Login

The Growth Shield: Life's Ultimate Investment

The Growth Shield: Life's Ultimate Investment 2025

In an unpredictable world where the latest 2025 health statistics reveal stark realities – like the potential for 1 in 2 people in the UK facing a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime – true personal development isn't just about mindset. It's built on a bedrock of proactive financial and health resilience. Discover how strategic life protection – including Family Income Benefit, Income Protection, and Life and Critical Illness Cover – empowers you to pursue your dreams without fear. For the bedrock of our society, from tradespeople and nurses to electricians, Personal Sick Pay offers vital stability. Private Health Insurance unlocks faster diagnostics and superior care, circumventing public system delays and accelerating recovery. Explore how safeguarding your income and securing lump sum support, even through options like Gift Inter Vivos for legacy planning, becomes the ultimate investment in peace of mind, strengthening relationships and providing the freedom to truly thrive. This is the overlooked blueprint for enduring well-being, a news-worthy approach to living a fully realized, resilient life.

We often associate personal growth with learning new skills, adopting a positive mindset, or advancing our careers. While these are vital, they represent only one side of the coin. True, sustainable growth is impossible on shaky ground. The greatest threat to our ambitions, relationships, and well-being isn't a lack of motivation; it's the unforeseen impact of illness, injury, or premature death.

This guide explores the concept of the 'Growth Shield'—a robust framework of financial and health protection that acts as the ultimate investment in your life. It’s not about dwelling on the negative; it’s about proactively building a foundation of security so you have the freedom and confidence to live life to the fullest.

The Uncomfortable Truth: Why Resilience is Non-Negotiable in 2025

While we enjoy one of the most advanced healthcare systems in the world, the statistics paint a sobering picture of the health challenges facing the UK population. Acknowledging these realities is the first step toward building genuine resilience.

According to Cancer Research UK, the lifetime risk of being diagnosed with cancer is now estimated at 1 in 2 for people born after 1960. This staggering figure highlights that a serious illness is not a remote possibility but a significant probability for a large portion of the population.

But the challenges don't stop at cancer. The British Heart Foundation reports that over 7.6 million people in the UK live with heart and circulatory diseases. Every five minutes, someone is admitted to a UK hospital due to a heart attack.

The financial consequences of such events can be devastating. Research from insurers frequently shows that the average UK family has enough savings to last just 32 days if their main source of income were to stop. This financial vulnerability can turn a health crisis into a full-blown financial catastrophe, derailing life plans and adding immense stress during an already difficult time.

UK Health & Financial Resilience Snapshot (2025 Projections)

Statistic CategoryData PointImplication for Families
Serious Illness1 in 2 lifetime risk of cancer diagnosis.High probability of facing a major health event.
Cardiovascular DiseaseOver 100,000 hospital admissions for heart attacks annually.Significant disruption to work and family life.
Sickness Absence185.6 million working days lost to sickness/injury (ONS data).Income loss is a common, widespread issue.
Financial BufferAverage family savings cover ~1 month of expenses.Extremely limited capacity to handle income shocks.

These figures aren't meant to cause fear but to foster foresight. Building a 'Growth Shield' means acknowledging these risks and putting a plan in place to neutralise their financial impact, allowing you and your loved ones to focus on what truly matters: recovery and well-being.

Building Your Financial Fortress: A Deep Dive into Protection Products

Your financial fortress is built from several layers of specialised protection, each designed to defend against a different type of threat. Understanding these tools is key to constructing a shield that’s tailored to your unique circumstances.

1. Life Insurance: The Cornerstone of Legacy

Life Insurance pays out a tax-free lump sum or a regular income upon the policyholder's death during the policy term. Its primary purpose is to provide for dependents, clear debts, and ensure your family's financial stability in your absence.

Who needs it?

  • Anyone with a mortgage.
  • Parents or legal guardians of dependent children.
  • Individuals with a partner who relies on their income.
  • Business owners wanting to ensure business continuity.

There are several types of life insurance, each serving a different need.

