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Income Protection for High-Risk Sports Climbing, Riding & Rugby

TL;DR

You push your limits. Whether it’s the vertical challenge of a rock face, the exhilarating speed of a cross-country course, or the physical commitment of the rugby scrum, your sport is a core part of who you are. But have you ever stopped to consider what would happen to your income if that passion led to an injury that stopped you from working?

Key takeaways

  • Standard Terms: You are offered cover at the standard price with no restrictions. This is highly unlikely if you participate regularly or at a competitive level in these sports.
  • A Premium "Loading": The insurer offers you cover but increases your monthly premium by a set percentage (e.g., +50%, +75%) to compensate for the higher perceived risk of injury.
  • An Exclusion: The insurer offers you cover at a standard price but adds a clause stating they will not pay out for any claim "arising from" or "related to" your specified sport. This defeats the entire purpose of getting cover for many people.
  • Decline: The insurer refuses to offer you cover at all.
  • Replaces Your Salary: It can replace up to 70% of your gross (pre-tax) income.

You push your limits. Whether it’s the vertical challenge of a rock face, the exhilarating speed of a cross-country course, or the physical commitment of the rugby scrum, your sport is a core part of who you are. But have you ever stopped to consider what would happen to your income if that passion led to an injury that stopped you from working?

For most professionals, an off-the-shelf income protection policy provides a robust financial safety net. But for those of us with a taste for adventure, the reality is more complex. Standard insurers often see a climber, a rider, or a rugby player and see only risk, leading to sky-high premiums or, worse, outright exclusions that leave you dangerously exposed.

This guide is for you. We’ll demystify the world of income protection for high-risk sports. We'll show you that getting comprehensive cover that protects you both on and off the field is not only possible but can also be affordable—if you know where to look.

Does standard insurance cover your hobby? We list the specialist providers that cover hazardous pursuits without massive premiums

The simple answer is often no. Standard income protection policies are designed for average risks. When an underwriter sees "rock climbing," "eventing," or "rugby" on an application, their risk models flash red. This can lead to one of four outcomes:

  1. Standard Terms: You are offered cover at the standard price with no restrictions. This is highly unlikely if you participate regularly or at a competitive level in these sports.
  2. A Premium "Loading": The insurer offers you cover but increases your monthly premium by a set percentage (e.g., +50%, +75%) to compensate for the higher perceived risk of injury.
  3. An Exclusion: The insurer offers you cover at a standard price but adds a clause stating they will not pay out for any claim "arising from" or "related to" your specified sport. This defeats the entire purpose of getting cover for many people.
  4. Decline: The insurer refuses to offer you cover at all.

The good news? A handful of specialist-friendly insurers have a more sophisticated approach. Instead of a blanket "yes" or "no," they ask detailed questions to truly understand your specific level of risk. They differentiate between an indoor boulderer and an alpine mountaineer, or a weekend hacker and a competitive event rider.

This nuanced underwriting means they can offer comprehensive cover, often with only a minimal premium loading, where other insurers would apply a punitive exclusion. At WeCovr, we work with these specialist insurers every day. Our expertise lies in matching your unique circumstances to the provider most likely to give you the cover you need at a price you can afford.

What is Income Protection and Why is it Crucial?

Before we dive into the specifics of high-risk sports, let's establish the fundamentals.

Income Protection is a type of insurance that pays you a regular, tax-free monthly income if you are unable to work due to any illness or injury.

Think of it as your own personal sick pay scheme, especially vital if you're self-employed or your employer's sick pay is limited. It's designed to cover your essential outgoings—like your mortgage, rent, bills, and food—allowing you to focus on your recovery without financial stress.

Here are the core features:

  • Replaces Your Salary: It can replace up to 70% of your gross (pre-tax) income.
  • Tax-Free Payouts: The monthly payments you receive are not subject to income tax under current UK rules.
  • Long-Term Support: Unlike sick pay, which might last a few months, income protection can pay out for years, or even until you reach retirement age.
  • Covers Most Conditions: It covers almost any medically-recognised illness or injury that prevents you from doing your job, from a back injury or broken leg to stress, depression, or cancer.

