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Life Insurance for Builders Merchants UK

WeCovr Editorial Team · experienced insurance advisers
Last updated Feb 2, 2026
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TL;DR

The hum of a forklift, the scent of freshly cut timber, the weight of a bag of cement – these are the daily realities for the hardworking individuals who keep the UK's construction industry supplied. Builders' merchants are the backbone of the trade, a vital hub of materials and expertise. But the very nature of this work, with its physical demands and inherent risks, makes it essential to build a solid financial foundation for yourself, your family, and your business.

Key takeaways

  • Manual Handling: Lifting heavy and awkward items like plasterboard, timber, cement bags, and lintels can lead to acute injuries or chronic musculoskeletal disorders. Back, shoulder, and knee problems are common.
  • Operating Machinery: The use of forklifts, pallet trucks, and cutting machinery carries an obvious risk of accidents.
  • Working Environment: Yards can be busy, noisy, and exposed to the elements. The risk of slips, trips, and falls on uneven or wet surfaces is ever-present.
  • Vehicle and Driving Risks: For HGV and van drivers, long hours on the road, the pressure of delivery schedules, and the risk of road traffic accidents are significant concerns.
  • Dust and Material Exposure: Inhalation of dust from cement, sand, and other materials can contribute to respiratory issues over the long term.

The hum of a forklift, the scent of freshly cut timber, the weight of a bag of cement – these are the daily realities for the hardworking individuals who keep the UK's construction industry supplied. Builders' merchants are the backbone of the trade, a vital hub of materials and expertise. But the very nature of this work, with its physical demands and inherent risks, makes it essential to build a solid financial foundation for yourself, your family, and your business.

This is where specialist protection insurance comes in. Standard, off-the-shelf policies often fail to account for the unique challenges faced by those in the building supply sector. Whether you're a yard operative, a delivery driver, a sales manager, or the director of the entire operation, securing the right cover is one of the most important investments you can make.

This comprehensive guide will explore the world of life insurance, critical illness cover, and income protection, specifically tailored for the people who power the UK's builders' merchants. We'll delve into personal protection, business-specific solutions, and practical tips to ensure you get the best possible cover at a fair price.

Tailored cover for staff working in building supply businesses

A one-size-fits-all approach to insurance simply doesn’t work for the diverse roles within a builders' merchant. The risks faced by a HGV driver delivering aggregates are vastly different from those of a showroom designer or an accounts clerk. Insurers understand this, and their underwriting process – the way they assess risk – is designed to reflect your specific daily duties.

The UK's construction sector, which builders' merchants directly serve, remains one with significant workplace risks. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) consistently reports that construction and related trades have a statistically higher rate of workplace injury than many other sectors. For the year 2022/23, an estimated 53,000 workers in construction suffered from work-related ill health, and 45,000 sustained non-fatal injuries.

These aren't just numbers; they represent real people facing real challenges. The key risks for builders' merchant staff include:

  • Manual Handling: Lifting heavy and awkward items like plasterboard, timber, cement bags, and lintels can lead to acute injuries or chronic musculoskeletal disorders. Back, shoulder, and knee problems are common.
  • Operating Machinery: The use of forklifts, pallet trucks, and cutting machinery carries an obvious risk of accidents.
  • Working Environment: Yards can be busy, noisy, and exposed to the elements. The risk of slips, trips, and falls on uneven or wet surfaces is ever-present.
  • Vehicle and Driving Risks: For HGV and van drivers, long hours on the road, the pressure of delivery schedules, and the risk of road traffic accidents are significant concerns.
  • Dust and Material Exposure: Inhalation of dust from cement, sand, and other materials can contribute to respiratory issues over the long term.

Because of these specific risks, when you apply for cover, an insurer won't just see "Builders' Merchant" on the form. They will want to know exactly what you do. This detailed understanding allows them to offer a policy that truly reflects your personal circumstances, ensuring that if you need to make a claim, you are properly covered.