Comparing Key Life Insurance Types

FeatureLevel Term AssuranceDecreasing Term AssuranceFamily Income Benefit
PayoutA fixed lump sum.A lump sum that reduces over time.A regular, tax-free income.
Best ForCovering interest-only mortgages, providing a family legacy.Covering a repayment mortgage.Replacing a lost salary for day-to-day living costs.
CostModerate.Lower cost.Often the most affordable option.
AnalogyA fixed safety net.A safety net that shrinks as your debt does.A replacement monthly salary for your family.

Family Income Benefit (FIB) deserves special mention. Instead of a large, potentially overwhelming lump sum, it provides a steady, manageable monthly income, making it an excellent and often more affordable way to replace a lost salary and cover ongoing household bills.

2. Critical Illness Cover (CIC): Your Recovery Fund

While life insurance protects your family after you’re gone, Critical Illness Cover is designed to protect you and your family while you’re alive. It pays out a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of a list of predefined serious illnesses.

This money is yours to use as you see fit. It can:

  • Replace lost income while you recover.
  • Pay for private medical treatment or specialist consultations.
  • Adapt your home (e.g., install a ramp or stairlift).
  • Clear debts like a mortgage or car loan to reduce financial pressure.
  • Allow your partner to take time off work to care for you.

The conditions covered are extensive, but policies always include the "big three": cancer, heart attack, and stroke, which account for the vast majority of claims.

Common Conditions Covered by a Typical CIC Policy

Condition CategoryExamples
CancersMost invasive cancers (definitions are specific).
Heart ConditionsHeart attack, coronary artery bypass surgery.
Nervous SystemStroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease.
Organ FailureMajor organ transplant, kidney failure.
Permanent DisabilityTotal Permanent Disability (TPD), loss of limbs.

A CIC payout provides breathing room. It turns a potential financial crisis into a manageable situation, giving you the resources to focus entirely on your health and recovery without the added burden of financial worry.

Get Tailored Quote

3. Income Protection (IP): Your Personal Salary Safety Net

For many, their greatest asset isn't their home or their savings; it's their ability to earn an income. Income Protection is arguably one of the most crucial forms of insurance, as it protects this primary asset.

If you are unable to work due to any illness or injury (not just a specific list of critical ones), an IP policy pays you a regular, tax-free monthly income. This continues until you can return to work, the policy term ends, or you retire, whichever comes first.

It's a world away from Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), the government's minimum provision.

Income Protection vs. Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)

FeatureIncome Protection (IP)Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
Benefit AmountUp to 60-70% of your gross salary.A fixed, low weekly amount (£116.75 as of 2024/25).
DurationCan pay out for years, even until retirement.Maximum of 28 weeks.
Who is EligibleEmployed and self-employed individuals.Employees only (must meet earnings criteria).
Cover ScopeCovers you for long-term or recurring illness.A short-term stopgap only.

The gap between SSP and the average person's outgoings is vast. Income Protection is designed to fill that gap, ensuring your mortgage, bills, and lifestyle can be maintained even if you're off work for months or years.

When choosing IP, you'll decide on a deferment period—the time you wait after becoming unable to work before the payments start. This can be tailored to match your employer's sick pay scheme or your personal savings, from 4 weeks up to 52 weeks. A longer deferment period means a lower premium.

4. Personal Sick Pay: Vital Support for Hands-On Professionals

For those in physically demanding or riskier jobs—tradespeople, nurses, construction workers, electricians—the risk of being unable to work due to injury is higher. While long-term Income Protection is ideal, some may need more immediate, shorter-term cover.

Personal Sick Pay (also known as Accident, Sickness & Unemployment cover) is designed for this. It typically offers:

  • Shorter-term Payouts: Benefits are usually paid for 12, 18, or 24 months per claim, rather than until retirement.
  • Faster Access: Deferment periods can be as short as 'day one' or one week.
  • Simplified Underwriting: Applications can sometimes be simpler than for full IP.

This makes it an invaluable tool for freelancers, contractors, and those in manual trades who need to know that an injury won't immediately halt their income. It provides stability and ensures that a broken arm doesn't lead to a broken budget.

