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Life Insurance for Part-Time Workers UK

Life Insurance for Part-Time Workers UK 2025

Working part-time offers incredible flexibility, allowing millions of Britons to balance careers with family, studies, or other life passions. However, this flexibility can sometimes come with a hidden cost: a perceived gap in financial security. Many part-time workers mistakenly believe that essential financial safety nets like life insurance, critical illness cover, and income protection are either unaffordable or inaccessible to them.

This comprehensive guide is here to dismantle that myth. As specialists in the UK protection market, we'll walk you through why financial protection is vital for anyone working flexible hours and how you can secure robust, affordable cover that fits your unique circumstances. Whether you're a parent working around school hours, a student earning while you learn, or someone scaling back before retirement, this article will provide the clarity you need to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Affordable protection for employees with flexible hours

The idea that you need a full-time, high-earning job to qualify for life insurance is one of the most persistent and damaging misconceptions in personal finance. The truth is, UK insurers are far more interested in your overall health, lifestyle, and the level of cover you need than whether you work 15 or 40 hours a week.

For part-time workers, this is excellent news. It means that affordable, meaningful protection is well within reach. The key is understanding what you need and knowing how to find the best value. Your part-time status does not automatically place you in a high-risk category or lead to inflated premiums for life insurance.

The financial services industry has evolved significantly. Insurers recognise that the UK workforce is more dynamic than ever. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), in early 2025, over 8 million people in the UK work part-time, making up roughly a quarter of the entire workforce. This is a huge segment of the population that needs and deserves access to proper financial protection.

Let's be clear: the price of a life insurance policy is primarily determined by:

  • Your Age: The younger you are when you take out a policy, the cheaper it will be.
  • Your Health: Your current health, medical history, and family medical history are key factors.
  • Your Lifestyle: Insurers will ask about smoking, alcohol consumption, and any high-risk hobbies.
  • The Amount of Cover: The size of the potential payout (the sum assured).
  • The Length of the Policy: How long you want the cover to last (the term).

Your employment status is secondary. Where it becomes more relevant is with income-related protection, such as Income Protection, but even then, there are fantastic options available for part-time earners.

Why Part-Time Workers Need Financial Protection

While the flexibility of part-time work is a major benefit, it can also create financial vulnerabilities. Understanding these is the first step towards building a resilient financial plan.

1. Reduced Employer Benefits: Many part-time contracts, particularly those with fewer hours, may not include the same level of benefits as full-time roles. This can mean:

  • No 'Death in Service' Cover: This is a common full-time perk where your employer provides a lump sum (often 2-4 times your salary) to your family if you die while employed. Many part-time workers are ineligible or, if they are, the payout based on a part-time salary may be insufficient.
  • Limited Sick Pay: Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) in the UK is a legal minimum, but it's very low (£116.75 per week as of April 2024). Many full-time roles offer enhanced company sick pay for a set period, a benefit often less generous or absent for part-time staff.

2. Income Fluctuation and Lower Earnings: A part-time income, by its nature, is lower than a full-time equivalent. While manageable day-to-day, this leaves less of a cushion to absorb financial shocks. If you were unable to work due to illness or injury, or if you were to pass away, the financial impact on your household could be immediate and severe.

3. Crucial Contribution to Household Finances: Never underestimate the value of a part-time income. It often covers essential bills, contributes to the mortgage, pays for childcare, or funds the weekly food shop. According to a 2024 study by the Resolution Foundation, the income from second earners—often working part-time—is what lifts millions of UK households out of poverty. Its loss would be deeply felt.

A Real-Life Example: Consider Sarah, a 35-year-old graphic designer who works 20 hours a week to fit around caring for her two young children. Her husband, Tom, works full-time. Sarah's income of £1,500 a month covers the childcare costs, the family's food bills, and their car payments.

  • Without protection: If Sarah were to pass away, Tom would face an immediate £1,500 monthly shortfall. He might have to reduce his own working hours to manage childcare, further straining their finances, all while grieving.
  • With protection: A simple life insurance policy could provide a lump sum to clear their mortgage, removing their biggest monthly expense. An income protection policy could replace Sarah's earnings if she were diagnosed with an illness that prevented her from working, ensuring financial stability during a difficult time.