Understanding the Core Protection Products for Builders' Merchants Staff

Navigating the world of insurance can feel complex, but the core products are designed to protect you and your loved ones against life's most challenging "what ifs". Let's break them down.

1. Life Insurance

At its simplest, life insurance pays out a tax-free cash lump sum if you pass away during the policy term. This money provides a vital financial lifeline for your family, helping them to:

  • Pay off the mortgage
  • Cover monthly bills and living expenses
  • Settle outstanding debts or loans
  • Pay for funeral costs
  • Leave an inheritance for your children's future

There are two main types you'll encounter:

  • Level Term Assurance (illustrative): You choose a lump sum amount and a policy term (e.g., £250,000 over 25 years). The payout amount remains the same throughout the term. This is ideal for providing a general family safety net or covering an interest-only mortgage.
  • Decreasing Term Assurance: Also known as mortgage protection. The payout amount reduces over the term of the policy, broadly in line with the outstanding balance of a repayment mortgage. Because the potential payout decreases over time, premiums are typically lower than for level term cover.

2. Critical Illness Cover (CIC)

While life insurance covers death, Critical Illness Cover is designed to protect you during your lifetime. It pays out a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of a specific list of serious medical conditions defined in the policy.

The "big three" conditions typically covered are cancer, heart attack, and stroke, but modern policies often cover 50+ conditions, including multiple sclerosis, kidney failure, and major organ transplant.

For someone in a physically demanding job, a critical illness diagnosis can be financially devastating. Even if you make a full recovery, you may be unable to return to your previous role. The lump sum from a CIC policy gives you breathing space and options. You could use it to:

  • Clear your mortgage and reduce your financial outgoings.
  • Adapt your home for new mobility needs.
  • Pay for private treatment or specialist therapies not available on the NHS.
  • Replace lost income while you focus on recovery.
  • Fund a change in career if you can no longer perform manual work.

3. Income Protection (IP)

Often described by financial experts as the most important protection policy of all, Income Protection is your financial self-defence against illness or injury.

Instead of a lump sum, it provides a regular, tax-free monthly income if you are unable to work. This replaces a percentage of your gross salary (typically 50-70%) and continues to pay out until you can return to work, your chosen retirement age, or the policy term ends.

Key features to understand:

  • The Deferred Period: This is the waiting period between when you stop working and when the policy starts paying out. You can choose this period to match your employer's sick pay scheme or your personal savings (e.g., 4, 8, 13, 26, or 52 weeks). A longer deferred period means a lower premium.
  • Definition of Incapacity: Policies use different definitions. The best and most comprehensive is "Own Occupation", which means the policy will pay out if you are unable to do your specific job. For a builders' merchant yard operative, this is crucial. An injury that prevents you from lifting heavy goods would trigger a claim, even if you were technically able to do a sedentary office job.

For anyone whose livelihood depends on their physical health – which includes the vast majority of staff in a builders' merchant – Income Protection is a non-negotiable safety net.

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How Your Role in a Builders' Merchant Affects Your Insurance

Insurers meticulously assess the risks associated with your specific job title and duties. Here’s a look at how different roles within the industry are typically viewed by underwriters.

RoleKey Risks & Insurance FocusTypical Underwriting View
Yard Operative / Warehouse StaffHigh risk of musculoskeletal injury (back, knees), accidents with machinery (forklifts), slips & trips.Premiums for Income Protection and Critical Illness Cover may be higher. The insurer will want to know the percentage of time spent on manual handling vs. other duties.
HGV / Delivery DriverRoad traffic accidents, long hours, sedentary nature leading to health issues, manual handling of goods at delivery sites.Income Protection is vital. The insurer will ask about the type of licence held, annual mileage, and any past driving convictions.
Sales Counter / Trade Counter StaffLower physical risk but can involve some lifting. Potential for stress. Often on their feet all day.Generally seen as a lower risk. Premiums will be more standard, but disclosing any manual handling duties is still important.
Branch Manager / DirectorPrimarily office-based but involves site visits. High responsibility and potential for stress-related illness. Higher income to protect.Viewed as a low-risk occupation. The focus shifts towards higher levels of cover and business-specific insurances like Relevant Life and Executive IP.
Self-Employed Contractor (e.g., Driver, Merchandiser)No employee benefits (sick pay, death in service). All financial risk falls on the individual.Income Protection is paramount. Premiums reflect the specific trade, but the need for cover is absolute.

