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The Invisible Shield: Future-Proofing Your Personal Growth

The Invisible Shield: Future-Proofing Your Personal Growth

Are you truly building your best life, or just hoping for the best? Discover how the overlooked 'Invisible Shield' of modern financial protection – from Family Income Benefit, Income Protection, and Critical Illness Cover to tailored Personal Sick Pay for our essential tradespeople and nurses – is the critical, missing piece in your personal growth journey. With a projected 1 in 2 UK adults facing a cancer diagnosis by 2025 and rising rates of chronic illness, learn how strategic life protection, combined with private health insurance, empowers you to thrive, not just survive, securing your relationships, your financial independence, and even your legacy for future generations, ensuring your personal evolution is truly uninterrupted.

In today's world, the pursuit of personal growth is a powerful driving force. We meticulously plan our careers, invest in our education, fine-tune our diets, and dedicate hours to physical and mental fitness. We build, strive, and evolve. Yet, in this relentless quest for self-improvement, a fundamental, often invisible, layer of security is frequently overlooked.

This is the paradox of modern personal growth: we construct magnificent life plans on foundations that are surprisingly fragile. We build careers, families, and futures, assuming the ground beneath our feet—our health and our ability to earn—will always remain solid.

The stark reality is that life is unpredictable. An unexpected illness or injury can shatter the most carefully laid plans in an instant, turning a journey of growth into a battle for survival. The financial and emotional fallout can derail your ambitions, strain your relationships, and compromise the very independence you've worked so hard to achieve.

This is where the 'Invisible Shield' comes in. It's not about planning for failure; it's about building the resilience to ensure your success. It’s a comprehensive strategy of modern financial protection that stands guard over your ambitions, your family, and your future. It’s the difference between hoping for the best and being genuinely prepared for the worst, allowing you to pursue your growth with true confidence.

The Modern Personal Growth Paradox: Building Without a Blueprint for Resilience

We live in an age of optimisation. We have apps to track our sleep, nutritionists to guide our diet, and career coaches to map our professional ascent. We are, in essence, the architects of our own lives. But what happens when the architect gets sick?

Imagine spending years designing and building your dream home. You select the finest materials for the interiors, the most beautiful landscaping, and the latest technology. But you neglect to check the foundations or install a robust security system. A single storm or a determined intruder could bring it all crumbling down.

This is precisely how many of us approach our lives. We focus on the visible, aspirational elements:

  • Career Progression: Climbing the ladder, starting a business, becoming an expert in our field.
  • Financial Goals: Saving for a house deposit, investing for retirement, building wealth.
  • Health & Wellness: Running marathons, practising yoga, embracing mindful eating.
  • Relationships: Nurturing our connections with partners, children, and friends.

These are all vital components of a fulfilling life. However, they all depend on one critical, unspoken assumption: your continued good health and ability to earn an income.

Consider the data. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), long-term sickness is a leading cause of economic inactivity in the UK, with numbers rising significantly in recent years. Meanwhile, charities like Cancer Research UK project that 1 in 2 people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. These aren't abstract risks; they are statistical probabilities that impact millions of families.

The fallout from a serious health event extends far beyond the physical. It creates a tsunami of challenges:

  • Income Loss: Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is currently just £116.75 per week (2024/25 rate), a sum that barely scratches the surface of most people's essential outgoings.
  • Emotional Strain: Financial worries exacerbate the stress of illness, affecting not only you but your entire family.
  • Career Interruption: A long absence can stall career momentum, making it difficult to return to your previous trajectory.
  • Depletion of Savings: Hard-earned savings intended for a mortgage deposit, children's education, or retirement can be wiped out in months.

The Invisible Shield of financial protection addresses this paradox directly. It’s the foundational blueprint for resilience that underpins all your other growth plans. It ensures that if a storm does hit, your dream home—your life—remains standing, secure, and ready for you to continue building when the clouds clear.

Deconstructing the 'Invisible Shield': Your Core Protection Options

Your personal shield isn't a single product, but a combination of tailored policies designed to protect you against different risks. Think of it like a suit of armour: each piece has a specific function, but they work together to provide complete protection. Let's break down the core components.