This is why financial protection isn't a luxury; it's a fundamental part of responsible financial planning for anyone whose income matters to their family.

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Understanding Your Options: The Main Types of Protection

The world of insurance can seem complex, but it boils down to a few core products designed to protect you against different life events. Here’s a clear breakdown of the main options available to part-time workers in the UK.

1. Life Insurance (Term Life Insurance)

This is the most straightforward form of protection. It pays out a tax-free lump sum to your loved ones if you pass away during the policy's term. It's designed to help them manage financially without you, covering things like:

  • Mortgage or rent payments
  • Household bills and daily living costs
  • Childcare and education expenses
  • Funeral costs (the average UK funeral cost was £4,141 in 2024, according to the SunLife Cost of Dying report).

There are three main types:

Type of Term InsuranceHow It WorksBest For
Level TermThe payout amount remains the same throughout the policy term.Covering large debts that don't decrease, like an interest-only mortgage, or providing a general family inheritance.
Decreasing TermThe payout amount reduces over time, usually in line with a repayment mortgage.Covering a specific repayment debt. This is the most affordable type of life insurance.
Increasing TermThe payout amount increases each year, typically to combat inflation.Protecting your family's future purchasing power. Premiums also rise over time.

2. Family Income Benefit

This is a clever and often more affordable alternative to a traditional lump-sum policy. Instead of one large payout, Family Income Benefit provides your family with a regular, tax-free monthly or annual income for the remainder of the policy term if you pass away.

Why it’s great for part-time workers: It’s designed to replace a lost salary in a manageable way, making it easier for your family to budget. Because the total potential payout decreases over time, it's often cheaper than a level term policy for the same initial level of protection.

3. Critical Illness Cover

What if you didn't pass away but were diagnosed with a serious illness that left you unable to work? This is where Critical Illness Cover (CIC) comes in. It pays out a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of a list of specific, serious medical conditions defined in the policy.

Common conditions covered include:

  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Cancer (of a specified severity)
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Major organ transplant

This money can give you vital breathing space, allowing you to focus on recovery without financial stress. You could use it to pay off your mortgage, adapt your home, cover medical expenses, or simply replace lost income. It is often sold as a combined policy with life insurance.

4. Income Protection Insurance

For any worker, but especially for part-time and self-employed individuals, Income Protection is arguably the most important insurance policy you can own. It acts as your replacement salary if you're unable to work due to any illness or injury.

  • How it works: It pays out a regular, tax-free monthly income (typically 50-65% of your gross earnings) after a pre-agreed waiting period (the 'deferred period'). This period can be anything from 4 weeks to 12 months, chosen to align with any sick pay you receive.
  • Payout period: Policies can pay out for a limited period (e.g., 1, 2, or 5 years) or right up until you can return to work or retire. The latter is known as a 'full-term' policy and offers the most comprehensive protection.
  • 'Own Occupation' Cover: This is the gold standard. It means the policy will pay out if you are unable to do your specific job. Cheaper policies might use a 'suited occupation' or 'any occupation' definition, which are much harder to claim on.

5. Personal Sick Pay Insurance

This is a type of short-term income protection, often favoured by those in manual trades or roles with a higher risk of short-term injury. It's designed to kick in quickly, often after just one week of being off work, and typically pays out for up to 12 or 24 months. It’s a great option for plugging the immediate gap left by inadequate employer sick pay.

Here's a summary table to help you compare:

Protection ProductWhat It DoesPayout TypeKey Benefit for Part-Time Workers
Life InsurancePays out on death.Lump SumReplaces your long-term financial value to the family.
Family Income BenefitPays out a regular income on death until the term ends.Regular IncomeA more affordable and budget-friendly way to replace a salary.
Critical Illness CoverPays out on diagnosis of a specific serious illness.Lump SumProvides financial freedom to cope with a life-changing illness.
Income ProtectionReplaces your salary if you can't work due to illness/injury.Regular IncomeProtects your most important asset: your ability to earn.
Personal Sick PayA short-term version of Income Protection.Regular IncomePlugs the immediate income gap if you have little or no sick pay.

