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The Growth Firewall

The Growth Firewall 2025 | Top Insurance Guides

In the relentless pursuit of personal development, we invest in our careers, our minds, and our bodies. We take courses, hire coaches, join gyms, and practice mindfulness. We are a generation dedicated to growth. Yet, amidst this ambition, a critical vulnerability remains—one that can dismantle decades of hard work in an instant. We are building magnificent skyscrapers on foundations of sand.

This is the modern paradox: striving for growth while neglecting the very security that makes sustained growth possible. The ultimate personal development strategy isn't another productivity hack or wellness trend; it's the construction of a robust, proactive 'Growth Firewall'. This is your personal shield against life's most challenging uncertainties, allowing you to pursue your goals with confidence, not anxiety.

Why proactive financial and health protection is the ultimate personal development strategy. With 1 in 2 UK people now expected to face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, discover how Income Protection, private health insurance, Personal Sick Pay for high-risk jobs, Family Income Benefit, and Gift Inter Vivos create an unbreakable foundation for a life of purpose, peace, and lasting legacy.

The statistics are sobering. According to Cancer Research UK, an estimated 1 in 2 people in the UK will be diagnosed with some form of cancer during their lifetime. This isn't a distant, abstract risk; it's a mainstream reality that will touch almost every family. When a serious illness strikes, the primary focus is, rightly, on recovery. But the secondary shockwaves—the financial, emotional, and logistical pressures—can be just as devastating.

Imagine your income suddenly vanishing. Imagine facing a lengthy wait for critical treatment. Imagine your family's financial stability collapsing just when they need it most. This is the reality for millions. The Money and Pensions Service reported in 2023 that over 11 million UK adults have less than £100 in savings. That’s not a safety net; it’s a tightrope with no net at all.

This is where a Growth Firewall comes in. It's a suite of protective measures designed not just to help you survive a crisis, but to empower you to thrive despite it. It’s about shifting your mindset from reactive fear to proactive empowerment. By securing your finances, health, and legacy, you liberate your mental and emotional resources to focus on what truly matters: your growth, your purpose, and your loved ones.

This guide will deconstruct the five essential pillars of this firewall, showing you how to build an unbreakable foundation for the life you're working so hard to create.

The Five Pillars of Your Personal Growth Firewall

Think of your life's ambitions as a well-tended garden. You invest time, effort, and resources to cultivate it. A robust firewall is the fence and irrigation system that protects this garden from droughts, storms, and pests. Each pillar of protection addresses a specific vulnerability, working in concert to create a comprehensive shield.

Pillar 1: Income Protection – Your Monthly Salary Lifeline

Of all the financial shocks, the loss of your income is arguably the most immediate and paralysing. Income Protection (IP) is designed to prevent this.

What is it? Income Protection is an insurance policy that pays you a regular, tax-free monthly income if you are unable to work due to any illness or injury. It’s designed to replace a significant portion of your lost earnings, typically 50-70%, allowing you to continue paying your mortgage, bills, and living expenses while you focus on recovery.

Who is it for? Frankly, anyone whose lifestyle depends on their monthly salary needs Income Protection. This is especially critical for:

  • The Self-Employed and Freelancers: You have no employer sick pay to fall back on. One day of no work is one day of no pay.
  • Company Directors: While you may have control over your business, your personal income is still tied to your ability to run it effectively.
  • Parents and Homeowners: With dependents and a mortgage, the financial stakes are at their highest.
  • Employees in the Private Sector: Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is the legal minimum your employer has to pay, and it’s unlikely to cover your outgoings.

Key Features to Understand:

  • The Deferment Period: This is the time you wait between being unable to work and when the policy starts paying out. It can range from 4 weeks to 52 weeks. The longer the deferment period you choose, the lower your monthly premium. You can align this with any sick pay you receive from your employer.
  • 'Own Occupation' Cover: This is the gold standard. It means the policy will pay out if you are unable to do your specific job. Less comprehensive definitions like 'Suited Occupation' or 'Any Occupation' may not pay out if the insurer believes you could do a different job.

Let's compare Income Protection with the state provision, Statutory Sick Pay.