5. Private Medical Insurance (PMI): Accelerating Your Recovery

The NHS is a national treasure, but it is under immense pressure, leading to longer waiting lists for diagnostics and non-urgent treatments. Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is designed to work alongside the NHS, giving you more control over your healthcare.

Key benefits of PMI include:

  • Speed: Quickly access specialist consultations, diagnostic scans (MRI, CT), and treatment.
  • Choice: Choose your specialist, hospital, and when you receive treatment.
  • Comfort: Access to private rooms, better facilities, and more flexible visiting hours.

In the context of the 'Growth Shield', PMI is the accelerator. By enabling a faster diagnosis and quicker treatment, it can significantly shorten your recovery time, reduce uncertainty, and get you back to your life—and work—sooner. This synergy with Income Protection is powerful: PMI helps you get better faster, while IP protects your income during the process.

6. Specialist Protection: Advanced Planning for Business & Legacy

For business owners and those planning their estate, the 'Growth Shield' extends to more specialised products.

For Company Directors & Business Owners:

  • Key Person Insurance: A policy taken out by the business on a crucial employee. If that person dies or becomes critically ill, the business receives a lump sum to cover lost profits, recruitment costs, or loan repayments. It protects the business from the financial fallout of losing its most valuable asset.
  • Executive Income Protection: A specific type of IP policy paid for by a limited company for a director. It's a tax-efficient way to provide income protection, as the premiums are usually a deductible business expense.

For Legacy Planning:

  • Gift Inter Vivos Insurance: Inheritance Tax (IHT) is payable on certain gifts made within seven years of death. A Gift Inter Vivos policy is a specific type of life insurance designed to pay out a sum to cover this potential IHT liability. It ensures your beneficiaries receive the full value of your gift, rather than an unexpected tax bill.

The 'Growth Shield' in Action: Real-Life Scenarios

Theory is useful, but seeing how protection works in practice makes its value tangible.

Scenario 1: The Young Family

  • Who: Sarah and Tom, both 35, with two young children and a £250,000 repayment mortgage. Sarah is a marketing manager and Tom is a self-employed graphic designer.
  • Their 'Growth Shield':
    • Decreasing Term Life & Critical Illness Cover: A joint policy for £250,000. This would clear their mortgage if either of them died or were diagnosed with a serious illness.
    • Income Protection: Tom, as a freelancer with no employee benefits, has an IP policy to replace 60% of his income after a 4-week deferment period.
  • The Event: Tom suffers a serious back injury and can't work for 9 months.
  • The Outcome: After 4 weeks, his IP policy kicks in, paying him a monthly income. The family avoids financial stress, continues to pay the mortgage and bills, and Tom can focus on his physiotherapy without the pressure of having to return to work too early.

Scenario 2: The Tradesperson

  • Who: David, a 42-year-old self-employed electrician. His work is physical, and an injury would mean an immediate loss of income.
  • His 'Growth Shield':
    • Personal Sick Pay: A policy that will pay him £1,500 a month for up to 12 months if he's unable to work due to accident or sickness, with a one-week deferral period.
    • Life Insurance: A level term policy to provide for his partner and cover funeral costs.
  • The Event: David falls from a ladder and breaks his leg, requiring surgery and 3 months off work.
  • The Outcome: After one week, his Personal Sick Pay policy starts paying out. He uses the money to cover his bills and business overheads. The short deferment period is critical, bridging the immediate income gap that would have otherwise forced him into debt.

Scenario 3: The Business Owner

  • Who: Maria, 50, founder and CEO of a successful tech start-up. The business's success and investor confidence are heavily tied to her vision and leadership.
  • Her 'Growth Shield':
    • Key Person Insurance: The business owns a £1 million policy on Maria's life and critical illness.
    • Executive Income Protection: Her limited company pays for an IP policy for her.
  • The Event: Maria is diagnosed with cancer and needs 12 months off for treatment and recovery.
  • The Outcome: The Key Person policy pays the business £1 million. The board uses this to hire an experienced interim CEO and reassure investors, ensuring business continuity. Simultaneously, Maria's Executive IP policy pays her a monthly income, allowing her to step away completely and focus on her health without financial worry.