It’s crucial to understand how it differs from other types of protection insurance.

FeatureIncome ProtectionCritical Illness Cover
Payout TypeRegular monthly incomeOne-off, tax-free lump sum
What Triggers a Payout?Inability to do your job due to any illness or injury (after a waiting period)Diagnosis of a specific, defined serious illness (e.g., heart attack, cancer, stroke)
PurposeTo replace lost earnings and cover ongoing billsTo cover major one-off costs like mortgage clearance, medical treatment, or home adaptations
How It Helps an AthleteCovers you for a broken leg from a fall, keeping your mortgage paid while you recover for 6 monthsCovers you for a defined serious illness, but not for most common sports injuries

For active individuals, Income Protection is arguably the most important cover. While the risk of a critical illness exists for everyone, the risk of an injury that temporarily stops you working is significantly higher for anyone participating in climbing, riding, or rugby.

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Full Disclosure: Why Honesty is Non-Negotiable

When applying for any insurance, you are bound by a duty of "fair presentation." This means you must answer all questions from the insurer truthfully and completely. Withholding information about your hobbies is a false economy that can have devastating consequences.

If you fail to disclose your high-risk sport and later need to make a claim—even for something completely unrelated, like a back problem from sitting at your desk—the insurer has the right to investigate your original application. If they discover you weren't truthful, they can:

  • Void the policy from the start: This means treating it as if it never existed. They will not pay your claim and may only refund the premiums you've paid.
  • Reject the claim: Leaving you and your family without the financial support you were counting on.

Insurers will ask specific questions. Be prepared to provide details on:

  • The exact nature of your sport: E.g., "Trad climbing" not just "climbing."
  • Frequency: How many times a week/month/year do you participate?
  • Level of competition: Amateur, semi-professional, professional? Local club or national league?
  • Specifics of the activity: For climbing, this includes heights and grades. For riding, the discipline (dressage, eventing).
  • Geography: Do you participate in the UK or abroad? (e.g., Alpine mountaineering carries a much higher risk).
  • Safety Equipment: Do you use it consistently?
  • Club Membership: Are you a member of a recognised governing body like the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) or British Equestrian?

Answering these questions honestly allows a good broker to approach the right insurer who can accurately price your risk, rather than leaving you with a worthless policy.

In-Depth: Income Protection for Climbers & Mountaineers

Climbing is not a single activity in the eyes of an insurer. Their assessment will change dramatically based on the type of climbing you do.

  • Bouldering (Indoor/Outdoor): Generally seen as the lowest risk, especially indoors. Many standard insurers will offer cover, sometimes at standard rates, if no ropes or significant heights are involved.
  • Sport Climbing: Roped climbing on pre-bolted routes. Risk is higher than bouldering but still manageable for many specialist insurers, who will ask about the grades you climb and whether it's purely for leisure.
  • Traditional (Trad) Climbing: Involves placing your own protection. Insurers view this as a significant step up in risk. They will want to know about heights, locations (UK sea cliffs vs. mountain crags), and your experience level.
  • Winter/Ice Climbing & Mountaineering: This is the highest-risk category. It combines climbing with objective dangers like avalanches and extreme weather. Only a very small number of specialist providers will consider offering cover, and it will almost certainly come with a premium loading.

How Insurers Assess Climbing Risk

Climbing TypeInsurer's ViewLikely Underwriting Outcome
Indoor Bouldering / Top-RopingLow RiskOften standard rates or a very small loading (+25%).
Outdoor Sport Climbing (UK)Moderate RiskA premium loading (+50-75%) is common. Some may exclude.
Trad Climbing (UK, sub-100m)High RiskSpecialist insurers may offer cover with a significant loading (+75-150%). Many will exclude.
Alpine Mountaineering / Ice ClimbingVery High RiskMost insurers will decline. A specialist broker may find cover with a major loading or specific exclusions.