1. Income Protection (IP): Your Monthly Salary's Bodyguard

Arguably the bedrock of any financial plan, Income Protection is designed to do one thing: replace a significant portion of your monthly income if you're unable to work due to any illness or injury.

Unlike Critical Illness Cover, which pays a lump sum for a specific condition, IP provides a regular, tax-free income stream. This continues until you're well enough to return to work, your policy term ends, or you retire, whichever comes first.

Why is it so crucial? Because your income is the engine that powers your entire life. It pays the mortgage, covers the bills, feeds your family, and funds your future. Without it, everything stops.

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is the government's safety net, but it's woefully inadequate for most.

FeatureStatutory Sick Pay (SSP)Typical Income Protection Policy
Weekly Amount£116.75 (2024/25)50-70% of your gross monthly salary
Payment DurationMaximum of 28 weeksCan pay out until retirement age (e.g., 68)
EligibilityMust be an employee earning over a certain thresholdAvailable to employees and self-employed
What it CoversProvides a minimal safety netAims to maintain your standard of living

Key Concepts to Understand:

  • Deferment Period: This is the waiting period between when you stop working and when the policy starts paying out. It can range from one week to a year. Aligning this with your employer's sick pay scheme or your personal savings is a smart way to manage premiums.
  • Benefit Period: This is how long the policy will pay out for. It can be for a fixed term (e.g., 2 or 5 years per claim) or, ideally, for the long term—right up until your chosen retirement age.

For freelancers, contractors, and the self-employed, Income Protection isn't just a good idea; it's an absolute necessity. With no employer sick pay to fall back on, you are your own safety net.

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2. Critical Illness Cover (CIC): A Financial First-Aid Kit for Major Health Crises

While Income Protection guards your monthly cash flow, Critical Illness Cover provides a single, tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of a list of predefined serious conditions.

The "big three" conditions covered by almost all policies are cancer, heart attack, and stroke, which account for the vast majority of claims. However, modern comprehensive policies can cover over 50 conditions, including multiple sclerosis, kidney failure, major organ transplant, and permanent paralysis.

How could the lump sum be used? The power of a CIC payout is its flexibility. It gives you financial breathing room at a time of immense emotional and physical stress, allowing you to focus purely on recovery.

Potential Use of CIC PayoutWhy It's a Game-Changer
Pay off the mortgageRemoves the single biggest financial burden for most families.
Cover private medical treatmentAccess treatments or specialists not available on the NHS.
Adapt your homeInstall a ramp, stairlift, or wet room to aid mobility.
Fund a career changeAllows you to retrain for a less physically demanding role.
Replace lost income for a partnerEnables your partner to take time off work to care for you.
Clear debtsEliminates the stress of loans, credit cards, or car finance.

With the sobering reality that 1 in 2 of us may face a cancer diagnosis, having a plan in place to handle the financial shockwave is a profound act of self-care and responsibility. It provides the funds to make choices, not compromises, during recovery.

3. Life Insurance: Securing Your Legacy

Life Insurance (or Life Protection) is the most well-known form of protection. In its simplest form, it pays out a lump sum to your loved ones if you pass away during the policy term. This money can be used to pay off a mortgage, cover funeral costs, and provide for your family's future living expenses.

The main types are:

  • Level Term Insurance: The payout amount remains the same throughout the policy term. Ideal for covering an interest-only mortgage or providing a general family legacy.
  • Decreasing Term Insurance: The payout amount reduces over time, broadly in line with a repayment mortgage. This makes it a very cost-effective way to ensure your family home is secure.

But there's a third, incredibly useful option that is often a better fit for young families.

Family Income Benefit (FIB): A Smarter Way to Protect Your Family

Instead of a single, large lump sum that can be daunting to manage, Family Income Benefit pays out a regular, tax-free monthly or annual income to your family, from the point of a claim until the policy's end date.

Why is FIB so effective? It directly replaces your lost salary, making budgeting simple and stress-free for your surviving partner. It removes the pressure of managing a large investment, which can be overwhelming during a period of grief.