FeatureStatutory Sick Pay (SSP)Income Protection (IP)
Weekly Amount£116.75 (as of 2024/25)Typically 50-70% of your gross salary
DurationMaximum of 28 weeksCan pay out until retirement age
EligibilityMust be an employee earning over a thresholdAvailable to employed and self-employed
Tax StatusTaxablePayouts are tax-free
PurposeBasic, short-term supportComprehensive, long-term income replacement

Real-Life Scenario: Sarah, a 35-year-old self-employed marketing consultant, is diagnosed with a serious autoimmune condition that causes chronic fatigue and pain, leaving her unable to manage her client workload. Her savings are quickly depleted. Thankfully, her Income Protection policy, which she took out a few years prior, kicks in after her chosen 8-week deferment period. It pays her £2,500 a month, allowing her to cover her rent and bills without stress, focus on her health management, and eventually return to work part-time, with her policy providing a partial top-up. Without it, she would have faced financial ruin.

Pillar 2: Private Medical Insurance (PMI) – Your Fast-Track to Health

Your health is your greatest asset. While the NHS is a national treasure, it is under unprecedented strain. As of early 2025, NHS England waiting lists for consultant-led elective care are hovering around a staggering 7.7 million. Waiting months, or even years, for a diagnosis or treatment can be detrimental not just to your physical health, but also to your mental wellbeing and your ability to earn a living.

What is it? Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is a policy that covers the cost of private healthcare, from diagnosis to treatment. It gives you access to a network of private hospitals, specialists, and medical facilities, allowing you to bypass NHS queues.

Why it's a Core Part of Your Firewall:

  • Speed: Get seen, diagnosed, and treated faster. This can be crucial for conditions where early intervention significantly improves outcomes.
  • Choice: You can often choose your specialist, hospital, and appointment times, giving you greater control over your healthcare journey.
  • Comfort: Access to private rooms, better facilities, and more flexible visiting hours can make a stressful experience more manageable.
  • Proactive Wellness: Modern PMI plans are no longer just for when you get sick. Many now include extensive wellness benefits, such as:
    • Subsidised gym memberships.
    • Digital GP services for 24/7 access to a doctor.
    • Mental health support and therapy sessions.
    • Annual health screenings to catch issues early.

This proactive element perfectly aligns with the personal growth mindset. It's an investment in staying well, not just getting better. At WeCovr, we recognise this synergy, which is why we provide our clients with complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. We believe in empowering our clients with the tools to manage their health proactively, which is the perfect complement to a robust PMI policy.

Pillar 3: Personal Sick Pay – The Tradesperson's Shield

While Income Protection is the ideal long-term solution, some individuals, particularly those in higher-risk or manual professions, need a more immediate safety net for shorter periods of absence.

What is it? Personal Sick Pay (also known as Accident, Sickness & Unemployment cover, though often sold focusing on the first two elements) is a type of short-term income protection. It’s designed to be straightforward, with simpler underwriting and often the option for 'day one' cover.

Who is it for? This cover is particularly popular with:

  • Tradespeople: Electricians, plumbers, builders, and roofers whose work is physical and carries a higher risk of accidental injury.
  • Nurses and Care Workers: Professionals who are on their feet all day and are exposed to various health risks.
  • Delivery Drivers and Manual Labourers: Anyone whose income would stop immediately if they suffered an injury preventing them from working.

How it Differs from Standard Income Protection:

  • Term: Payouts are typically limited to 12 or 24 months per claim.
  • Cover Start Date: You can often choose 'day one' or 'week one' cover, meaning there's virtually no deferment period for accidents.
  • Simplicity: The application process is often simpler than for a full IP policy.

Real-Life Scenario: David, a 42-year-old self-employed electrician, falls from a ladder and suffers a complex fracture in his wrist, requiring surgery and 10 weeks off work. As a sole trader, he has no other source of income. His Personal Sick Pay policy, which he chose with 'day one' accident cover, starts paying him his agreed weekly benefit from the very first day. This immediate financial support prevents him from falling behind on his van payments and household bills, allowing him to recover without the added stress of mounting debt.

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Pillar 4: Family Income Benefit – A Stream of Support, Not Just a Lump Sum

When we think of life insurance, we often picture a single, large lump sum payment. While this is valuable, it can be difficult for a grieving family to manage and budget. Family Income Benefit (FIB) offers a more practical, intuitive alternative.