At WeCovr, we specialise in helping people navigate these options. Our expert advisors can explain the pros and cons of each product in relation to your specific part-time role and financial situation, ensuring you get the right cover without paying for features you don't need.

Does Working Part-Time Affect My Life Insurance Application?

This is a common and important question. The straightforward answer is: for a standard life insurance policy, your part-time status has very little direct impact on the application or the premium.

Insurers are concerned with mortality risk – the likelihood of you passing away during the policy term. The factors that influence this risk are personal, not professional. An insurer will focus on:

  • Your age and health: This is the biggest factor.
  • Your BMI (Body Mass Index): A healthy BMI can lead to lower premiums.
  • Smoking and vaping: Smokers can pay double the premium of non-smokers.
  • Alcohol intake: Your weekly unit consumption will be assessed.
  • Family medical history: A history of hereditary conditions like heart disease or cancer can be a factor.
  • Your occupation's risk level: A part-time office worker will pay less than a part-time deep-sea diver, but this is about the job's danger, not the hours worked.

Where your income does become a key consideration is when applying for cover that replaces your earnings, namely:

  • Income Protection: The amount of cover you can get is directly linked to your earnings. Insurers will typically allow you to cover up to 65% of your gross (pre-tax) part-time salary. They will ask for proof of earnings, such as payslips or a P60, to verify this.
  • Critical Illness Cover: While not always directly linked, some insurers may place a cap on the amount of CIC you can take out relative to your income, known as an 'earnings justification' limit.

The good news is that even with a modest part-time income, you can still secure a meaningful level of income-related protection that would make a world of difference during a crisis.

How Much Cover Do I Need? A Practical Guide

Calculating the right amount of cover can feel daunting, but it's simpler than you think. The goal is to provide enough money to clear major debts and support your dependants' living costs. A popular method is the D.E.B.T. acronym:

  • D - Debts: List all your outstanding debts. The biggest is usually the mortgage, but don't forget car loans, personal loans, and credit card balances.
  • E - Expenses: Estimate the annual household expenses your income covers. Think about bills, food, transport, and childcare. Multiply this by the number of years you want to provide for your family (e.g., until your youngest child turns 21).
  • B - Burial: Factor in funeral costs. As mentioned, the average is over £4,000, but it's wise to budget around £5,000-£7,000 to be safe.
  • T - Take away: Subtract any existing savings, investments, or 'death in service' benefits you might have.

Let's use our example of Sarah again:

Calculation StepSarah's DetailsAmount
DebtsOutstanding Mortgage£150,000
Car Loan£5,000
ExpensesHer income covers £1,500/month in costs (£18,000/year). Youngest child is 5, wants cover until they are 21 (16 years). £18,000 x 16 years.£288,000
Burial CostsEstimated funeral costs£5,000
Total Need£448,000
Take Away Existing CoverShe has no death in service and £10,000 in savings.- £10,000
Final Cover Amount£438,000

This might seem like a large number, but a policy for this amount for a healthy 35-year-old could be surprisingly affordable. Alternatively, she could choose a smaller lump sum to clear the mortgage and use a Family Income Benefit policy to provide the replacement income. A qualified advisor can help you model these scenarios.

Making Life Insurance Affordable on a Part-Time Income

Even on a tighter budget, there are plenty of strategies to get the protection you need without breaking the bank.