Real-Life Scenario: The Self-Employed Web Developer

Sarah is a 35-year-old freelance web developer earning £60,000 a year. She is a passionate trad climber, regularly climbing E1-grade routes in the Peak District and North Wales.

She applies for income protection directly with a high-street insurer. She honestly declares her hobby. The insurer offers her a policy but with a total exclusion for any injury sustained while climbing.

Disappointed, Sarah speaks to an adviser at WeCovr. The adviser knows that certain specialist insurers, like The Exeter, have more detailed underwriting for climbers. They help Sarah complete a new application, detailing her experience, grades, and club membership.

The Result: The specialist insurer offers Sarah full income protection with no exclusions. They apply a 75% premium loading, meaning her monthly premium of £40 becomes £70. For Sarah, paying an extra £30 a month for the peace of mind that she is fully covered, whatever the cause of injury, is a price well worth paying.

In-Depth: Income Protection for Equestrian Sports

Like climbing, "horse riding" is too broad a term for insurers. The risk associated with a gentle hack is worlds away from that of a 3-day event.

  • Hacking/Leisure Riding: Seen as the lowest risk. Most insurers will offer cover, often at standard rates, provided it is not frequent and there is no jumping involved.
  • Dressage & Showing: Considered low to moderate risk. As it's non-jumping, many insurers are comfortable offering cover, possibly with a small premium loading.
  • Show Jumping: The risk level increases. Insurers will ask about the height of the fences you jump and the level of competition (unaffiliated vs. affiliated with British Showjumping). A premium loading is highly likely.
  • Eventing & Cross-Country: This is the highest-risk equestrian discipline, combining dressage, show jumping, and cross-country with solid fences. Insurers will scrutinise applications from event riders, asking about the competition level (e.g., BE80 vs. Advanced). Expect a significant premium loading or an exclusion from standard insurers.
  • Hunting & Team Chasing: Also considered very high risk due to the unpredictable terrain and speed. Cover can be difficult to secure without specialist advice.

How Insurers Assess Riding Risk

Membership with organisations like British Equestrian and a good safety record can positively influence an underwriter's decision. They want to see that you take your safety seriously.

Real-Life Scenario: The Solicitor and Event Rider

Mark, a 42-year-old solicitor, competes in affiliated eventing at Novice level. His employer provides four weeks of full sick pay. He needs income protection to cover his mortgage and family expenses if he's off work for longer.

His initial application to a major insurer is returned with a total exclusion for equestrian activities. This is useless for Mark, as a fall is his most likely reason for a long-term absence.

He uses a broker who places his application with a provider known for its flexible underwriting, such as LV=. They ask for details on his competition level and safety equipment.

The Result: LV= offers Mark a full policy with no exclusions. They apply a premium loading, but because Mark opts for a 13-week deferred (waiting) period to align with his sick pay, the overall premium remains affordable. Six months later, a fall during a competition results in a complex leg fracture requiring surgery. After his 13-week deferred period, his income protection policy starts paying him £3,500 a month, tax-free, allowing him to focus on his rehabilitation without worrying about bills.

In-Depth: Income Protection for Rugby Players

For insurers, the key distinction in rugby is between amateur and professional status.

  • Amateur Rugby: Playing for a local club for fun is common. While the risk of injury is high (concussions, joint damage, fractures), many specialist insurers will offer cover. They will want to know your position, the level you play at, and your injury history. A premium loading is almost certain, and some may apply a specific exclusion for, say, spinal injuries.
  • Semi-Professional/Professional Rugby: This is a different proposition. Your occupation is the high-risk activity. Getting personal income protection is extremely difficult and expensive. Insurers will assume a high likelihood of career-ending injury. Professional players are often covered by policies arranged through their club and the Rugby Players' Association (RPA), but these may have limitations. Personal cover, if available, will be from a highly specialist market like Lloyd's of London.