What is it? Family Income Benefit is a type of life insurance that, upon the death of the policyholder, pays out a regular, tax-free monthly or annual income to their dependents, rather than a single lump sum. This income is paid for the remainder of the policy term.

Why it's a Smart Choice for Families: You typically set the policy to run until your youngest child is expected to be financially independent (e.g., age 21 or 25). If you were to pass away, the policy would pay the agreed income every month until that end date, effectively replacing your lost salary in a manageable way.

  • Budgeting Made Easy: It mimics a salary, making it much simpler for the surviving partner to manage household finances without being overwhelmed by a large sum of money.
  • Cost-Effective: Because the potential total payout decreases as the policy term progresses, FIB is often significantly cheaper than an equivalent lump-sum life insurance policy (known as Level Term Assurance).
  • Peace of Mind: It directly covers the crucial years of your children's upbringing, ensuring school fees, mortgage payments, and daily costs are met.

Let's look at a comparison.

FeatureLevel Term Assurance (Lump Sum)Family Income Benefit (Income Stream)
Payout TypeOne large, single payment on death.Regular monthly or annual payments.
ManagementSurviving family must invest/budget the lump sum.Payout is structured like a salary for easy budgeting.
Typical CostMore expensive for the same level of cover.Often more affordable, especially for young families.
Best ForClearing a large debt like a mortgage.Replacing a lost monthly income for ongoing costs.

Real-Life Scenario: Mark and Jenny have two young children, aged 4 and 6. They want to ensure that if anything happened to Mark, Jenny could afford to stay in the family home and raise the children without financial pressure. Instead of a £500,000 lump sum policy, they opt for a Family Income Benefit policy that will pay £2,500 a month until their youngest child turns 21. This gives them the precise cover they need for day-to-day life at a much lower monthly premium.

Pillar 5: Gift Inter Vivos – Securing Your Legacy from the Taxman

Effective personal development extends beyond your own lifetime; it involves creating a lasting legacy. For many, this means passing on wealth to their children or grandchildren. However, a well-intentioned gift can inadvertently create a significant tax liability.

What is it? A Gift Inter Vivos ("gift between the living") insurance policy is a specialised form of life assurance. It's designed to cover the Inheritance Tax (IHT) liability that can arise if you make a large financial gift and then pass away within seven years.

Understanding the '7-Year Rule': When you give away a gift of money or assets (like a property) that is not covered by an exemption, it's called a Potentially Exempt Transfer (PET).

  • If you live for 7 years after making the gift, it becomes fully exempt from IHT.
  • If you pass away within 7 years, the gift becomes part of your estate for IHT calculation purposes. Tax is charged on a sliding scale if the gift value, combined with your estate, exceeds the IHT threshold (£325,000 as of 2025).

The Sliding Scale (Taper Relief):

  • 0-3 years before death: 40% IHT due
  • 3-4 years before death: 32% IHT due
  • 4-5 years before death: 24% IHT due
  • 5-6 years before death: 16% IHT due
  • 6-7 years before death: 8% IHT due

A Gift Inter Vivos policy pays out a lump sum to cover this exact tax bill, ensuring your loved ones receive the full value of the gift you intended for them. The policy term is typically 7 years, and the cover amount decreases over time, mirroring the shrinking tax liability.

Who is it for?

  • Parents helping their children with a house deposit.
  • Grandparents wanting to pass on wealth to reduce the size of their own estate.
  • Anyone making a significant financial gift who wants to ensure the recipient isn't burdened with an unexpected tax bill.

This pillar of the firewall provides profound peace of mind, ensuring your legacy is one of pure generosity, not unintended consequences.

The Business Owner's Blueprint: Protecting Your Enterprise and Yourself

For company directors, business owners, and the self-employed, the lines between personal and professional security are blurred. Your business's health is your financial health. A robust firewall must therefore extend to protect your enterprise.

Key Person Insurance: The Business Lifesaver

Every business has at least one individual whose skills, knowledge, or leadership are critical to its success. What would happen to your business if that person—whether it's you, a co-founder, or a star salesperson—was suddenly unable to work long-term or passed away?

