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Life Insurance for Estate Agents UK

TL;DR

The world of property is fast-paced, demanding, and potentially very rewarding. For estate agents across the UK, success is built on long hours, sharp negotiation skills, and a relentless drive to close the next deal. But what happens when life throws an unexpected curveball?

Key takeaways

  • The specific risks faced by estate agents in the UK.
  • The core insurance products that provide a financial safety net.
  • Advanced protection strategies for agency owners and directors.
  • Practical tips for navigating the application process with a fluctuating income.
  • How to build a holistic approach to your health and wellbeing.

The world of property is fast-paced, demanding, and potentially very rewarding. For estate agents across the UK, success is built on long hours, sharp negotiation skills, and a relentless drive to close the next deal. But what happens when life throws an unexpected curveball? A sudden illness, a serious injury, or worse, could not only halt your career but also jeopardise the financial security you've worked so hard to build for yourself and your family.

This is where protection insurance comes in. It's not just a 'nice-to-have'; for those in the property sector, it's the foundation of a robust financial plan. This comprehensive guide will explore the essential insurance policies every estate agent, from junior negotiator to agency director, should consider.

Comprehensive protection for property sales staff

Working as an estate agent is unlike most 9-to-5 jobs. The unique structure of your career, with its variable income and high-pressure environment, brings a specific set of financial risks. Standard financial advice often misses these nuances, which is why a specialised approach to protection is vital.

Whether you're helping a young family find their first home or closing a multi-million-pound commercial deal, your income is directly tied to your ability to perform. If you're unable to work, your commission-based earnings can disappear overnight. This is the stark reality that makes policies like Life Insurance, Critical Illness Cover, and Income Protection so incredibly important for you and your loved ones.

In this guide, we'll break down:

  • The specific risks faced by estate agents in the UK.
  • The core insurance products that provide a financial safety net.
  • Advanced protection strategies for agency owners and directors.
  • Practical tips for navigating the application process with a fluctuating income.
  • How to build a holistic approach to your health and wellbeing.

Why Do Estate Agents Need Specialist Insurance Advice?

Your job is unique, and so are your financial vulnerabilities. Understanding these specific challenges is the first step towards building the right protection portfolio.

The Challenge of Commission-Based Income

The most significant financial factor for most estate agents is the variable nature of their income. A strong quarter can be followed by a lean one, making consistent financial planning difficult.

  • Income Volatility: Your earnings can fluctuate dramatically based on the property market, seasonal trends, and your personal performance. This makes it challenging to rely on savings alone during a crisis.
  • No Work, No Commission: Unlike a salaried employee, if you are unable to work due to illness or injury, your primary income stream—commission—stops immediately. Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), if you're even eligible, is currently just £116.75 per week (2024/25 rate), a fraction of what's needed to cover a mortgage and household bills.
  • Difficulty Budgeting for Protection: When income is unpredictable, it can be tempting to put off expenses like insurance. However, this is precisely when it's most needed.

An Income Protection policy is designed for this exact scenario, providing a regular, tax-free monthly income to replace your lost earnings while you recover.

A High-Pressure, 'Always-On' Profession

The pressure to meet targets, handle demanding clients, and navigate complex chains can take its toll.

  • Stress and Burnout: The property industry is consistently ranked as one of the most stressful. Chronic stress is a major risk factor for numerous health conditions, including heart disease, anxiety, and depression. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) notes that mental health claims are one of the fastest-growing categories for income protection payouts.
  • Long and Unsociable Hours: Evening and weekend viewings are standard practice. This can disrupt sleep patterns, diet, and exercise routines, all of which are crucial for long-term health.

Critical Illness Cover provides a lump sum payment upon diagnosis of a serious condition, giving you the financial breathing room to focus on recovery without the added stress of mortgage payments and bills.

Lone Working and Extensive Travel

A significant part of your job involves travelling to and from properties and conducting viewings, often alone.

  • Risk of Accidents: More time on the road means a statistically higher risk of being involved in a road traffic accident.
  • Personal Safety: While rare, lone working can present personal safety risks. An injury sustained during such an activity could leave you unable to work for an extended period.

A robust Income Protection or Personal Sick Pay policy ensures that if an accident happens, your income doesn't have to be another casualty.