  1. Buy Young: Age is the single biggest factor in cost. A policy for a 30-year-old can be significantly cheaper than the exact same policy for a 40-year-old. The sooner you lock in a premium, the better.
  2. Quit Smoking (and Vaping): Insurers view smokers as much higher risk. If you can quit for 12 months, you can be re-classified as a non-smoker and see your premiums fall by as much as 50%.
  3. Improve Your Health: Lowering your BMI, reducing your alcohol intake, and managing conditions like high blood pressure can all lead to more favourable quotes. This is where a holistic approach to wellbeing pays dividends, both for your health and your wallet.
  4. Choose the Right Policy Type: Don't automatically opt for a huge lump sum. If your main goal is to cover the mortgage, a Decreasing Term policy is the most cost-effective choice. If it's to replace your income, Family Income Benefit is often cheaper than a Level Term policy.
  5. Place Your Policy in Trust: This is a crucial step. Writing your policy 'in trust' is a simple legal arrangement that ensures the payout goes directly to your chosen beneficiaries, bypassing your estate. This has two huge benefits: it avoids the lengthy and complex probate process, and it means the payout is not typically subject to Inheritance Tax. Most insurers offer this service for free, and a good advisor will handle the paperwork for you.
  6. Compare, Compare, Compare: Never accept the first quote you see. The market is competitive, and premiums for the same person can vary significantly between insurers. Using an independent broker like WeCovr is the most efficient way to do this. We use our expertise and technology to scan the entire market, including all the major UK providers, to find the policy that offers the best terms and price for your individual needs.

What About Employer 'Death in Service' Benefits?

If you're one of the part-time workers who is lucky enough to be offered a 'Death in Service' scheme by your employer, that's a fantastic starting point. However, it's vital to understand its limitations and why it should not be your only form of protection.

FeatureDeath in ServicePersonal Life Insurance
Ownership & ControlOwned by your employer. They can change or cancel it.You own the policy. It's yours as long as you pay.
PortabilityCover ceases the day you leave your job.Completely portable. It stays with you through job changes.
Payout AmountA multiple of salary (e.g., 2-4x). For a part-time worker, this may be a low amount.You choose the amount based on your family's actual needs.
Trusts & PayoutPayout is at the discretion of the scheme trustees. You can nominate a beneficiary, but it's not guaranteed.You place it in trust, ensuring the money goes to who you choose, quickly and directly.
Tax StatusPayout is usually tax-free.Payout is tax-free, and placing it in trust protects it from Inheritance Tax.

The key takeaway is that Death in Service is a great perk of a job, but a personal life insurance policy is a core part of your personal financial plan. It provides certainty and is tailored to your family's specific needs, not your employer's HR policy.

Special Considerations for the Self-Employed and Freelancers

A significant portion of the UK's part-time workforce is self-employed or works on a freelance basis. For this group, the need for protection is even more acute as there is no employer safety net whatsoever—no sick pay, no holiday pay, and certainly no death in service.

If you are a freelancer or run your own limited company, you should prioritise:

  • Income Protection: This is your lifeline. It's the only way to guarantee an income if you're too ill or injured to work. As a business owner, your ability to earn is your business's most critical asset.
  • Executive Income Protection: If you operate as a limited company director, you can have the company pay for your income protection policy. This is a legitimate business expense, making it highly tax-efficient. The premiums are not treated as a P11D benefit, and the benefit is paid to the company to then be distributed as salary.
  • Key Person Insurance: This is business-focused protection. If you are the key person whose skills, knowledge, or contacts are essential to your business's survival, this policy pays a lump sum to the business if you die or suffer a critical illness. This gives the business the funds to recruit a replacement or manage the disruption without collapsing.
  • Gift Inter Vivos Insurance: For successful business owners planning their estate, this is a specialist policy. If you gift assets (like company shares) to your family to reduce your Inheritance Tax liability, this policy covers the potential tax bill if you were to die within 7 years of making the gift.

Wellness, Health, and Your Premiums: A Virtuous Circle

Insurers are increasingly rewarding customers who take a proactive approach to their health. This creates a powerful incentive to adopt healthier habits, which benefit you not just with lower premiums but with a better quality of life.

  • Diet and Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and whole grains can help maintain a healthy weight, reduce cholesterol, and lower your risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
  • Physical Activity: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week. Regular exercise is proven to boost mental health, improve sleep, and strengthen your cardiovascular system.
  • Sleep: Consistent, quality sleep (7-9 hours for most adults) is fundamental to physical and mental regeneration. Poor sleep is linked to a host of health problems.
  • Mental Wellbeing: Stress, anxiety, and depression are major health concerns. Taking steps to manage stress, whether through mindfulness, exercise, or seeking professional support, is crucial for your long-term health.