Real-Life Scenario: The Accountant and Amateur Flanker

David is a 28-year-old accountant who plays flanker for his local amateur club. He is fit and healthy but aware of the risks. He applies for income protection to secure his £2,000/month rental payments and bills.

A standard insurer quotes him a policy but excludes all rugby-related injuries.

A specialist adviser recommends a policy from a provider like Shepherds Friendly, who are known to consider amateur contact sports. They ask about his level of play and any previous concussions.

The Result: He is offered a policy that fully covers him for rugby injuries, with a 50% premium loading. His premium is £35 per month instead of the standard £23. A year later, a bad tackle ruptures his ACL. He is unable to work for nine months following surgery. His policy pays out after his one-month deferred period, ensuring his finances remain stable throughout his recovery.

The Key Policy Details You MUST Get Right

Finding an insurer who will cover your sport is only half the battle. The details of the policy itself are what determine whether it will actually pay out and protect you effectively.

1. The Definition of Incapacity: "Own Occupation" is Gold Standard

This is the single most important definition in your policy. It dictates the terms under which you can claim.

  • Own Occupation: The best definition. The policy pays out if you are unable to perform the material and substantial duties of your own specific job. For a surgeon with a hand injury or a solicitor with cognitive issues from a concussion, this is vital. They are covered even if they could theoretically stack shelves.
  • Suited Occupation: The policy pays out only if you cannot do your own job or any other job for which you are suited by education, training, or experience. This is more ambiguous and less protective.
  • Any Occupation: The weakest definition. The policy will only pay out if you are so incapacitated you cannot perform any kind of work at all. These policies should be avoided.

For anyone in a skilled or professional role, especially those with high-risk hobbies, insisting on an "Own Occupation" definition is non-negotiable.

2. The Deferred Period

This is the pre-agreed waiting period between when you first become unable to work and when the policy starts paying out. It can typically be set at 4, 8, 13, 26, or 52 weeks.

  • The longer the deferred period, the lower your monthly premium.
  • You should align your deferred period with any sick pay you receive from your employer. If you get 3 months of full pay, choose a 13-week deferred period.
  • If you are self-employed with a 3-month emergency fund, a 13-week period could also be suitable to lower your costs.

3. Premium Type: Guaranteed vs. Reviewable

  • Guaranteed Premiums: The premium is fixed at the start of the policy and cannot be increased by the insurer for the life of the plan (unless you choose to increase your cover). This provides budget certainty and is highly recommended.
  • Reviewable Premiums: The insurer can review and increase your premiums over time, typically every 5 years. While they might start cheaper, they can become unaffordable in the long run.

For long-term peace of mind, guaranteed premiums are almost always the superior choice.

Solutions for Business Owners, Directors & the Self-Employed

If you run your own business, the financial impact of an injury can be catastrophic, affecting not just you but your company and employees. Specialist protection products are available.

Executive Income Protection

This is an income protection policy owned and paid for by your limited company, for you as an employee/director.

  • Tax Efficiency: The monthly premiums are typically classed as an allowable business expense, reducing your corporation tax bill.
  • How it Works: If you are unable to work, the insurer pays the monthly benefit to your company. The company then pays it to you as salary, deducting income tax and National Insurance in the usual way.
  • Higher Cover Levels: It can often provide a higher level of cover than a personal plan, sometimes up to 80% of your total remuneration (salary and dividends).

This is an extremely efficient way for company directors to secure their income, especially those with hazardous hobbies where a personal plan might be prohibitively expensive.

Key Person Insurance

This policy protects the business itself, not your personal income. It's designed to provide a financial cushion if a key individual—whose skills, knowledge, or contacts are critical to the company's profitability—is unable to work due to illness or injury.