FeatureTraditional Lump Sum Life InsuranceFamily Income Benefit (FIB)
Payout TypeOne large, tax-free lump sumRegular, tax-free income (e.g., £2,000/month)
PurposePay off large debts (mortgage), create a legacyReplace lost monthly income, cover ongoing bills
CostTypically more expensiveOften significantly cheaper, especially for young parents
Best ForClearing large capital debts, inheritance planningCovering day-to-day family living costs in a manageable way

Choosing between these options depends on your specific needs. At WeCovr, we help clients understand these nuances, ensuring the protection they choose perfectly matches their family's circumstances.

Tailored Protection for Britain's Backbone: Bespoke Shields for Unique Roles

A one-size-fits-all approach to protection doesn't work. Your profession, employment status, and business structure create unique risks and opportunities. A robust 'Invisible Shield' must be tailored to your specific life.

For the Hands-On Heroes: Tradespeople and Nurses

If your job is physically demanding, you face a higher risk of being unable to work due to injury. For electricians, plumbers, construction workers, and also for frontline healthcare workers like nurses who are constantly on their feet, standard income protection can sometimes come with higher premiums or specific exclusions.

This is where Personal Sick Pay insurance shines. These policies are a form of income protection specifically designed for manual workers and those in higher-risk professions.

Key features of Personal Sick Pay:

  • Shorter Deferment Periods: You can often choose to have the policy pay out after just one week of being off work, which is vital when you have no company sick pay.
  • 'Own Occupation' Definition: This is critical. It means the policy will pay out if you are unable to do your specific job, not just any job. A surgeon with a hand tremor can't work as a surgeon, even if they could do another job.
  • Accident & Sickness Focus: They provide straightforward cover for the most common reasons you'd be unable to work.

For a self-employed plumber, a back injury isn't just painful—it's a complete shutdown of their income. A Personal Sick Pay policy is the tool that keeps their personal finances running while they recover.

For the Visionaries: Company Directors & the Self-Employed

Running your own business or working for yourself offers incredible freedom, but it comes with a complete absence of the traditional corporate safety net. This makes personal protection vital, but there are also smart, tax-efficient ways to structure it through your business.

Executive Income Protection

This is Income Protection, but with a powerful tax advantage. The policy is owned and paid for by your limited company.

  • Tax Efficiency: The premiums are typically considered an allowable business expense, meaning they can be offset against your corporation tax bill.
  • Benefit Payout: If you need to claim, the benefit is paid to the company, which then pays it to you via PAYE.
  • Higher Cover Levels: You can often insure a higher percentage of your total remuneration (salary and dividends).

This is one of the most valuable benefits a director can provide for themselves, offering robust personal protection in a highly tax-efficient manner.

Key Person Insurance

Who is indispensable to your business? For most small businesses, it's the owner or a key director. If that person were to suffer a critical illness or pass away, the business itself could be in jeopardy.

Key Person Insurance is taken out by the business to protect itself against the financial loss of that key individual. The lump sum payout can be used to:

  • Recruit and train a replacement.
  • Clear business debts or loans.
  • Reassure investors and creditors.
  • Compensate for lost profits during the period of disruption.

This isn't about protecting the individual's family; it's about ensuring the business they built survives their absence.

The Unspoken Legacy: Inheritance Tax and Gift Inter Vivos

Your financial shield can extend beyond your own lifetime to protect the next generation. Many people make substantial financial gifts to their children or grandchildren during their lifetime, perhaps to help with a house deposit or university fees.

However, under UK law, these gifts may still be subject to Inheritance Tax (IHT) if you pass away within seven years of making them. This is known as the '7-year rule'. This can create an unexpected and significant tax bill for your loved ones.

Gift Inter Vivos Insurance is a specialised life insurance policy designed to solve this exact problem.

  • It's a type of term life insurance where the cover amount decreases over the seven years, mirroring the reducing IHT liability on the gift.
  • If you pass away within the 7-year window, the policy pays out to cover the exact IHT bill due on the gift.
  • This ensures your gift is received in full by your loved ones, exactly as you intended.

It’s a simple, elegant solution for anyone engaged in generational wealth planning, ensuring your legacy is preserved, not taxed away.

Building a Holistic Shield: Protection and Health Insurance Working Together

It's common to confuse protection insurance (like IP and CIC) with Private Medical Insurance (PMI). They serve two different but highly complementary purposes.