The Self-Employed and Limited Company Director Dilemma

A growing number of estate agents operate on a self-employed basis or as directors of their own limited companies. While this offers greater autonomy and tax efficiency, it removes the traditional safety net of employment.

  • No Employee Benefits: You have no access to company sick pay, death-in-service benefits, or private medical insurance provided by an employer. You are solely responsible for creating your own safety net.
  • Business Overheads: If you're an agency owner, your personal inability to work doesn't just affect your family; it affects your business. Overheads like rent, staff salaries, and marketing costs continue regardless.

This is where business protection policies like Key Person Insurance and Executive Income Protection become indispensable tools for ensuring business continuity.

Core Protection Policies for Every Estate Agent

Think of these policies as the essential pillars of your financial defence. They protect you and your family against life's most challenging "what ifs".

1. Life Insurance

Life insurance is the cornerstone of financial protection for anyone with dependents or significant debts like a mortgage. It pays out a tax-free lump sum if you pass away during the policy term.

Why it's crucial for estate agents:

  • Mortgage Repayment: Your largest debt is likely your mortgage. Life insurance ensures your family can pay it off and remain in their home without you.
  • Family Living Costs: The payout can replace your lost income, covering everything from daily bills and childcare to future university fees.
  • Debt Clearance: It can be used to clear outstanding car loans, credit cards, or personal loans, leaving your family with a clean financial slate.

Types of Term Life Insurance

Policy TypeHow It WorksBest For
Level TermThe cover amount (payout) stays the same throughout the policy term.Covering an interest-only mortgage, providing a set lump sum for family expenses, or leaving a legacy.
Decreasing TermThe cover amount reduces over time, typically in line with a repayment mortgage.Covering a repayment mortgage. It's the most cost-effective way to protect your largest debt.
Family Income BenefitInstead of a lump sum, it pays out a regular, tax-free monthly or annual income for the remainder of the term.Providing a direct replacement for your lost income in a manageable way for your family. Often more affordable than a large lump sum policy.

Top Tip: Write Your Policy in Trust

Placing your life insurance policy "in trust" is a simple piece of paperwork that has two huge benefits:

  1. Avoids Inheritance Tax: The payout is made directly to your chosen beneficiaries, so it doesn't form part of your legal estate and isn't typically subject to IHT.
  2. Avoids Probate: The payment is much faster as it doesn't have to go through the lengthy legal process of probate. Your family gets the money they need in weeks, not months or even years.

2. Critical Illness Cover (CIC)

Imagine being diagnosed with cancer, a heart attack, or a stroke. Your first priority should be recovery, not worrying about how to pay the mortgage. Critical Illness Cover is designed to make that possible. It pays out a tax-free lump sum upon diagnosis of a specified serious illness.

Why it's vital for estate agents:

Your commission-based income would stop immediately, but your financial commitments would not. A CIC payout provides a vital financial cushion, which can be used for:

  • Covering lost earnings: For both you and a partner who may need to take time off to care for you.
  • Clearing debts: Paying off the mortgage or other loans to reduce monthly outgoings.
  • Paying for private treatment: Accessing specialist care or treatments not available on the NHS to speed up recovery.
  • Home modifications: Making adaptations to your home if required by your condition.

Most policies cover a list of 40-50+ conditions, but according to the ABI, the "big three" – cancer, heart attack, and stroke – account for the overwhelming majority of claims.

3. Income Protection Insurance

For anyone whose income is directly tied to their ability to work—especially those with fluctuating earnings like estate agents—Income Protection is arguably the single most important policy you can own. It's designed to do one thing: replace your income if you can't work due to any illness or injury.

It pays a regular monthly benefit (usually 50-65% of your pre-tax income) until you can return to work, the policy term ends (often at your chosen retirement age), or you pass away.

Key Features to Understand:

  • The Deferred Period: This is the waiting period between when you first stop working and when the policy starts paying out. It can range from 1 day to 12 months. The longer the deferred period you choose, the lower your premium. You should align it with any savings you have or sick pay from your employer.
  • The Definition of Incapacity: This is crucial. The best definition is 'Own Occupation'. It means the policy will pay out if you are unable to perform your specific job as an estate agent. Other, less comprehensive definitions like 'Suited Occupation' or 'Any Occupation' might not pay out if the insurer believes you could do another job.
  • Guaranteed vs. Reviewable Premiums: Guaranteed premiums remain fixed for the life of the policy, providing certainty. Reviewable premiums may start cheaper but can increase over time.

