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Level Term vs Decreasing Term Life Insurance UK

Level Term vs Decreasing Term Life Insurance UK 2025

Choosing the right life insurance can feel like navigating a complex maze. With so many terms, options, and providers, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Yet, at its heart, life insurance is one of the most fundamental financial safety nets you can provide for your loved ones. It offers peace of mind that, should the worst happen to you, your family will be financially secure.

Two of the most common and effective types of protection are Level Term and Decreasing Term life insurance. While they share the same core purpose—to pay out a lump sum if you pass away during the policy's term—they are designed for very different needs. Understanding this difference is the key to unlocking the best value for your specific circumstances and ensuring your family gets the protection they truly need, without you paying for cover you don't.

This comprehensive guide will demystify Level and Decreasing Term insurance, breaking down exactly what they are, who they're for, and how they compare. We'll explore real-life scenarios, examine the costs, and even look at how your health and wellness can play a role.

Which type of policy offers the best value for your needs?

The answer to this crucial question isn't one-size-fits-all. The "best value" policy is the one that most accurately and affordably matches your financial obligations and your family's future needs.

  • For covering a large, reducing debt like a repayment mortgage, Decreasing Term insurance almost always offers the best value. Its payout is designed to shrink alongside your mortgage, meaning you aren't over-insuring yourself in later years. This efficiency translates into lower premiums.

  • For providing a fixed financial safety net for your family to cover living costs, school fees, or other non-reducing debts, Level Term insurance provides the best value. The guaranteed, fixed payout ensures that no matter when a claim is made, your family receives the full intended amount, protecting their standard of living.

Ultimately, the choice hinges on what you are trying to protect. Let's delve deeper to help you make an informed decision.

What is Term Life Insurance? A Quick Refresher

Before we compare the two types, it's essential to understand the foundation they are built on: term life insurance.

Term life insurance is the simplest and often most affordable form of life cover. You choose a specific amount of cover (the "sum assured") and a set period you want the cover for (the "term").

  • If you pass away within this term, the policy pays out the agreed sum to your beneficiaries.
  • If you survive the term, the policy ends, and there is no payout.

It's pure protection. There's no investment element or cash-in value. You are simply paying for a financial guarantee for your loved ones during a period when they are most financially vulnerable—for example, while your children are growing up or while you are paying off a mortgage.

According to 2023 data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there are over 8 million families with dependent children in the UK. For these families, the loss of a parent's income can be devastating, making term insurance a cornerstone of responsible financial planning.

Deep Dive: Level Term Life Insurance Explained

Level Term Life Insurance is perhaps the most straightforward type of protection. Both the payout amount (sum assured) and your monthly premiums remain fixed—or "level"—for the entire duration of the policy.

How it works: Imagine you take out a £250,000 Level Term policy over a 25-year term.

  • If you were to pass away in year 2 of the policy, your beneficiaries would receive £250,000.
  • If you were to pass away in year 24 of the policy, your beneficiaries would still receive £250,000.

The amount is predictable and guaranteed, offering a solid foundation for your family's financial future.

Pros of Level Term Insurance

  • Certainty and Predictability: You know exactly how much your family will receive, making it easier to plan for their future needs like daily living costs, childcare, and university fees.
  • Ideal for Interest-Only Mortgages: If you have an interest-only mortgage, the capital debt does not decrease over time. A level term policy ensures the full mortgage amount can be cleared, regardless of when you pass away.
  • Comprehensive Family Protection: It’s perfect for leaving a lump sum to replace a lost income, ensuring your family can maintain their lifestyle without financial hardship.
  • Covers Fixed Debts: It can be used to cover other non-reducing debts, such as personal or business loans.

Cons of Level Term Insurance

  • Higher Premiums: Because the insurer's potential liability remains high throughout the term, premiums are more expensive than for a decreasing term policy with the same initial sum assured.
  • Impact of Inflation: Over a long term (e.g., 25-30 years), the real-terms value of a fixed payout can be eroded by inflation. A £250,000 lump sum will have less purchasing power in 25 years than it does today.

Who is Level Term Best For?

  • Families with young children who want to provide a lump sum to replace lost income.
  • Individuals with an interest-only mortgage.
  • People who rent but have financial dependants who would struggle without their income.
  • Business owners looking to protect the business against the loss of a key person or to cover a fixed business loan (see Key Person Insurance).
FeatureLevel Term Life Insurance
Payout (Sum Assured)Stays the same for the whole term.
PremiumsFixed for the whole term.
Primary PurposeFamily protection, income replacement, interest-only mortgages.
CostMore expensive than decreasing term.
Value Over TimePayout is fixed, but its real value can decrease due to inflation.