Beyond the Policy: The Holistic Approach to Well-being

A true 'Growth Shield' is about more than just insurance policies. It’s a holistic strategy that integrates financial safety with proactive health and wellness.

The Psychology of Safety

The greatest, and often most overlooked, benefit of being properly insured is the impact on your mental well-being. Financial uncertainty is a leading cause of stress and anxiety. By creating a robust financial safety net, you free up immense mental and emotional capacity.

This 'peace of mind' is not passive. It is an active enabler of growth. It gives you the confidence to:

  • Take calculated career risks: Change jobs, start a business, or invest in your education.
  • Be more present in your relationships: Financial stress can strain even the strongest bonds. Security fosters a healthier home environment.
  • Pursue hobbies and passions: You have the freedom to invest time and energy in things that bring you joy, which is a cornerstone of a fulfilled life.

Insurers as Wellness Partners

Modern insurance is evolving. Many leading UK insurers now include a suite of value-added benefits with their policies at no extra cost, transforming them from simple financial products into comprehensive wellness programmes. These can include:

  • 24/7 Virtual GP: Get medical advice from a doctor via phone or video call, often much faster than waiting for a local appointment.
  • Mental Health Support: Access to counselling sessions and mental health helplines.
  • Second Medical Opinions: Get a world-leading expert to review your diagnosis and treatment plan.
  • Fitness & Nutrition Plans: Discounts on gym memberships and access to wellness apps.

At WeCovr, we believe deeply in this proactive approach. That’s why, in addition to finding you the most suitable policy, we provide our customers with complimentary access to our proprietary AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero. We see it as our responsibility not just to protect you when things go wrong, but to empower you to live a healthier life every day.

Actionable Wellness Tips for a Resilient Life

Your 'Growth Shield' is strongest when you pair financial protection with a commitment to your own health.

  • Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. It is fundamental to cognitive function, immune response, and emotional regulation.
  • Embrace Movement: You don't need to run a marathon. The NHS recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week. Find something you enjoy—brisk walking, cycling, dancing, or gardening.
  • Mindful Nutrition: Focus on a balanced diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Small, sustainable changes are more effective than drastic diets.
  • Schedule 'Down Time': Actively block out time in your calendar for relaxation and hobbies. Stress management is not a luxury; it's a necessity for long-term health.

The protection market can seem complex, but with the right guidance, it’s straightforward.

The most important step is to seek independent, expert advice. A broker like WeCovr doesn't work for a single insurance company; we work for you. Our role is to understand your unique needs, family situation, budget, and goals. We then search the entire market, comparing policies from all the major UK insurers to find the cover that offers the best value and the most comprehensive protection for you.

When considering cover, ask yourself these key questions:

Question to ConsiderWhy it Matters
Who depends on me financially?This determines the need for life insurance and the amount required.
What debts do I have?Your mortgage is the biggest factor for life and critical illness cover.
How long could I survive on my savings?This helps determine the deferment period for your income protection.
What sick pay does my employer offer?This also informs your IP deferment period. If self-employed, the answer is 'none'.
What's my budget?Protection is about finding the best possible cover you can afford. Even a small amount is better than none.

An adviser will walk you through these questions and handle the application process, ensuring all medical and lifestyle information is declared accurately. This is crucial for ensuring a claim is paid without issue.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Investment in a Life Without Limits

We live in an age of personal development, driven by the desire to become the best versions of ourselves. Yet, we often overlook the very foundation upon which all growth is built: security.

Investing in a 'Growth Shield' of life insurance, critical illness cover, and income protection is not an admission of pessimism. It is the ultimate act of optimism. It is a declaration that you value your life, your family, and your future so much that you are willing to take decisive action to protect it.

It's the freedom to know that a health crisis will not become a financial one. It's the peace of mind that allows you to take risks, pursue your ambitions, and be fully present for the people you love. It's the security that empowers you to build, to dream, and to thrive, no matter what uncertainties lie ahead.

