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Life Insurance with Guaranteed Insurability Option UK

WeCovr Editorial Team · experienced insurance advisers
Last updated Feb 18, 2026
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TL;DR

Life insurance is one of the cornerstones of sound financial planning. It’s a promise to your loved ones that should the worst happen, they will have a financial cushion to help them navigate a difficult future. But life is anything but static.

Life insurance is one of the cornerstones of sound financial planning. It’s a promise to your loved ones that should the worst happen, they will have a financial cushion to help them navigate a difficult future. But life is anything but static. The policy that perfectly fits your needs as a single 25-year-old renting a flat will likely be insufficient a decade later when you have a mortgage, a spouse, and a child on the way.

Traditionally, increasing your cover meant starting the application process all over again, complete with probing medical questions and potentially even a medical examination. If your health has changed in the intervening years—a common reality for many of us—you could face higher premiums or even be declined for additional cover altogether.

But what if there was a way to future-proof your policy? A feature that allows your cover to grow alongside your life's biggest milestones, without ever having to answer another health question? This is where the Guaranteed Insurability Option (GIO) comes in. This powerful, yet often overlooked, policy feature is a game-changer for long-term financial security.

How this add-on lets you increase cover without medical exams

The Guaranteed Insurability Option—sometimes called a 'Life Events Option'—is a contractual clause included in many modern life, critical illness, and income protection policies. In simple terms, it grants you the right to increase your amount of cover at specific, predefined life events, without any further medical underwriting.

Think of it as a pre-approved "top-up" for your insurance. When you first take out your policy, the insurer assesses your health and lifestyle and offers you cover at a certain price. The GIO essentially "freezes" that health assessment. It means that even if you later develop a health condition like high blood pressure, diabetes, or experience mental health challenges, you can still activate the GIO and increase your sum assured.

The insurer cannot ask you new health questions, request a GP report, or demand a medical exam when you use this option. Your increased cover will be priced based on your current age and smoking status, but crucially, on your original health status. This provides immense peace of mind, ensuring your protection can adapt to your growing responsibilities, regardless of how your health may have changed.

Why is the Guaranteed Insurability Option So Important?

To truly appreciate the value of a GIO, you need to understand the risk of not having one. Life's journey is filled with milestones that increase our financial responsibilities.

  • Getting married or entering a civil partnership
  • Buying your first home
  • Having children
  • Moving to a larger property
  • Receiving a significant pay rise

Each of these events means more people are relying on you, or your financial commitments, such as your mortgage, have grown. Your insurance cover needs to keep pace. Without a GIO, your only choice is to apply for a new policy or a 'top-up' policy, which means undergoing a full new medical underwriting process.

This is where the problem lies. The reality is that our health can change over time. According to NHS Digital data, the prevalence of many chronic conditions increases significantly with age. For example, the Health Survey for England 2021 estimated that while only 16% of men aged 35-44 have diagnosed or undiagnosed high blood pressure, this figure jumps to 31% for those aged 45-54. Similarly, conditions like Type 2 diabetes become more common as we get older.

Let's consider two scenarios to illustrate the power of a GIO.

Scenario 1: Amelie (Without a GIO)

Amelie, a healthy 28-year-old, takes out a £250,000 level term life insurance policy to cover her mortgage. Five years later, at 33, she gets married, has her first child, and her family moves to a bigger house with a larger mortgage. She now calculates that she needs £450,000 of cover. (illustrative estimate)

Unfortunately, during a routine check-up a year ago, Amelie was diagnosed with high cholesterol and is on medication to manage it. When she applies for the extra £200,000 of cover, she must declare this. The insurer now sees her as a higher risk. They may offer her the cover, but with a "loading" on her premium, meaning she pays significantly more than the standard rate. In a worse-case scenario, they could decline her application for extra cover altogether.