Deep Dive: Decreasing Term Life Insurance Explained

Decreasing Term Life Insurance, also known as mortgage life insurance, is a specialist policy where the sum assured reduces over the policy term. It's specifically designed to mirror the way a repayment mortgage balance falls over time.

How it works: You take out a £250,000 Decreasing Term policy over a 25-year term to match your repayment mortgage.

  • In the early years, the potential payout is close to £250,000.
  • As you pay off your mortgage, the policy's sum assured decreases roughly in line with your outstanding loan.
  • Towards the end of the term, the payout might only be a few thousand pounds, reflecting the small remaining mortgage balance. By the end of the term, it reduces to zero.

Despite the decreasing cover, your premiums typically remain fixed throughout the policy.

Pros of Decreasing Term Insurance

  • Affordability: As the insurer's risk reduces over time, premiums are significantly lower than for a level term policy. This makes essential mortgage protection accessible to more people.
  • Efficiency: It's a highly efficient way to protect a repayment mortgage. You are only paying for the cover you need to clear your largest debt.
  • Peace of Mind for Homeowners: It guarantees that your family will be able to stay in their home without the burden of mortgage repayments. Given that the outstanding value of residential mortgages in the UK stood at £1.67 trillion at the end of 2023 (UK Finance), this is a critical form of protection.

Cons of Decreasing Term Insurance

  • Limited Scope: It is designed for one job: covering a reducing debt. The decreasing payout means it’s not suitable for general family protection or replacing an income in the later years of the policy.
  • Potential Mismatch: While policies are designed to clear the mortgage, if your mortgage interest rate changes significantly, there could be a small shortfall or surplus. However, most modern policies are calculated to ensure the mortgage capital is always covered.

Who is Decreasing Term Best For?

  • First-time buyers and anyone with a repayment mortgage.
  • Those on a tighter budget who want to ensure their biggest debt is covered.
  • People who may have a separate level term policy for family protection but want a cost-effective solution specifically for their mortgage.
FeatureDecreasing Term Life Insurance
Payout (Sum Assured)Reduces over the term, usually to zero by the end.
PremiumsFixed for the whole term.
Primary PurposeCovering a repayment mortgage or other reducing loan.
CostCheaper than level term.
Value Over TimeDesigned to match the value of a decreasing debt perfectly.
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Level Term vs Decreasing Term: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Seeing the two policies side-by-side makes the choice clearer. The fundamental trade-off is between the level of cover and the cost of the premiums.

FeatureLevel Term InsuranceDecreasing Term Insurance
Payout (Sum Assured)Stays the same throughout the term.Reduces over the term.
Main PurposeProvides a fixed lump sum for family protection or to cover interest-only debts.Specifically designed to cover a repayment mortgage or other capital-and-interest loan.
Best ForIncome replacement, school fees, dependants' living costs, interest-only mortgages.Homeowners with a repayment mortgage looking for affordable cover.
Cost / PremiumsHigher.Lower.
Inflation ImpactThe real-terms value of the fixed payout will be eroded by inflation over time.Less of a concern as the cover is tied to a specific debt, not future living costs.
FlexibilityProvides a substantial sum that can be used for any purpose by your beneficiaries.The payout is intended to clear a specific debt, leaving little or nothing extra.

Real-Life Scenarios: Putting Theory into Practice

Let's see how these policies work for different people.

Scenario 1: The Young Family with a Mortgage

Meet Sarah and Tom: They are in their early 30s with two children, aged 3 and 5. They have a £300,000 repayment mortgage with 28 years remaining.

  • Their Need: To ensure the mortgage is paid off and to provide a financial cushion for the family if one of them dies.
  • A Smart Solution: They could opt for a "blended" approach.
    1. A £300,000 Decreasing Term policy over 28 years to specifically cover the mortgage. This is the cost-effective choice for the debt.
    2. A £200,000 Level Term policy over 20 years, to run until their youngest child is 25. This provides a fixed sum to cover childcare, education, and general living costs.
  • Value: This hybrid strategy gives them comprehensive cover that is tailored to their specific needs, without paying for unnecessarily high cover on the mortgage in later years.

Scenario 2: The Self-Employed Freelancer

Meet Aisha: She is a 40-year-old freelance graphic designer. She rents her flat but has a 10-year-old son and wants to ensure he is looked after until he finishes university.

  • Her Need: To provide a replacement for her income to cover rent, bills, and her son's upbringing.
  • The Best Solution: A Level Term policy is the clear choice. A decreasing term policy makes no sense as she has no large reducing debt. She might choose a £350,000 Level Term policy over a 15-year term. This provides a substantial, predictable lump sum for her son's guardian to use for his care.
  • Value: Aisha gets peace of mind that her son's financial future is secure, and the fixed payout ensures its adequacy for replacing her income.

Scenario 3: The Company Director

Meet David: He is 50 and a director of his own successful engineering firm. The business has a £500,000 fixed-rate business loan. He also has a family and an interest-only mortgage.