The payout is a lump sum or regular income paid to the business to help:

  • Cover the costs of hiring a temporary replacement.
  • Protect profits during the disruption.
  • Reassure lenders and investors.

For a small business where a director is the main fee-earner or technical expert, a climbing or riding accident could halt business operations entirely. Key Person Insurance provides the funds to survive that crisis.

Why Use an Expert Broker Like WeCovr?

Navigating the protection market for high-risk sports is not a DIY job. The landscape is complex, and the difference between two insurers' approaches can be the difference between full cover and no cover at all.

This is where WeCovr provides critical value:

  • Whole-of-Market Access: We have access to all the major UK insurers, including the specialist and niche providers who are comfortable with hazardous pursuits.
  • Expert Underwriting Knowledge: We know which insurers to approach for a climber, a rider, or a rugby player. We don't waste time on applications that are destined to be rejected.
  • Application Support: We help you frame your application honestly and accurately, ensuring the underwriter gets the full picture, which often leads to a better outcome.
  • No Extra Cost: Our service is free to you. We are paid a commission by the insurer when your policy goes live, which is the same whether you come to us or go direct.
  • Added Value: As part of our commitment to our clients' wellbeing, we provide complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered nutrition and calorie tracking app, to support your health and fitness goals.
  • Claims Assistance: If the worst happens, we are in your corner, ready to help you and your family with the claims process.

Trying to find the right cover alone means you risk choosing a policy with a hidden exclusion, paying too much, or being declined unnecessarily. We take that risk and uncertainty away.

Do I have to tell my insurer if I take up a risky hobby after my policy has started?

Generally, no. For personal protection policies like income protection, your duty is to answer the questions asked at the time of application truthfully. Once the policy is in force, you are not typically required to inform the insurer of new hobbies. However, you should always check your policy's terms and conditions, as some older or specialist policies may contain a review or notification clause.

What happens if I'm injured playing my sport abroad?

Most modern UK income protection policies provide worldwide cover. This means if you have an accident while climbing in the Alps or riding in Spain, your policy will still cover your inability to work once you return to the UK, subject to your deferred period. However, it's vital to disclose any planned overseas activities during the application, as some insurers have restrictions on the number of weeks you can spend abroad or may exclude cover in certain countries.

Can I get cover if I play my sport professionally?

Getting personal income protection as a professional sportsperson is very difficult through standard insurers, as your occupation itself is high-risk. Cover is usually arranged via specialist brokers dealing with the Lloyd's of London market or through governing bodies like the PFA or RPA. Executive Income Protection, paid for by your club (as a limited company), can sometimes be an alternative route. It's essential to seek specialist advice.

Is the premium loading for my hobby tax-deductible?

For personal income protection policies, the premiums are paid from your post-tax income and are not tax-deductible, regardless of any loading. For Executive Income Protection, where the policy is owned and paid for by your limited company, the entire premium (including any loading) is typically treated as a tax-deductible business expense.

Your Next Step to Financial Security

Your adventurous spirit is something to be celebrated, not penalised. With the right advice and the right policy, you can continue to pursue your passion with the confidence that your financial future is secure.

Don't let the fear of high premiums or exclusions leave you unprotected. The cost of a few weeks or months off work without an income is far greater than the cost of a properly structured protection plan.

Let our expert advisers do the hard work for you. We’ll compare the specialist market to find the insurer that understands your sport and offers the comprehensive cover you deserve.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and discover how affordable peace of mind can be.


Related guides

Why life insurance and how does it work?

What is Life Insurance?

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

How does it work?

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

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

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

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

Questions to ask yourself regarding life insurance

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

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

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

Benefits offered by income protection, life and critical illness insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Types of life insurance policies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Fact!

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

Why is it important to get life insurance early?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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How It Works

1. Complete a brief form
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2. Our experts analyse your information and find you best quotes
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3. Enjoy your protection!
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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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