Scenario 2: Ben (With a GIO)

Ben, also a healthy 28-year-old, takes out a £250,000 policy from an insurer that includes a generous GIO as standard. At WeCovr, we help clients identify these policies that offer excellent long-term value. Ben’s life follows a similar path to Amelie’s. At 33, he has a new baby and a larger mortgage. He also recently found out he has high cholesterol. (illustrative estimate)

The difference is, Ben simply contacts his insurer to exercise the GIO. He provides his child’s birth certificate and his new mortgage offer. The insurer increases his cover to £450,000. They do not ask a single health question. His premium increases to reflect the higher cover and his current age (33), but it is calculated at the standard rate—as if he were still in perfect health. His high cholesterol has no impact on the price of his additional cover. (illustrative estimate)

The GIO has protected Ben’s future insurability, allowing him to secure the right level of protection for his growing family at a fair price.

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What Life Events Trigger the Guaranteed Insurability Option?

The GIO cannot be used at any random time. It is specifically linked to major life events that typically increase your need for financial protection. While the exact triggers can vary between insurers, the most common ones are:

  • Marriage or Civil Partnership: A new spouse or partner often means shared financial futures and responsibilities.
  • Birth or Legal Adoption of a Child: Becoming a parent is arguably the single biggest reason people increase their life insurance.
  • Mortgage Increase: When you buy a new home, move to a bigger one, or undertake major home improvements funded by additional borrowing.
  • Divorce or Dissolution of a Civil Partnership: Often used to replace a joint life policy with a new single life policy.
  • Salary Increase: A significant pay rise (usually over a certain percentage, like 20%) resulting from a promotion or new job.

It's vital to be aware of the "small print" associated with these triggers:

  • Time Limit: You must exercise the option within a specific timeframe after the event, typically between three and six months.
  • Age Limit: Most insurers impose an upper age limit for using the GIO, often around 55.
  • Proof Required: You will need to provide documentary evidence of the event, such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or a mortgage offer letter.

To show how terms can differ, here is a comparison of typical GIO features across different insurers. This highlights why comparing policies on more than just the initial price is so important.

FeatureInsurer A (Standard)Insurer B (Comprehensive)Insurer C (Budget)
Marriage/Civil Partnership✅✅✅
Birth/Adoption of Child✅✅✅
Mortgage Increase✅✅No
Salary Increase (>20%)No✅No
Divorce/Dissolution✅✅No
Upper Age Limit to Use556050
Timeframe to Apply3 months6 months3 months

An expert broker can help you navigate these differences to find a policy whose GIO terms best match your future life plans.

Understanding the Limits and Small Print

While the GIO is an incredibly powerful tool, it's not a blank cheque. Insurers put sensible limits in place to manage their risk. Being aware of these limitations is key to understanding exactly what you're getting.

Limits on the Increase Amount

You can't increase your cover by an unlimited amount. The increase is typically restricted by two factors, and you're usually allowed the lesser of the two:

  1. A Percentage of the Original Cover: This is often 50% of your initial sum assured. For example, if you have £300,000 of cover, you could increase it by up to £150,000 per event.
  2. A Maximum Monetary Value: Insurers also set a fixed cap, for example, £200,000.

Example: You have an original policy for £300,000. You have a baby and want to use your GIO. (illustrative estimate)

  • Illustrative estimate: The percentage limit is 50% of £300,000 = £150,000.
  • Illustrative estimate: The monetary cap is £200,000. In this case, the maximum you can increase your cover by is £150,000 (the lesser of the two amounts), bringing your new total to £450,000. (illustrative estimate)

Lifetime Limits

Insurers also cap the total amount you can increase your cover by over the entire life of the policy. This is often set at 100% of the original sum assured or a fixed monetary value like £250,000, whichever is lower. This means you can use the option multiple times for different events, but the cumulative total of all your increases cannot exceed this overall cap. (illustrative estimate)

Crucial Exclusions and Conditions

This is perhaps the most important part of the small print to understand.

  • Standard Terms Only: In almost all cases, the GIO is only available if you were accepted for the original policy on standard terms. If you had a premium 'loading' (you paid extra) or an exclusion applied due to a pre-existing health condition or a risky hobby, the GIO will likely be void.
  • No Active Claims: You cannot use the option if you are in the process of making a claim or have already received a payout from the policy (e.g., a critical illness claim on a combined life and critical illness plan).
  • Original Policy Only: The option applies to the core benefit (the life insurance lump sum). It might not always apply to other add-ons you have, like Waiver of Premium, although some of the more comprehensive plans do allow these to be increased too.