In 2025 and beyond, this proactive resilience is not just a smart financial strategy; it is the essential blueprint for a fully realised, well-lived life.


Is protection insurance really expensive?

This is a common misconception. The cost of insurance varies widely based on your age, health, lifestyle (e.g., whether you smoke), the type of cover, and the amount of benefit. For a healthy non-smoker in their 30s, meaningful cover can be surprisingly affordable, often costing less than a daily cup of coffee. An adviser can help tailor a package that fits your budget. For instance, Family Income Benefit is often a much more budget-friendly alternative to a large lump-sum life insurance policy.

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

Yes, in many cases, you can. It is crucial that you declare any pre-existing conditions fully and honestly during the application process. The insurer may do one of three things: accept your application on standard terms, apply an exclusion for that specific condition, or increase the premium. An experienced broker can help you navigate this and approach the insurers most likely to offer favourable terms for your condition.

What's the difference between Critical Illness Cover and Income Protection?

They serve different but complementary purposes.

  • Critical Illness Cover pays a one-off, tax-free lump sum if you're diagnosed with a specific serious illness listed on the policy. It's designed for major life adjustments and clearing debts.
  • Income Protection pays a regular, tax-free monthly income if you're unable to work due to any illness or injury. It's designed to replace your salary and cover ongoing living costs for potentially a very long time.
Many financial advisers consider Income Protection to be the more essential cover, as it has a broader trigger (any illness stopping you from working) and can pay out for longer.

Do insurers actually pay out claims?

Yes, they do. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) publishes regular statistics showing that the overwhelming majority of protection claims are paid. In 2022, for example, 97.4% of all claims were paid out, amounting to over £6.8 billion. The small percentage of claims that are declined are almost always due to 'non-disclosure' – where the applicant failed to provide accurate information about their health or lifestyle at the application stage.

Why should I use a broker like WeCovr instead of going to an insurer directly?

Using an independent broker has several key advantages. An insurer can only sell you their own products. A broker works for you, providing impartial advice and comparing policies from across the entire market to find the one that best suits your needs and budget. We have in-depth knowledge of different insurers' underwriting stances (e.g., how they view certain occupations or medical conditions) and can manage the application process on your behalf, saving you time and increasing the chances of a successful application on the best possible terms.


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:

Our Group Is Proud To Have Issued 800,000+ Policies!

We've established collaboration agreements with leading insurance groups to create tailored coverage
Working with leading UK insurers
Allianz Logo
Ageas Logo
Covea Logo
AIG Logo
Zurich Logo
BUPA Logo
Aviva Logo
Axa Logo
Vitality Logo
Exeter Logo
WPA Logo
National Friendly Logo
General & Medical Logo
Legal & General Logo
ARAG Logo
Scottish Widows Logo
Metlife Logo
HSBC Logo
Guardian Logo
Royal London Logo
Cigna Logo
NIG Logo
CanadaLife Logo
TMHCC Logo

How It Works

1. Complete a brief form
Complete a brief form
2. Our experts analyse your information and find you best quotes
Experts discuss your quotes
3. Enjoy your protection!
Enjoy your protection

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.


Learn more


...

Who Are WeCovr?

WeCovr is an insurance specialist for people valuing their peace of mind and a great service.

👍 WeCovr will help you get your private medical insurance, life insurance, critical illness insurance and others in no time thanks to our wonderful super-friendly experts ready to assist you every step of the way.

Just a quick and simple form and an easy conversation with one of our experts and your valuable insurance policy is in place for that needed peace of mind!

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.

Political And Credit Risks Ltd is a registered company in England and Wales. Company Number: 07691072. Data Protection Register Number: ZA207579. Registered Office: 22-45 Old Castle Street, London, E1 7NY. WeCovr is a trading style of Political And Credit Risks Ltd. Political And Credit Risks Ltd is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is on the Financial Services Register under number 735613.

About WeCovr

WeCovr is your trusted partner for comprehensive insurance solutions. We help families and individuals find the right protection for their needs.