company and then distributed to you via payroll (PAYE), meaning it is subject to tax and NI as normal salary.

Sources

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

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

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Why life insurance and how does it work?

What is Life Insurance?

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

How does it work?

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

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

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

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

Questions to ask yourself regarding life insurance

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

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

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

Benefits offered by income protection, life and critical illness insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Types of life insurance policies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Fact!

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

Why is it important to get life insurance early?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Any questions?

Life, income protection, and/or critical illness insurance are safety nets, very important at a difficult time. If anything happened to you before your cover ends, your life or critical illness insurance would pay a lump sum to your family and/or you (if you took a critical illness or income protection cover) to help cover the losses. Being diagnosed with a critical illness can be devastating, and it won't help matters to be also worrying about how you would cope financially. With a life, income protection, or critical illness policy, you can choose how much cover you need, how you want the policy to pay out, and whether you want cover for both you and your partner. Income protection insurance pays you a regular income if you can't work because of sickness or disability and continues until you return to paid work or you retire. Also known as permanent health insurance, it is quite important for anyone who relies on a paycheck to cover their living costs, but it's particularly important if you're self-employed or own a small business, where your income might be a bit less stable.

Life, income protection, and critical illness insurance pay out millions to families every day. Your expert will explain to you that you need to be honest and open when applying for your insurance.

If you're single with no dependants then it may be that you don't need life assurance. However, if you were to become seriously ill and unable to work, you may benefit from a critical illness or income protection policy. They can help you keep up to date with your rent, bills, food, and other expenses.

It's free to use WeCovr to find life, income protection, and critical illness insurance - we never charge you for quotes. Critical illness, income protection, and life insurance is an investment that pays many times over for you and/or your loved ones.

Life, income protection, and critical illness insurance are important financial products that insurance companies take a lot of care and diligence, so speaking to real human beings ensures that they understand your requirements fully so that you can get the right cover.

All of our partners are carefully vetted and authorised by the FCA, which means they are held to the highest standards that the FCA expects from them and treat all customers fairly!

Our insurance partners give us a few pounds when you take out a policy with one of their experts.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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