The cost of the GIO itself is often nothing—it's frequently included as a standard feature on good quality policies. However, some cheaper, more basic plans may not include it, or may offer a much more restrictive version. This is a classic case of "you get what you pay for," and why looking beyond the headline premium is essential.

GIO for Different Types of Protection Insurance

The Guaranteed Insurability Option isn't just for standard life insurance. It's an equally, if not more, valuable feature on other forms of protection insurance.

Critical Illness Cover (CIC)

A GIO on a critical illness policy is incredibly valuable. If you were to suffer one of the specified critical illnesses, getting any further cover in the future would be extremely difficult, if not impossible. A GIO allows you to increase your CIC sum assured after a major life event (like having a child) without any medical questions, securing that extra protection while you are still healthy.

Income Protection (IP)

For income protection, the GIO is a cornerstone feature. This type of insurance pays you a regular monthly income if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. Your need for cover is directly linked to your salary. A GIO allows you to increase your monthly benefit as your earnings grow, ensuring your safety net keeps pace with your lifestyle and outgoings. This is particularly vital for professionals with clear career progression, such as doctors, lawyers, or those in roles with performance-related bonuses.

Family Income Benefit (FIB)

Family Income Benefit works differently from standard life insurance. Instead of a lump sum, it pays out a regular, tax-free income to your family until the end of the policy term. A GIO on an FIB policy allows you to increase the level of this annual income benefit following a life event, ensuring the regular payments they receive are sufficient for their needs.

Here's a quick summary of how GIOs apply across different products:

Policy TypeIs GIO Typically Available?How It Works
Level Term Life InsuranceYesIncrease the lump sum pay-out.
Decreasing Term (Mortgage)SometimesCan increase cover to match a new, larger mortgage.
Family Income BenefitYesIncrease the annual income benefit.
Critical Illness CoverYesIncrease the lump sum pay-out.
Income ProtectionYesIncrease the monthly benefit as your salary rises.

Is the Guaranteed Insurability Option Right for You?

While a GIO is a fantastic feature, it's most beneficial for certain groups of people. Understanding if you fall into one of these categories can help you prioritise it when choosing a policy.

Who benefits most from a GIO?

  • Young Professionals & Families: If you're in your 20s or 30s, your life is likely to see the most change. You might be planning to get married, buy a home, and have children in the coming years. Taking out a policy with a GIO while you are young and healthy is one of the smartest financial moves you can make.
  • New Homeowners: Your mortgage is probably your biggest financial liability. A GIO allows you to increase your cover easily if you move to a more expensive property in the future.
  • Anyone Planning a Family: The financial responsibility of raising a child to adulthood is significant. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) data consistently shows the rising costs associated with parenthood. A GIO provides a simple way to boost your cover when your family grows.
  • Those with a Family History of Health Issues: If you are healthy now but have a family history of conditions like heart disease or cancer, a GIO is invaluable. It lets you lock in your current excellent health status and secure the right to buy more cover later, even if you develop that condition yourself.

Who might not need it?

  • Older Individuals with Settled Lives: If you are in your late 50s or 60s, your mortgage may be paid off and your children financially independent. Your need for large amounts of cover may be decreasing, not increasing.
  • Those Taking a Policy for a Specific, Fixed Need: If you are simply taking out a small policy to cover a specific business loan that will not change, a GIO might be less of a priority.

At WeCovr, our advisory process involves understanding not just your current situation but also your future aspirations. This allows us to recommend a policy where the features, like the GIO, align with your long-term life plan. We believe that true financial wellbeing is a combination of smart planning and healthy living. That’s why, beyond finding you the best insurance, we also provide our customers with complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered wellness app, to help you stay on top of your health goals.

Special Considerations for Business Owners and the Self-Employed

For those who run their own business or work for themselves, income streams and responsibilities can be more complex. In this context, the GIO takes on even greater significance.