Income Protection vs. Other Options

FeatureIncome ProtectionPersonal Sick PayStatutory Sick Pay (SSP)
Who is it for?Employed & self-employed professionals.Often for tradespeople or riskier jobs, but available to all.Eligible employees only.
BenefitUp to 65% of gross income, paid monthly.A fixed weekly or monthly amount.A flat rate of £116.75 per week (2024/25).
Payment PeriodLong-term: can pay until retirement age.Short-term: typically 1, 2, or 5 years per claim.Maximum of 28 weeks.
Conditions CoveredAny illness or injury preventing you from working.Any illness or injury preventing you from working.Any illness or injury preventing you from working.
Best FeatureComprehensive long-term financial security.Quick payouts for short-term absence, simpler underwriting.A minimal safety net provided by law.

At WeCovr, we help estate agents navigate these options, analysing their income structure and financial needs to recommend the most suitable and cost-effective income protection plan from across the UK market.

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Business Protection for Agency Owners and Directors

If you run your own estate agency, your financial responsibilities extend beyond your family to your business and your staff. Specialist business protection policies are designed to safeguard the enterprise you've built.

Key Person Insurance

Who is the most valuable person in your agency? Is it the sales director who brings in 40% of the revenue? The charismatic branch manager who holds the team together? The lettings expert with an encyclopaedic knowledge of the local market?

Key Person Insurance (or Key Man Insurance) protects your business against the financial impact of losing such an individual to death or critical illness.

  • How it works: The business takes out a policy on the life of the key employee. If that person passes away or is diagnosed with a critical illness, the policy pays a lump sum directly to the business.
  • What it covers: The funds can be used to cover lost profits, recruit and train a replacement, reassure lenders and suppliers, or simply provide the cash flow to navigate a difficult period.

For a partnership, this type of cover can also be used to provide the funds for the surviving partners to buy the deceased partner's share of the business from their estate, ensuring a smooth transition.

Relevant Life Insurance

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

A Relevant Life Policy is essentially a company-funded personal life insurance policy.

The Tax Advantages are Significant:

  • For the Business: The premiums are generally treated as an allowable business expense, so they can be offset against your corporation tax bill.
  • For the Employee (You): The premiums are not treated as a P11D benefit-in-kind, so there is no extra income tax or National Insurance to pay.
  • For the Family: The benefit is paid out tax-free to the employee's family via a trust, so it does not form part of the estate for Inheritance Tax purposes.

Relevant Life vs. Personal Life Insurance

FeatureRelevant Life PolicyPersonal Life Policy
Who Pays?Your limited company.You, from your post-tax income.
Premiums Tax-Deductible?Yes, usually an allowable business expense.No.
Benefit in Kind?No.Not applicable.
Ideal ForDirectors & employees of small businesses without a group scheme.Sole traders, partners, or anyone wanting cover separate from their business.

The tax savings can be substantial, often making a Relevant Life Policy almost 50% cheaper for a higher-rate taxpayer compared to a personal policy.

Executive Income Protection

Similar to a Relevant Life Policy, Executive Income Protection is a policy taken out and paid for by your limited company to provide an income for a director or employee if they are unable to work.

The payments are made to the business, which then typically pays the money to the individual via PAYE. This allows the business to continue paying a salary to a valuable employee even when they are off sick long-term. The premiums are usually a tax-deductible business expense.

Applying for protection insurance with a variable income requires a little more preparation, but it's entirely straightforward with the right guidance.

1. Declaring Your Fluctuating Income

Insurers understand commission-based roles. They don't expect your income to be the same every month. To assess your income for Income Protection, they will typically ask for:

  • For the Employed: Your last 3-6 months of payslips and your most recent P60.
  • For the Self-Employed/Director: Your last 2-3 years of finalised accounts or your SA302 tax calculations from HMRC.

They will usually take an average of your earnings over this period to establish a fair and sustainable level of income to insure. Honesty and clear documentation are key.