  • Private Medical Insurance (PMI): Pays for the cost of your treatment. It gives you access to private doctors, hospitals, and specialists, helping you bypass NHS waiting lists and get treated faster.
  • Protection Insurance (IP, CIC): Pays you money to live on. It covers your mortgage, bills, and living costs while you are unable to earn an income during your treatment and recovery.

Think of it this way:

  1. You are diagnosed with a serious condition.
  2. Your Private Medical Insurance gets you a swift diagnosis and pays for your surgery in a private hospital within weeks.
  3. Your Critical Illness Cover pays out a lump sum, which you use to clear your credit card debt and adapt your home for your recovery.
  4. Your Income Protection policy kicks in, paying you a monthly income that covers your bills, meaning you can focus 100% on getting better without worrying about finances.

Together, they form the ultimate resilience package. PMI addresses the health crisis, while protection insurance addresses the financial crisis. Having both empowers you to not just survive a health scare, but to do so with dignity, choice, and financial stability.

The WeCovr Advantage: More Than Just a Policy

Navigating the world of protection insurance can feel complex. The market is filled with different providers, policy definitions, and pricing structures. Trying to go it alone can lead to confusion or, worse, inadequate cover.

This is where working with an expert, independent broker like us at WeCovr makes all the difference. We don't work for an insurance company; we work for you. Our role is to:

  • Listen & Understand: We take the time to understand your personal and financial situation, your goals for the future, and your specific concerns.
  • Scan the Market: We use our expertise and technology to compare policies and premiums from all the UK's leading insurers, finding the most suitable and competitive options for you.
  • Translate the Jargon: We explain the key features, benefits, and exclusions in plain English, so you can make a truly informed decision.

Our commitment to your wellbeing goes beyond the policy itself. We believe that proactive health is the first line of defence. That's why every WeCovr client receives complimentary access to our proprietary AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero. We want to empower you not only with a financial safety net but also with tools to help you build a healthier life, reducing your risks from the inside out. It's part of our holistic approach to protecting your future.

Proactive Wellness: Strengthening Your Shield from the Inside Out

While insurance provides a crucial financial shield, your daily habits form a powerful biological one. Integrating wellness into your personal growth journey is not just about feeling good; it's a strategic way to reduce your risk of developing many of the chronic illnesses that trigger protection claims.

Here are some simple, evidence-based pillars of a healthier lifestyle:

1. Nourish Your Body

You don't need a restrictive or complicated diet. Focus on a balanced approach:

  • Eat the Rainbow: Incorporate a wide variety of colourful fruits and vegetables to maximise your intake of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
  • Prioritise Lean Protein & Fibre: These keep you feeling full, stabilise blood sugar, and support muscle health. Think chicken, fish, beans, lentils, and whole grains.
  • Embrace Healthy Fats: Avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil are crucial for brain health and reducing inflammation.
  • Stay Hydrated: Water is essential for every single bodily function. Aim for 2-3 litres per day.

2. Prioritise Sleep

Sleep is not a luxury; it's a non-negotiable biological necessity. Consistent, quality sleep is when your body repairs itself, consolidates memories, and regulates hormones.

  • Aim for 7-9 hours per night.
  • Create a Routine: Go to bed and wake up at roughly the same time, even on weekends.
  • Optimise Your Environment: Make your bedroom dark, cool, and quiet.
  • Limit Blue Light: Avoid screens for at least an hour before bed.

3. Move Your Body

The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week. This doesn't have to mean gruelling gym sessions.

  • Find an Activity You Enjoy: Whether it's brisk walking, dancing, cycling, or swimming, you're more likely to stick with it if you love it.
  • Incorporate Strength Training: Two sessions a week help maintain muscle mass and bone density, which is crucial as you age.
  • Stay Active Throughout the Day: Take the stairs, walk during your lunch break, and stand up from your desk regularly.

4. Manage Your Mind

Chronic stress is a major contributor to poor health outcomes.

  • Practice Mindfulness: Even 5-10 minutes of meditation or deep breathing exercises per day can lower cortisol levels.
  • Connect with Nature: Spending time outdoors has a proven restorative effect on mental health.
  • Maintain Social Connections: Strong relationships are a powerful buffer against stress and depression.