Self-Employed and Freelancers

Your income can fluctuate from one year to the next. An Income Protection policy with a GIO is absolutely essential. When you have a great year and your income rises, the GIO allows you to increase your monthly benefit to reflect this new level of earnings. Insurers will typically want to see evidence, such as your last 2-3 years of accounts or tax returns, but it provides a crucial mechanism to ensure your safety net isn't based on an old, lower income.

Company Directors

For company directors, several tax-efficient protection policies can be paid for by the business. GIOs are a key feature here too.

  • Relevant Life Insurance: This is a death-in-service benefit for a single employee, paid for by the company. The premiums are typically an allowable business expense, and it doesn't count towards the employee's pension allowance. A GIO allows the director's cover to be increased—without medicals—as their remuneration package (salary and dividends) grows.
  • Key Person Insurance: This policy protects a business from the financial impact of losing a key employee to death or critical illness. A GIO can be used to increase the cover on that individual if their value to the business demonstrably increases—for example, if they are instrumental in securing a major new contract that significantly boosts company turnover.
  • Executive Income Protection: This is an income protection policy owned and paid for by the employer for the benefit of an employee. For a company director, a GIO is vital to ensure the monthly benefit keeps pace with their salary, bonuses, and dividends, providing robust protection in a highly tax-efficient manner.

Business protection is a specialist area. The triggers and limits for GIOs on these policies can be more bespoke, often linked to business metrics like turnover or profit. Working with an expert broker like WeCovr is vital to structure this cover correctly.

How to Get a Policy with a Guaranteed Insurability Option

Securing a policy with a robust GIO requires a proactive approach. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Don't Assume It's Included Never assume a policy has a GIO, or that all GIOs are the same. Cheaper policies often cut corners, and this is one of the first features to be restricted or removed.

Step 2: Read the Policy's Key Features Document Every insurer provides a 'Key Features' or 'Policy Summary' document. This will clearly state whether a GIO is included and will detail the specific triggers, limits, and exclusions. Pay close attention to this section.

Step 3: Compare Insurers on Features, Not Just Price As our comparison table earlier showed, the generosity of the GIO can vary wildly. One insurer might offer a 6-month window to use the option, while another offers only 3. One might include salary increases as a trigger, while another doesn't. Your long-term needs should guide your choice.

Step 4: Use an Expert Independent Broker This is the most effective way to get the right policy. A good broker doesn't just find the cheapest premium; they find the best value. At WeCovr, we live and breathe the details of these policies.

  • We have access to the whole of the UK market.
  • We understand the subtle but crucial differences in each insurer's GIO terms.
  • We can match your life stage and future plans to the policy that offers the most appropriate and flexible features.
  • We help you through the entire application process, ensuring it's smooth, simple, and that you secure the best possible terms.

The Bigger Picture: Your Protection and Wellness Journey

A Guaranteed Insurability Option is a tool for the future. It's part of a bigger picture of proactive financial and personal wellbeing. While a GIO gives you options, it's still wise to review your protection needs every few years, or whenever your circumstances change, to ensure your overall strategy is still fit for purpose.

You might also consider other specialised products as your life evolves. For instance, as your wealth grows, you might need a Gift Inter Vivos policy. This specific type of life insurance is designed to cover a potential Inheritance Tax liability on a large gift you make to a loved one, ensuring they receive the full value of your gift if you pass away within seven years.

Ultimately, protection insurance is about looking after your financial health. This goes hand-in-hand with looking after your physical and mental health through good diet, regular activity, and sufficient sleep. Taking control of your health today not only improves your quality of life but also makes securing excellent insurance terms easier and more affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will using the Guaranteed Insurability Option increase my premium?

Yes, your premium will increase because you are getting more cover. However, the crucial point is that the price for this new slice of cover is calculated based on your current age but your original health status. You won't be penalised or charged more because of any new health conditions you may have developed since you first took out the policy.

What if I had a premium loading on my original policy? Can I still use the GIO?

Generally, no. The Guaranteed Insurability Option is almost always reserved for clients who were accepted on 'standard terms' (i.e., with no premium loadings or exclusions). If your original application resulted in non-standard terms due to a health condition or lifestyle factor, the GIO clause is usually made void. This is a critical detail to check in your policy documents.