Key Person Insurance is a policy taken out and paid for by the business on the life of a crucial employee. If the insured person dies or is diagnosed with a specified critical illness, the policy pays a lump sum to the business. This money can be used to:

  • Cover lost profits during the disruption.
  • Recruit and train a replacement.
  • Reassure lenders and investors.
  • Repay business loans.

It’s the ultimate contingency plan, ensuring the business you've built can survive the loss of its most important asset.

Executive Income Protection: Supercharged Cover for Directors

While personal Income Protection is essential, company directors have access to a more tax-efficient version: Executive Income Protection.

This policy is owned and paid for by your limited company. The key advantages are:

  • Tax Efficiency: The premiums are typically considered an allowable business expense, reducing your corporation tax bill.
  • No P11D Impact: It's not usually treated as a benefit-in-kind, so there is no extra income tax or National Insurance for the director.
  • Higher Limits: Insurers often offer more generous benefit limits compared to personal policies.

When a claim is made, the benefit is paid to the company, which then distributes it to the director via PAYE. It’s a powerful way to protect your personal income while using your company's financial structure to your advantage.

Relevant Life Plans: A Director's 'Death in Service'

For small businesses that don't have enough employees to set up a full group death-in-service scheme, a Relevant Life Plan is the perfect solution. It's a single, standalone life insurance policy for an employee or director, paid for by the business.

Like Executive IP, the premiums are a tax-deductible business expense. The payout goes into a discretionary trust, meaning it’s paid directly to the employee's family, bypassing the business. Crucially, this payout does not form part of the deceased's lifetime pension allowance and is generally free from Inheritance Tax. It's an exceptionally tax-efficient way for a director to provide their family with life cover.

Navigating these business protection options can be complex. Working with an expert broker like WeCovr ensures you get advice tailored to your company's specific structure and needs, comparing policies from across the market to find the most efficient and effective solutions.

Beyond Insurance: Cultivating Proactive Wellness for a Resilient Life

A true Growth Firewall isn't just about financial instruments; it's a holistic philosophy. The security provided by insurance frees up the mental bandwidth you need to invest in the single most important factor for a long and productive life: your health.

Proactive wellness is the practice of making conscious, daily choices that build physical and mental resilience. This creates a virtuous cycle: better health reduces your risk of needing to claim on your insurance, and having insurance reduces the stress that can negatively impact your health.

Here are some cornerstones of a proactive wellness strategy:

1. Nutrient-Dense Diet: Food is fuel for growth. A balanced diet rich in whole foods, lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates provides the building blocks for physical energy and cognitive function. It's not about restriction; it's about conscious nourishment. Tools like the CalorieHero app can be invaluable in helping you understand your nutritional intake and make smarter choices without the guesswork.

2. Prioritising Sleep: Sleep is not a luxury; it is a non-negotiable biological necessity. During sleep, your brain consolidates memories, clears out metabolic waste, and your body repairs itself. Consistent, high-quality sleep (7-9 hours for most adults) is directly linked to better immune function, lower stress levels, and enhanced mental clarity.

3. Consistent Physical Activity: The human body is designed to move. Regular exercise—whether it's brisk walking, running, weightlifting, or yoga—has profound benefits. It strengthens your cardiovascular system, improves mood by releasing endorphins, manages weight, and reduces the risk of numerous chronic diseases, including some cancers, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

4. Active Stress Management: Chronic stress is a silent killer, contributing to inflammation and a host of health problems. Incorporating mindfulness practices, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply spending time in nature can significantly lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and promote a state of calm. This mental resilience is just as important as physical fitness.

Building your Growth Firewall is the ultimate act of self-respect. It's an acknowledgement that the future you are building is worth protecting.

WeCovr: Your Partner in Building a Resilient Future

Understanding the nuances of Income Protection, PMI, Family Income Benefit, and the various business protection policies can feel overwhelming. The market is vast, and the details matter immensely. This is where expert guidance is not just helpful, but essential.

At WeCovr, we act as your personal architects in building this firewall. We are not tied to any single insurer. Our role is to understand your unique circumstances—your career, your family, your health, and your ambitions—and then search the entire UK market to find the policies that offer the best possible protection at the most competitive price.