  • His Need: Protect his business from the financial impact of his death and cover his personal mortgage.
  • The Best Solution:
    1. Key Person Insurance set up as a Level Term policy for £500,000, paid for by the business. This policy would pay out to the business to clear the loan and provide working capital.
    2. A separate personal Level Term policy to cover his interest-only mortgage and provide for his family.
  • Value: Using the right structures provides tax efficiency for the business cover and ensures both his business and his family are protected with stable, predictable payouts.

At WeCovr, we frequently help clients like Sarah, Tom, Aisha, and David to analyse their unique situations and compare plans from all major UK insurers. This ensures they find the right type of policy—or combination of policies—at the most competitive price.

What about the Cost? A Look at Premiums

Life insurance is often cheaper than people assume. The price you pay (your premium) is calculated based on the risk you present to the insurer. Key factors include:

  • Age: The younger you are when you take out the policy, the cheaper it will be.
  • Health: Your current health, medical history, and family medical history are crucial.
  • Smoker Status: Smokers or recent ex-smokers pay significantly more than non-smokers.
  • Lifestyle: Your job, hobbies (e.g., hazardous sports), and alcohol consumption can affect your premium.
  • Policy Details: The amount of cover (sum assured) and the length of the term.

Here is an illustrative table showing potential monthly premiums for a healthy non-smoker. Please note these are examples only; your actual quote will depend on your individual circumstances.

Example Monthly Premiums for a £250,000 Policy over 25 Years

AgeLevel Term (Illustrative)Decreasing Term (Illustrative)
30£12.50£7.00
40£24.00£13.50
50£65.00£38.00

As you can see, Decreasing Term insurance is consistently more affordable, but the key is to ensure it meets your needs. Waiting until you are older to get cover also results in substantially higher costs.

Enhancing Your Cover: Critical Illness and Other Add-ons

Life is unpredictable. While life insurance protects your family after you're gone, what happens if a serious illness prevents you from working and earning a living? This is where add-ons become vital.

Critical Illness Cover (CIC) This can be added to either a Level or Decreasing Term policy. It pays out your chosen sum assured if you are diagnosed with one of a list of specified serious conditions, such as some types of cancer, a heart attack, or a stroke.

The statistics highlight the importance of this cover. According to Cancer Research UK, there are around 1,100 new cancer cases diagnosed every day in the UK (based on 2018-2020 data). A critical illness diagnosis can bring unexpected costs, from private treatment to home modifications, at a time when your income may have stopped.

A combined Life and Critical Illness policy provides a comprehensive safety net. It will typically pay out once—either on diagnosis of a critical illness or on death—whichever happens first.

Other valuable features to look out for are:

  • Terminal Illness Benefit: This is included as standard on most term policies. It pays out the death benefit early if you are diagnosed with a terminal illness and have less than 12 months to live, allowing you to get your financial affairs in order.
  • Waiver of Premium: For a small extra cost, this add-on will cover your policy premiums if you are unable to work for a prolonged period due to illness or injury (usually after a deferred period of 3-6 months).

Beyond the Basics: Other Protection Policies to Consider

While Level and Decreasing Term cover are the cornerstones of protection, a complete financial plan might include other specialist policies.

  • Family Income Benefit: Instead of a single lump sum, this policy pays out a regular, tax-free monthly or annual income from the point of claim until the end of the policy term. It’s an excellent way to directly replace a lost salary and can be easier for a family to budget with.

  • Income Protection Insurance: This is often confused with Critical Illness Cover, but it's very different. Income Protection pays a monthly percentage of your salary if you are unable to work due to any illness or injury that your doctor signs you off for. It can pay out for a set period (e.g., 2 years) or right up until you return to work or retire. It's particularly vital for the self-employed, freelancers, and company directors who don't have access to long-term sick pay.

  • Executive Protection for Business Owners: For company directors, policies like Executive Income Protection and Relevant Life Cover can be paid for by the business as an allowable expense, making them highly tax-efficient ways to secure personal and family protection.

  • Gift Inter Vivos Insurance: This is a specialist policy designed to cover a potential Inheritance Tax (IHT) liability on a large gift you have made. If you pass away within seven years of making the gift, this policy provides a lump sum to pay the tax bill.

Navigating these options can be complex. An expert adviser, like the team at WeCovr, can help you understand which products fit your personal and professional life, creating a truly holistic protection portfolio.

Wellness, Health, and Your Premiums: A Virtuous Circle

Insurers are in the business of risk. A healthier person is a lower risk, and this is directly reflected in lower premiums. This creates a powerful incentive to lead a healthier lifestyle.