Understanding your risk profile is the first step. The next is finding an insurer who understands your industry and offers fair terms. A specialist broker, like WeCovr, can be invaluable here, navigating the market to place your application with the insurer best suited to your role.

Business Protection Insurance: A Must for Builders' Merchant Owners

If you are a director or owner of a builders' merchant, your responsibilities extend beyond your own family to the health of the business itself. A suite of business protection policies exists to safeguard the company against the loss of its most valuable assets: its people.

Key Person Insurance

Who is indispensable to your business? Is it the sales director with an unparalleled list of contacts? The branch manager who runs the most profitable location? The founder whose vision drives the company?

A Key Person policy is taken out by the business to protect itself against the financial consequences of that key individual dying or being diagnosed with a critical illness. The policy pays a lump sum to the business, which can be used to:

  • Recruit and train a suitable replacement.
  • Cover the loss of profits during the disruption.
  • Reassure lenders, suppliers, and customers that the business remains stable.
  • Repay a business loan that the key person may have personally guaranteed.

For a builders' merchant, where relationships with major housebuilders and suppliers can be tied to one individual, Key Person insurance provides crucial stability in a crisis.

Relevant Life Cover

This is one of the most tax-efficient ways for a limited company to provide death-in-service benefits for its employees and directors.

A Relevant Life Plan is a standalone life insurance policy, paid for by the business. However, unlike a personal policy, the premiums are typically treated as an allowable business expense and are not considered a P11D benefit-in-kind for the employee. This means no extra income tax or National Insurance liability.

The payout goes into a discretionary trust, ensuring the money is paid directly to the employee's family, free from Inheritance Tax. It's an extremely valuable employee benefit that can help attract and retain top talent, especially for senior management.

Executive Income Protection

Similar to a personal income protection policy, but paid for by the company for a valued director or employee. If the insured person is unable to work due to illness or injury, the policy pays a monthly benefit to the company. The company can then continue to pay the employee a salary through the PAYE system.

The key benefit here is tax efficiency. The premiums are an allowable business expense for the company, making it a cost-effective way to protect the incomes of essential staff.

Shareholder or Partnership Protection

What would happen to your business if you or one of your co-owners were to die or become seriously ill? The deceased's shares would pass to their estate, meaning their family would suddenly become part-owners of your business.

This can lead to difficult situations. The family may have no interest or expertise in running the company and may wish to sell the shares. The surviving owners may not have the liquid funds to buy them out, potentially forcing a sale to an outside party or causing immense financial strain.

Shareholder Protection provides a solution. It's a combination of life/critical illness policies and a legal agreement. The policies provide the lump sum needed for the surviving owners to buy the shares, and the agreement ensures the deceased's family is legally obliged to sell them at a fair, pre-agreed price. It ensures a smooth transition and guarantees the continuity of the business for the remaining owners.

The Application Process: What Insurers Need to Know

Applying for protection insurance involves a detailed questionnaire about your occupation, health, and lifestyle. Being prepared for these questions can make the process much smoother.

1. Your Occupation: As we've discussed, this is critical. Be prepared to be specific:

  • What is your exact job title?
  • What percentage of your time is spent on different duties (e.g., 60% manual handling, 20% forklift driving, 20% admin)?
  • Do you work at height?
  • Do you operate heavy or dangerous machinery?
  • If you drive for work, what is your annual mileage?

2. Your Health and Medical History: You must be completely honest about:

  • Your height and weight (BMI).
  • Your weekly alcohol consumption.
  • Whether you smoke or use nicotine products (vaping included).
  • Any pre-existing medical conditions, past surgeries, or ongoing treatments.
  • Any family history of serious conditions like heart disease or cancer.