We translate the jargon, compare the small print, and present you with clear, impartial advice. We believe that securing your future should be an empowering and straightforward process. Our commitment extends beyond the policy itself, which is why we offer value-added tools like our CalorieHero app to support your holistic wellbeing. We're here to help you build a foundation so strong that you can focus all your energy on reaching your full potential.

Conclusion: From Surviving to Thriving – Your Growth Firewall Awaits

Personal development is a journey of becoming. It's about building a life of purpose, achievement, and meaning. But the most ambitious plans can be fragile. A sudden illness or injury shouldn't have the power to derail your life's work.

Building your Growth Firewall is not about dwelling on the negative. It is the most positive and empowering action you can take. It’s a declaration that you value yourself and your future enough to protect it. It’s the act of transforming anxiety about the unknown into confidence in your own resilience.

By putting these pillars of protection in place, you are not just buying an insurance policy; you are buying freedom. The freedom to take calculated career risks. The freedom to focus on your recovery without financial fear. The freedom for your family to live the life you envisioned for them, no matter what. The freedom to pursue growth, secure in the knowledge that your foundation is unbreakable.

Is Income Protection the same as Critical Illness Cover?

No, they are different and serve different purposes, though they are often taken out together. Income Protection pays a regular monthly income if you can't work due to any illness or injury. Critical Illness Cover pays a one-off, tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of a specific list of serious conditions defined in the policy (e.g., a specific type of cancer, heart attack, or stroke). The lump sum can be used for anything, such as clearing a mortgage or paying for private treatment, while Income Protection is designed to replace your lost salary over a longer period.

I'm young and healthy, do I really need this type of insurance?

This is one of the best times to consider it. Insurance premiums are calculated based on risk, which includes your age and health. The younger and healthier you are when you take out a policy, the lower your premiums will be for the entire term of the policy. While you may feel invincible, accidents and unexpected illnesses can happen at any age. Securing a 'Growth Firewall' early on is a financially savvy move that protects your future earning potential.

I'm self-employed. What's the most important cover for me?

For most self-employed individuals, Income Protection is the absolute cornerstone of financial protection. As you have no access to employer sick pay or Statutory Sick Pay, your income stops the moment you are unable to work. An Income Protection policy is the only way to guarantee a replacement income stream to cover your personal and business running costs if you fall ill or have an accident. After that, Private Medical Insurance and Critical Illness Cover are also highly valuable additions to your firewall.

How much does this type of insurance cost?

The cost (the premium) varies significantly based on several factors:
  • The type of cover: Income Protection, PMI, Life Insurance etc. all have different costs.
  • Your age: Younger applicants pay less.
  • Your health and lifestyle: Smokers and those with pre-existing conditions will pay more.
  • Your occupation: A desk job is cheaper to insure than a high-risk manual job.
  • The policy details: The amount of cover, the length of the policy, and the deferment period (for IP) all affect the price.
An expert broker can help you find the most affordable cover that meets your specific needs by comparing quotes from all major UK insurers.

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

Yes, it is often still possible to get cover. You must be completely honest about any pre-existing conditions during your application. The insurer may offer you cover on standard terms, charge a higher premium (a 'loading'), or place an 'exclusion' on the policy, meaning it won't pay out for claims related to that specific condition. In some cases, cover may be declined. A specialist broker is invaluable here, as they know which insurers are more likely to offer favourable terms for certain conditions.

How does WeCovr help me find the best deal?

WeCovr acts as your independent insurance expert. Instead of you having to approach dozens of insurers individually, we do all the hard work. We start by understanding your personal and financial situation. Then, we use our expertise and technology to search and compare policies from the entire UK market. We don't just find the cheapest price; we find the policy with the right features and definitions for your needs, ensuring you get high-quality, reliable protection. We provide impartial advice to help you make an informed decision, saving you time and money.

Why life insurance and how does it work?

What is Life Insurance?

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

How does it work?

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

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

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

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

Questions to ask yourself regarding life insurance

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

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

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

Benefits offered by income protection, life and critical illness insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Types of life insurance policies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Fact!

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

Why is it important to get life insurance early?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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Important Information

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

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About WeCovr

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