2. Answering Health and Lifestyle Questions

You must be completely truthful on your application form. Insurers ask about:

  • Medical History: Including any past or present conditions.
  • Smoker Status: Vaping and using nicotine replacements usually classify you as a smoker, leading to higher premiums.
  • Alcohol Consumption: Be accurate about your weekly unit intake.
  • Hobbies: Any hazardous sports or pastimes may need to be declared.
  • Mental Health: Insurers have become much more sophisticated in underwriting mental health. Declaring past stress, anxiety, or depression does not mean an automatic decline. It's vital to provide context, such as what treatment you had and how you are now.

Non-disclosure (failing to mention something) is the primary reason claims are denied, so it's not worth the risk.

3. The Power of an Expert Broker

This is where working with a specialist broker like WeCovr makes a real difference. We understand the specific challenges estate agents face during an application.

  • Market Knowledge: We know which insurers have the most favourable underwriting for commission-based earnings or specific health conditions.
  • Application Support: We can help you position your application in the best possible light, ensuring all information is presented clearly and accurately.
  • Time-Saving: We handle the paperwork and liaise with the insurer on your behalf, saving you hours of administration and chasing.

Our goal is to find you the right cover at the most competitive price, with the minimum of fuss.

How Much Does Protection Insurance Cost for an Estate Agent?

The cost of cover, known as the premium, is based on individual risk. Several factors influence the final price:

  • Age: The younger you are when you take out a policy, the cheaper it will be.
  • Health: Your current health and past medical history are key.
  • Smoker Status: Smokers can expect to pay up to double the premium of a non-smoker.
  • Cover Amount: The size of the lump sum or monthly benefit.
  • Policy Term: How long you want the cover to last.
  • Occupation: An office-based role is low-risk. Extensive travel may slightly increase premiums for some types of cover.

To give you an idea, here are some illustrative monthly premiums for a healthy, non-smoking estate agent. These are examples only and your actual quote will depend on your personal circumstances.

Example Premiums: 30-Year-Old Estate Agent

  • Cover: £250,000 Level Term Life Insurance or Critical Illness Cover over 30 years.
  • Income Protection: £2,500/month benefit, paying out after 3 months, until age 65.
Policy TypeIllustrative Monthly Premium
Life Insurance Only£9 - £15
Life & Critical Illness Cover£35 - £55
Income Protection ('Own Occupation')£40 - £65

Example Premiums: 45-Year-Old Agency Director

  • Cover: £400,000 Level Term Life Insurance or Critical Illness Cover over 20 years.
  • Income Protection: £4,000/month benefit, paying out after 6 months, until age 65.
Policy TypeIllustrative Monthly Premium
Life Insurance Only£25 - £40
Life & Critical Illness Cover£110 - £160
Income Protection ('Own Occupation')£95 - £145

As you can see, the cost of securing your financial future is often less than a monthly mobile phone contract or a few client lunches.

Beyond Insurance: A Holistic Approach to Wellbeing for Estate Agents

While insurance provides a crucial financial safety net, proactively managing your health can reduce your risk of ever needing to claim. The demanding nature of your job makes self-care essential, not a luxury.

Managing Stress in a High-Stakes Environment

  • Set Boundaries: The 'always-on' culture is damaging. Decide on a cut-off time for calls and emails in the evening to allow your mind to switch off.
  • Practice Mindfulness: Even 10 minutes of daily meditation or deep breathing can significantly lower stress levels and improve focus.
  • Schedule Downtime: Block out time in your diary for non-work activities, just as you would for a viewing. Protect this time fiercely.

Healthy Eating on the Go

It’s easy to fall into the trap of grabbing unhealthy snacks between appointments.

  • Plan Ahead: Prepare healthy lunches and snacks at the start of the week.
  • Stay Hydrated: Keep a large bottle of water in your car. Dehydration can cause fatigue and headaches, impacting your performance.
  • Limit Caffeine and Sugar: While they provide a quick boost, they often lead to a subsequent crash.

At WeCovr, we believe in supporting our clients' overall wellbeing. That’s why we provide complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. It's a simple, effective tool to help busy professionals like you make healthier food choices, even with a hectic schedule.

Prioritising Sleep

Sleep is fundamental to cognitive function, emotional regulation, and physical health. Consistently poor sleep can impair your judgement, negotiation skills, and resilience. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night by creating a relaxing bedtime routine and a dark, quiet sleeping environment.