3. Your Lifestyle and Hobbies: Insurers will want to know if you participate in any activities they consider high-risk, such as motorsports, rock climbing, or aviation.

Full Disclosure is Non-Negotiable It can be tempting to downplay a health issue or shave a few units off your weekly alcohol intake to get a cheaper premium. This is a mistake. Failure to disclose information is known as "non-disclosure" and is the primary reason that claims are rejected. If an insurer discovers you were not truthful on your application, they have the right to void the policy, meaning your family would receive nothing. It's simply not worth the risk.

The underwriting process can result in a few outcomes:

  • Standard Rates: You are accepted on the standard premium for someone of your age and health profile.
  • A "Loading" or "Rating": Your premium is increased by a certain percentage to reflect a higher risk (e.g., a higher BMI or a specific occupation).
  • An Exclusion: You are offered the policy, but a specific condition is excluded from the cover (e.g., a back-related exclusion on an income protection policy if you have a history of back problems).
  • Postponement or Decline: The insurer may postpone a decision for a period (e.g., if you are awaiting tests) or, in rare cases, decline to offer cover.

Getting the Best Value: Tips for Builders' Merchants Staff

Securing robust protection doesn't have to mean breaking the bank. Here are some expert tips to get the right cover at the best price.

  • Speak to an Independent Broker: This is the single most important step. A broker like us at WeCovr has access to the entire UK insurance market. We know which insurers are most favourable to specific trades and health conditions. Going direct to one insurer gives you one price; a broker gives you a comprehensive comparison, saving you time and money.
  • Improve Your Health: Insurers financially reward healthy lifestyles. Quitting smoking is the biggest single thing you can do to reduce your premiums, often by up to 50%. Lowering your BMI to a healthy range and reducing your alcohol intake can also lead to significant savings. To support our clients on their health journey, WeCovr provides complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, helping you build healthier habits.
  • Choose the Right Deferred Period (for IP): Align your income protection deferred period with your employer's sick pay policy. If your company pays full sick pay for 3 months, choosing a 13-week deferred period on your policy will be much cheaper than a 4-week period.
  • Place Policies in Trust: Writing your life insurance policy in trust is a simple legal step that ensures the payout goes directly to your beneficiaries, avoiding probate delays and potential Inheritance Tax. It's a free service that a good adviser will arrange for you.
  • Review Your Cover Regularly: Life doesn't stand still. Getting married, having children, moving house, or getting a promotion are all key moments to review your cover and ensure it's still adequate for your needs.

Real-Life Scenarios: How Protection Insurance Helps

Let's look at how these policies work in the real world for people in the building supply trade.

Scenario 1: The Yard Operative's Injury Mark, a 42-year-old yard operative, earns £30,000 a year. He has a young family and a mortgage. While loading a lorry, he suffers a serious herniated disc in his lower back. His surgeon tells him he needs an operation and will be unable to do any manual work for at least 12 months. His employer's sick pay runs out after 4 weeks. (illustrative estimate) The outcome: Thankfully, Mark took out an Income Protection policy two years ago. After his 4-week deferred period, the policy starts paying him £1,500 per month (60% of his gross income), tax-free. This allows his family to keep paying the mortgage and bills while he focuses entirely on his recovery and rehabilitation, without the stress of financial ruin. (illustrative estimate)

Scenario 2: The Branch Manager's Diagnosis Helen, a 54-year-old branch manager, is diagnosed with a serious form of breast cancer. The treatment plan is intensive, and she needs to take a significant amount of time off work. The outcome: Helen has a Critical Illness Cover policy for £120,000. Upon diagnosis, the policy pays out the full lump sum. Helen uses the money to pay off the last of her mortgage, freeing up her monthly income. She also uses some of it to pay for a specialist second opinion and some complementary therapies to help with the side effects of her treatment. The financial security allows her to step back from her high-pressure job and recover without worry. (illustrative estimate)

Scenario 3: The Director's Unexpected Death BuildItBetter Merchants Ltd is a successful independent merchant run by two directors, John and Paul. John, the sales director, is the rainmaker who holds all the key client relationships. Tragically, John dies suddenly from a heart attack at 58. The outcome: The business had the foresight to take out a £750,000 Key Person insurance policy on John. The money is paid directly to the company. They use it to hire an experienced national sales manager to transition the client relationships and to reassure their bank and suppliers of their financial stability, ensuring the business survives and thrives after the loss of its key player.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is life insurance more expensive for builders' merchant staff?