Simple changes can have a big impact:

  • Diet and Weight: Maintaining a healthy BMI through a balanced diet can lead to significantly cheaper premiums. Insurers often use BMI as a primary health indicator.
  • Exercise: Following NHS guidelines of at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week improves cardiovascular health and reduces the risk of many conditions.
  • Smoking: Quitting smoking is the single most effective thing you can do to reduce your life insurance premiums. Insurers typically require you to be nicotine-free (including vaping) for at least 12 months to be classed as a non-smoker.
  • Alcohol: Keeping your alcohol intake within recommended limits demonstrates a lower-risk lifestyle to insurers.

At WeCovr, we believe in supporting our clients' long-term health. That's why, in addition to finding you the best insurance policy, we provide our customers with complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. We see this as part of our commitment to your overall wellbeing, empowering you to make healthier choices that not only benefit your life but can also lead to more favourable insurance terms in the future.

The Application Process: What to Expect

Applying for life insurance is more straightforward than you might think.

  1. Quote & Advice: The first step is to determine how much cover you need and for how long. Using an independent broker like us ensures you can compare the whole market to find the best price and policy features.
  2. Application Form: You'll complete a detailed application form covering your health, lifestyle, occupation, and family medical history.
  3. Full Disclosure: It is absolutely vital that you answer every question truthfully and completely. Hiding a medical condition or your smoking habits is considered 'non-disclosure' and could lead to a future claim being rejected, leaving your family with nothing. The rule is simple: when in doubt, declare it.
  4. Underwriting: The insurer's underwriting team will assess your application. For larger sums of cover or if you have pre-existing health conditions, they may request a report from your GP or ask you to attend a mini-medical screening (often involving a nurse visit to take blood pressure and a blood/urine sample). This is usually paid for by the insurer.
  5. Decision & Offer: The insurer will offer you terms. This could be the standard price, a price with a 'loading' (an increased premium due to a health or lifestyle risk), or in rare cases, they may decline to offer cover.
  6. Policy Start: Once you accept the terms and set up your direct debit, your policy goes "on risk," and you are officially covered.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Future

The debate between Level Term and Decreasing Term insurance isn't about which one is "better" in a general sense, but which one provides the best value for you.

  • Choose Decreasing Term Insurance if your primary goal is to secure your family's home by covering a repayment mortgage in the most cost-effective way. It's an affordable and efficient tool for a very specific job.

  • Choose Level Term Insurance if your priority is to provide a fixed, guaranteed lump sum to replace your income, cover your children's future costs, pay off an interest-only mortgage, or leave a meaningful legacy. It offers certainty and comprehensive family protection.

In many cases, the optimal solution is a combination of the two, tailored precisely to your debts and dependant needs.

Protecting your family's future is one of the most important financial decisions you will ever make. Don't leave it to chance or guesswork. By understanding your needs and seeking professional, independent advice, you can put a robust and affordable safety net in place, giving you and your loved ones invaluable peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I have both Level Term and Decreasing Term life insurance policies?

Yes, absolutely. It's very common and often the most effective strategy. You can have a decreasing term policy to cover your repayment mortgage and a separate level term policy to provide for your family's other financial needs. This is known as a "blended" or "hybrid" approach.

What happens if I stop paying my life insurance premiums?

If you stop paying your premiums, your policy will enter a 'grace period' (usually 30 days). If you don't make the payment within this time, the policy will 'lapse'. This means your cover will stop, and no claim can be made. As term insurance has no cash-in value, you will not get any of your previously paid premiums back.

Is the payout from a life insurance policy taxable?

Generally, the lump sum paid out from a life insurance policy is free from income tax and capital gains tax. However, it may be considered part of your estate for Inheritance Tax (IHT) purposes if the value of your estate exceeds the IHT threshold. This can be easily avoided by writing your policy into a trust.

What does "writing a policy in trust" mean?

Writing your life insurance policy in trust is a simple legal arrangement that separates the policy from your estate. This has two major benefits: the payout is typically not subject to Inheritance Tax, and it can be paid to your beneficiaries much faster, as it bypasses the often lengthy probate process. Most insurers provide standard trust forms, and a financial adviser can help you complete them correctly.

Do I need a medical exam to get life insurance?

Not always. For younger applicants seeking a modest amount of cover, the application form is often sufficient. However, insurers may request a medical examination or a GP report if you are older, have pre-existing health conditions, or are applying for a very large sum assured. The insurer pays for any medical checks they require.

Can I change my life insurance policy once it has started?

Most term life insurance policies are not flexible once they have started. You cannot typically increase the cover or extend the term. If your circumstances change (e.g., you have another child or move to a bigger house), the standard process is to take out a new policy to reflect your new needs. You can then decide whether to keep your old policy or replace it. Some modern policies do offer 'guaranteed insurability options' which allow you to increase cover at specific life events without further medical underwriting.

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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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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