Inheritance Tax (IHT) and Estate Planning for Successful Agents

As you progress in your career and build personal wealth through property, investments, and savings, your estate may become liable for Inheritance Tax. Currently, IHT is charged at 40% on the value of an estate above the £325,000 threshold (nil-rate band).

Gifting and Gift Inter Vivos Insurance

One common estate planning strategy is to gift assets (such as money or property) to your children or other beneficiaries during your lifetime. However, these are considered "Potentially Exempt Transfers" (PETs). If you die within 7 years of making the gift, it may still be counted as part of your estate for IHT purposes.

This is where Gift Inter Vivos insurance can help. It is a specialised life insurance policy designed to cover the potential IHT liability on a gift.

  • How it works: You take out a life policy for a 7-year term, with the cover amount matching the potential tax bill. The cover amount can decrease over the 7 years in line with the "taper relief" rules for IHT on gifts.
  • The benefit: If you pass away within the 7 years, the policy pays out to cover the tax bill, ensuring your beneficiaries receive the full value of your gift.

This is a niche but powerful tool for effective estate planning, and something a financial adviser can help you structure correctly.

Your financial wellbeing is the bedrock upon which your professional success is built. By taking proactive steps to protect your income, your health, and your family, you give yourself the ultimate peace of mind to focus on what you do best: selling property.

I'm self-employed. How do I prove my income for an income protection application?

Insurers are very familiar with self-employed applicants. To prove your income, you will typically need to provide your finalised accounts or SA302 tax calculations (available from your HMRC online account) for the past 2 to 3 years. They will usually calculate an average of your pre-tax profit over this period to determine the maximum monthly benefit you are eligible for. Having clear, organised financial records makes the process much smoother.

Is my commission included when insurers calculate my income for protection insurance?

Yes, absolutely. For estate agents, commission often makes up a significant portion of total earnings. Insurers will look at your total gross earnings, which includes your basic salary plus all commission and bonuses. They will typically average this over a period (e.g., 12-24 months) to get a stable figure for underwriting purposes.

Do I need a medical examination to get life insurance?

Not always. For many people, especially those who are younger and applying for a standard amount of cover, acceptance is based purely on the health and lifestyle questions on the application form. However, a medical exam (which could include a nurse screening, blood tests, or a GP report) may be requested if you are older, have a pre-existing medical condition, or are applying for a very large amount of cover.

Can I get life insurance if I have a pre-existing medical condition like high blood pressure?

Yes, it is often possible to get cover. You must declare the condition fully on your application. The insurer will likely ask for more details, such as recent blood pressure readings, any medication you take, and when you were diagnosed. Depending on how well-managed the condition is, the insurer may offer you cover at standard rates, apply a 'loading' (increase the premium), or place an 'exclusion' (meaning the policy wouldn't pay out for death related to that specific condition). An expert broker can help you find the insurer most likely to offer favourable terms.

Is Relevant Life Insurance suitable for a self-employed sole trader?

No, Relevant Life Insurance is specifically designed for employees of a business, including directors of a limited company. A sole trader is not an employee of a separate legal entity, so they cannot take out a Relevant Life Policy. A sole trader would need to take out a standard personal life insurance policy, paying the premiums from their post-tax income.

What happens if I stop paying my insurance premiums?

If you stop paying your premiums for a protection policy like life insurance or income protection, your cover will lapse. Most insurers offer a grace period (usually 30 days) to make the missed payment. If you don't pay within this period, the policy will be cancelled, and you will no longer be covered. If you were to pass away or fall ill after the policy has lapsed, no claim would be paid. It's crucial to maintain your payments to keep your protection in place. If you're having financial difficulties, you should speak to your broker or insurer, as they may have options available.

Related guides

Why life insurance and how does it work?

What is Life Insurance?

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

How does it work?

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

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

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

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

Questions to ask yourself regarding life insurance

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

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

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

Benefits offered by income protection, life and critical illness insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Types of life insurance policies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Fact!

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

Why is it important to get life insurance early?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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Important Information

Since 2011, WeCovr has helped thousands of individuals, families, and businesses protect what matters most. We make it easy to get quotes for life insurance, critical illness cover, private medical insurance, and a wide range of other insurance types. We also provide embedded insurance solutions tailored for business partners and platforms.

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About WeCovr

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