It depends entirely on your specific role. An office-based sales administrator or accounts clerk will likely pay standard rates. A yard operative who spends 75% of their day on manual handling and operating a forklift will likely see an increase (a "loading") on their premiums for Income Protection and Critical Illness Cover. This is because their risk of injury or long-term musculoskeletal issues is higher. The key is to be precise about your duties on the application form.

I have a 'death in service' benefit through my employer. Do I still need personal life insurance?

A death-in-service benefit is an excellent perk, but it's rarely enough on its own. These benefits typically pay out 2-4 times your annual salary and, crucially, the cover ceases the moment you leave that job. A personal life insurance policy belongs to you, regardless of who you work for. It provides a level of cover chosen by you to meet your family's specific needs (like clearing a large mortgage) and stays with you as you change jobs. It's best to view employer benefits as a bonus layer of protection, not a replacement for your own personal cover.

What happens if I change my role within the builders' merchant?

You should inform your insurer of any significant change in your occupation. If you move from a high-risk role (e.g., yard operative) to a lower-risk one (e.g., branch manager), you could be entitled to a premium reduction. Conversely, if your duties become riskier, your insurer needs to know to ensure your policy remains valid. It's always best to keep your provider updated.

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

In many cases, yes. It depends on the condition, how long ago you were diagnosed, the treatment you received, and your current state of health. For common conditions like well-managed high blood pressure or anxiety, you can often get cover at standard rates or with a small premium loading. For more complex conditions, an insurer might place an exclusion on the policy related to that condition. An expert broker is vital here, as they know which insurers specialise in offering cover for various medical histories.

I'm a self-employed delivery driver for a builders' merchant. What's the most important cover for me?

For the self-employed, Income Protection is arguably the most critical policy. You have no employer to provide sick pay, so if an accident or illness stops you from working, your income stops immediately. An IP policy is the only way to guarantee a replacement income to cover your bills and protect your family's financial stability while you recover. Life and Critical Illness cover are also extremely important, but IP protects you against the much more common risk of being unable to work for a prolonged period.

How can WeCovr help me find the right policy?

As expert protection insurance brokers, we specialise in helping people in skilled and manual trades find the right cover. We understand the nuances of roles within a builders' merchant and know which insurers offer the most favourable terms. We compare policies from across the entire UK market, ensuring you don't overpay. We handle the application process for you, presenting your case to the insurer in the best possible light and helping you put your policy into trust, all at no extra cost to you.

Your work in a builders' merchant is fundamental to building the homes, hospitals, and infrastructure of the nation. It's a demanding, valuable, and rewarding career. By taking the time to understand and implement the right protection insurance, you are building something just as important: a resilient and secure financial future for you, your family, and your business.

Don't leave that future to chance. A conversation with a protection specialist can help you lay the foundations of a financial safety net that will stand strong, whatever life throws your way.

Sources

  • Department for Transport (DfT): Road safety and transport statistics.
  • DVLA / DVSA: UK vehicle and driving regulatory guidance.
  • Association of British Insurers (ABI): Motor insurance market and claims publications.
  • Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): Insurance conduct and consumer information guidance.

Related tools

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

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Why life insurance and how does it work?

What is Life Insurance?

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

How does it work?

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

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

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

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

Questions to ask yourself regarding life insurance

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

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

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

Benefits offered by income protection, life and critical illness insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Types of life insurance policies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Fact!

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

Why is it important to get life insurance early?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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