The Cost of Inaction vs. The Price of Protection

One of the most common reasons people delay putting protection in place is the perceived cost. "I can't afford it right now" is an understandable sentiment. However, it's crucial to reframe this question: Can you afford not to have it?

The cost of a comprehensive protection plan is often surprisingly affordable, especially when you are young and healthy. For many, a robust shield can be secured for the price of a few weekly coffees or a monthly takeaway.

Let's consider two hypothetical scenarios for a 35-year-old non-smoker who is off work for a year with a serious illness.

ScenarioWith an 'Invisible Shield'Without an 'Invisible Shield'
Monthly Income£2,500/month from Income Protection£505/month from Statutory Sick Pay (for 28 wks)
Lump Sum Support£75,000 tax-free payout from Critical Illness Cover£0
Financial ImpactMortgage paid. Bills covered. Savings intact. Focus is 100% on recovery.Rapidly depletes savings. Incurs debt. May need to sell home. Intense financial stress.
Approx. Monthly Cost£40 - £70 (for IP and CIC combined)£0 (but the potential cost is financial ruin)

Note: Premiums are illustrative and depend on individual age, health, occupation, and cover amounts.

The monthly premium for protection isn't an expense; it's an investment in certainty. It's the price you pay to guarantee that your personal growth journey, your family's security, and your financial independence will never be derailed by an unexpected health crisis. It’s the ultimate act of future-proofing your life.

Your Shield, Your Future: A Final Word

The journey of personal growth is a lifelong endeavour. It's about consciously and deliberately building a better version of yourself and a better future for those you love. But the strength of any structure is determined by its foundation.

Your health and your ability to earn an income are that foundation. Leaving them exposed to the inevitable uncertainties of life is a gamble no one should have to take.

The 'Invisible Shield' of modern financial protection—Income Protection, Critical Illness Cover, and Life Insurance, all tailored to your unique circumstances—is the missing piece in the personal growth puzzle. It's the quiet, unwavering guardian of your ambitions. It empowers you to strive, to build, and to evolve with the profound confidence that comes from knowing you are protected.

Don't just hope for the best. Build the resilience to withstand the worst. Your future self will thank you for it.


I'm single with no children. Do I still need protection?

Absolutely. While life insurance might be less of a priority, Income Protection and Critical Illness Cover are arguably even more important. With no second income to rely on, your ability to pay your rent or mortgage, cover your bills, and maintain your independence rests solely on your shoulders. A serious illness could be financially devastating. These policies protect *your* lifestyle and *your* future, ensuring you remain financially independent no matter what.

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

Yes, in many cases, you can. It's crucial to be completely honest on your application. Depending on the condition, its severity, and how long ago you were treated, an insurer might offer you cover on standard terms, apply an exclusion for that specific condition, or increase the premium. An expert broker is invaluable here, as they know which insurers are more favourable for certain conditions and can help you navigate the process to find the best possible outcome.

How much cover do I actually need?

This is a personal calculation based on your unique circumstances. For **Income Protection**, a good starting point is to cover 50-60% of your gross income. For **Critical Illness Cover** and **Life Insurance**, consider your major debts (like your mortgage), your annual family expenses (and how many years you'd want to cover), and any future costs like university fees. A good financial adviser or broker can walk you through a detailed needs analysis to arrive at a figure that's right for you.

Do insurers actually pay out claims? I've heard horror stories.

This is a common myth, but the official statistics tell a very different story. According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), UK insurers pay out over 97% of all protection claims. In 2022, this amounted to a staggering £6.85 billion paid to families. The vast majority of the small number of declined claims are due to "non-disclosure"—where the applicant wasn't truthful about their medical history or lifestyle when they applied. If you are honest and accurate on your application form, you can be very confident that the policy will pay out when you need it most.

Related guides

Why life insurance and how does it work?

What is Life Insurance?

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

How does it work?

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

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

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

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

Questions to ask yourself regarding life insurance

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

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

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

Benefits offered by income protection, life and critical illness insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Types of life insurance policies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Fact!

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

Why is it important to get life insurance early?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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Important Information

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

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About WeCovr

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