At WeCovr, we believe in supporting our customers' wellbeing beyond just the policy. That’s why we provide our customers with complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero. It’s a practical tool to help you make informed choices about your diet, supporting your journey towards better health—a journey that can lead to more affordable insurance protection.

How WeCovr Can Help You Find the Right Protection

Navigating the insurance market can be time-consuming and confusing, especially when you have specific circumstances like part-time employment. This is where working with an expert, independent broker like WeCovr makes all the difference.

  • We Understand Your Needs: We know that a part-time worker's protection needs are unique. We won't try to sell you a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, we listen to your situation—your income, your family, your budget—and recommend products that genuinely fit.
  • We Scan the Whole Market: We have access to policies from all the UK's leading and specialist insurers. This means we can find the most competitive prices and the most suitable terms, saving you time and money.
  • We Provide Expert Advice: We'll demystify the jargon and explain the pros and cons of each option. We'll help you calculate the right level of cover and ensure you understand exactly what you're buying.
  • We Handle the Hassle: From filling out the application forms correctly to managing the process with the insurer and setting up your policy in trust, we handle the administrative burden for you.

Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and the tools to secure the best possible protection for you and your family, at the most affordable price.

In Conclusion: Your Financial Peace of Mind

Working part-time should be a choice that enhances your life, not one that exposes you to financial risk. Life insurance, critical illness cover, and income protection are not luxuries reserved for the full-time workforce; they are essential tools for building financial resilience for everyone.

By understanding your needs, exploring the different types of cover available, and taking simple steps to make it affordable, you can put a robust safety net in place. Your contribution to your family's finances is vital, and protecting it is one of the most important and caring financial decisions you can make. Take the first step towards securing that peace of mind today.

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

Yes, in many cases you can. It's crucial to be completely honest about your condition on the application form. The insurer may request a report from your GP or ask you to attend a medical screening. Depending on the condition and its severity, the insurer might offer you cover at standard rates, increase the premium (a 'loading'), or place an 'exclusion' on the policy, meaning it won't pay out for death related to that specific condition. In some cases, cover may be declined, but a specialist broker can often help find an insurer who will offer terms.

Do I need a medical exam to get life insurance?

Not always. For younger applicants seeking a moderate amount of cover, insurers can often make a decision based on the answers on the application form alone. However, you may be asked for a medical exam if you are older, are applying for a very large amount of cover, or have declared a pre-existing medical condition. This is a standard part of the underwriting process and is paid for by the insurer.

What happens if I stop paying my premiums?

Life insurance, critical illness cover, and income protection are 'pure protection' policies with no cash-in value. If you stop paying your monthly premiums, your cover will lapse, and you will no longer be protected. The insurer will typically offer a grace period of around 30 days to make the missed payment, but if you don't, the policy will be cancelled. If your circumstances change and you're struggling to afford the premiums, you should speak to your advisor, as it may be possible to reduce your cover to make the premium more manageable.

What happens if my working hours change from part-time to full-time?

For your life insurance policy, nothing needs to change. Your cover and premium will remain the same. For an income protection policy, this is a positive change. You should contact your insurer or advisor, as you will now be eligible to increase your level of cover to reflect your new, higher salary, providing you with even greater protection.

Is the payout from a life insurance policy taxable?

The lump sum payout from a life insurance policy is paid free of income tax and capital gains tax. However, if the policy is not written in trust, the payout will form part of your legal estate and could be subject to Inheritance Tax (IHT) if the total value of your estate exceeds the IHT threshold (£325,000 in 2025). Placing your policy in trust is a simple and usually free way to ensure the payout goes directly to your beneficiaries and is not considered part of your estate for IHT purposes.

What is the main difference between Income Protection and Critical Illness Cover?

The main difference is how they are triggered and how they pay out. Critical Illness Cover pays a one-off lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of the specific, serious illnesses listed on the policy. Income Protection pays a regular monthly income if you are unable to work due to *any* illness or injury that prevents you from doing your job, after a set waiting period. Many experts see Income Protection as more comprehensive because it covers a much wider range of scenarios (e.g., mental health issues, back problems) that might stop you from working but may not be covered by a critical illness policy.

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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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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