Can I add my new partner or child to my existing policy using a GIO?

No. The GIO allows you to increase the level of cover for yourself on your existing policy. Adding another person, like a new spouse, requires either a new joint-life policy application or a separate new policy for them. That new person would need to go through their own full medical underwriting.

Is a Guaranteed Insurability Option the same as 'indexation' or 'inflation-proofing'?

No, they are different but complementary features. Indexation (or an Inflation-Linked Option) automatically increases your sum assured and premium each year by a small amount, typically in line with an inflation measure like the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This ensures your cover maintains its real-terms value over time. A GIO is a much larger, optional increase that you choose to activate following a specific major life event. Most comprehensive policies will offer both.

Do I have to prove the life event happened to use the GIO?

Yes, absolutely. The insurer will require official evidence to process your request. This could be a marriage certificate, a child's birth certificate, a new mortgage offer from your lender showing the increased borrowing, or evidence of a significant salary increase like a new contract or letter from your employer.

Key Takeaways

Life insurance isn't a "set it and forget it" product. It's a plan that should evolve with you. The Guaranteed Insurability Option is the key that unlocks this flexibility.

  • It Protects Your Future Insurability: GIO lets you increase cover without new medical questions, even if your health has declined.
  • It's Triggered by Life's Milestones: Use it when you get married, have a child, or take on a bigger mortgage.
  • There are Limits: Be aware of the caps on how much you can increase cover by and the overall lifetime limit.
  • Not All GIOs are Equal: The terms vary significantly between insurers. Comparing them is crucial.
  • Essential for Multiple Products: It's a vital feature not just for life insurance, but also for critical illness cover and income protection.

Choosing a policy with a strong, flexible GIO is a forward-thinking decision that adds a powerful layer of security for you and your loved ones. Don't leave your family's future financial security to chance. Speak to a protection expert to find a policy that's built for your life, both today and for all the milestones yet to come.

Sources

  • Office for National Statistics (ONS): Mortality and population data.
  • Association of British Insurers (ABI): Life and protection market publications.
  • MoneyHelper (MaPS): Consumer guidance on life insurance.
  • NHS: Health information and screening guidance.

Related tools

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

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Why life insurance and how does it work?

What is Life Insurance?

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

How does it work?

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

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

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

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

Questions to ask yourself regarding life insurance

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

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

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

Benefits offered by income protection, life and critical illness insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Types of life insurance policies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Fact!

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

Why is it important to get life insurance early?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Any questions?

Life, income protection, and/or critical illness insurance are safety nets, very important at a difficult time. If anything happened to you before your cover ends, your life or critical illness insurance would pay a lump sum to your family and/or you (if you took a critical illness or income protection cover) to help cover the losses. Being diagnosed with a critical illness can be devastating, and it won't help matters to be also worrying about how you would cope financially. With a life, income protection, or critical illness policy, you can choose how much cover you need, how you want the policy to pay out, and whether you want cover for both you and your partner. Income protection insurance pays you a regular income if you can't work because of sickness or disability and continues until you return to paid work or you retire. Also known as permanent health insurance, it is quite important for anyone who relies on a paycheck to cover their living costs, but it's particularly important if you're self-employed or own a small business, where your income might be a bit less stable.

Life, income protection, and critical illness insurance pay out millions to families every day. Your expert will explain to you that you need to be honest and open when applying for your insurance.

If you're single with no dependants then it may be that you don't need life assurance. However, if you were to become seriously ill and unable to work, you may benefit from a critical illness or income protection policy. They can help you keep up to date with your rent, bills, food, and other expenses.

It's free to use WeCovr to find life, income protection, and critical illness insurance - we never charge you for quotes. Critical illness, income protection, and life insurance is an investment that pays many times over for you and/or your loved ones.

Life, income protection, and critical illness insurance are important financial products that insurance companies take a lot of care and diligence, so speaking to real human beings ensures that they understand your requirements fully so that you can get the right cover.

All of our partners are carefully vetted and authorised by the FCA, which means they are held to the highest standards that the FCA expects from them and treat all customers fairly!

Our insurance partners give us a few pounds when you take out a policy with one of their experts.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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