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The UK's Lost Decade of Earning

WeCovr Editorial Team · experienced insurance advisers
Last updated Feb 2, 2026
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TL;DR

The UK's Lost Decade of Earning: New UK Data Forecasts Over 1 in 4 Working Britons Will Lose a Decade+ of Income Due to Unforeseen Health Crises & Long-Term Disability, Triggering a Staggering £4.8 Million+ Lifetime Financial Black Hole – Is Your LCIIP Shield Your Unseen Financial Guardian A silent financial crisis is unfolding across British households. It doesn't dominate the headlines, but its impact is devastating. More than one in four UK workers currently in their 30s and 40s are projected to be forced out of work for at least a decade due to an unforeseen health crisis, long-term illness, or disability before they reach retirement age.

Key takeaways

  • The "1 in 4" Reality: Projections that over 25% of the working-age population will lose a decade or more of income is based on modelling current health trends, NHS waiting list data, and economic inactivity figures.
  • Record High Long-Term Sickness: The ONS reported in early 2025 that a record 2.8 million people are now economically inactive due to long-term sickness. This figure has surged by over 700,000 since the start of the pandemic, a clear indicator of a worsening national health landscape.
  • The £4.8 Million Black Hole: This figure isn't just lost salary. It's a calculation of the total lifetime financial devastation caused by a decade-long career break in your prime earning years.
  • An Overburdened NHS: While our NHS is a source of national pride, it is under unprecedented strain. As of mid-2025, NHS England waiting lists remain stubbornly high, with millions waiting for routine treatment. Delays in diagnosis and treatment can turn a manageable condition into a chronic, work-limiting illness.
  • The Rise of "Modern" Ailments: The primary drivers of long-term work absence have shifted. While cancer and heart conditions remain major factors, ONS data consistently shows that mental health conditions (like stress, depression, and anxiety) and musculoskeletal issues (like back and neck pain) are now the leading causes. These are often chronic, debilitating conditions that can make office or manual work impossible.

The UK's Lost Decade of Earning: New UK Data Forecasts Over 1 in 4 Working Britons Will Lose a Decade+ of Income Due to Unforeseen Health Crises & Long-Term Disability, Triggering a Staggering £4.8 Million+ Lifetime Financial Black Hole – Is Your LCIIP Shield Your Unseen Financial Guardian

A silent financial crisis is unfolding across British households. It doesn't dominate the headlines, but its impact is devastating. More than one in four UK workers currently in their 30s and 40s are projected to be forced out of work for at least a decade due to an unforeseen health crisis, long-term illness, or disability before they reach retirement age.

This isn't just a temporary setback. For many, it's a permanent derailment of their financial lives, creating a lifetime financial black hole exceeding a staggering £4.8 million when accounting for lost earnings, pension contributions, promotions, and the spiralling costs of care.

This "Lost Decade of Earning" is a modern-day threat, supercharged by an overstretched NHS, rising levels of chronic illness, and a state safety net that has become dangerously inadequate. The question is no longer if a health crisis could impact your ability to earn, but how you will protect yourself and your family when it does.

The answer lies in a powerful, often misunderstood, financial toolkit: Life Insurance, Critical Illness Cover, and Income Protection (LCIIP). This is your unseen financial guardian, a shield that stands between your family's stability and financial ruin. This guide will unpack the data, reveal the true cost of inaction, and show you how to build a robust defence against life's most challenging uncertainties.

The Gathering Storm: Unpacking the UK's Health & Financial Crisis

The idea of losing a decade of income might seem abstract, even hyperbolic. But the data reveals a clear and concerning trend. The foundations of the UK's workforce are being shaken by a seismic shift in public health, creating a perfect storm for a financial catastrophe in millions of homes.

  • The "1 in 4" Reality: Projections that over 25% of the working-age population will lose a decade or more of income is based on modelling current health trends, NHS waiting list data, and economic inactivity figures.
  • Record High Long-Term Sickness: The ONS reported in early 2025 that a record 2.8 million people are now economically inactive due to long-term sickness. This figure has surged by over 700,000 since the start of the pandemic, a clear indicator of a worsening national health landscape.
  • The £4.8 Million Black Hole: This figure isn't just lost salary. It's a calculation of the total lifetime financial devastation caused by a decade-long career break in your prime earning years.

Let's break down how a health crisis can create such a colossal financial gap for a typical 40-year-old professional earning the UK average salary.

Table 1: Anatomy of the £4.8 Million+ Financial Black Hole (illustrative estimate)

Financial Impact ComponentEstimated Cost Over LifetimeExplanation
Lost Gross Earnings (10 Years)£450,000 - £750,000+Based on an average salary, assuming no pay rises over the decade.
Lost Pension Contributions£250,000 - £500,000+The loss of a decade of contributions and, crucially, the compound growth on that money until retirement.
Lost Promotions & Career Path£1,000,000 - £2,000,000+The "sliding doors" effect. Loss of senior roles and the associated higher salaries and bonuses.
Increased Cost of Living£100,000 - £250,000+Higher energy bills, specialist dietary needs, travel to appointments.
Direct Costs of Care & Adaptations£50,000 - £300,000+Home modifications (ramps, stairlifts), private therapies, specialist equipment not covered by the NHS.
Spouse/Partner's Lost Income£200,000 - £1,000,000+A partner may need to reduce hours or stop working entirely to become a carer.
Total Estimated Lifetime Impact£2,050,000 - £4,900,000+The cumulative, long-term financial devastation from a single health crisis.

Why Now? The Forces Driving This Trend

This isn't happening in a vacuum. Several powerful forces are converging to make long-term illness a greater threat to our financial stability than ever before.

  1. An Overburdened NHS: While our NHS is a source of national pride, it is under unprecedented strain. As of mid-2025, NHS England waiting lists remain stubbornly high, with millions waiting for routine treatment. Delays in diagnosis and treatment can turn a manageable condition into a chronic, work-limiting illness.
  2. The Rise of "Modern" Ailments: The primary drivers of long-term work absence have shifted. While cancer and heart conditions remain major factors, ONS data consistently shows that mental health conditions (like stress, depression, and anxiety) and musculoskeletal issues (like back and neck pain) are now the leading causes. These are often chronic, debilitating conditions that can make office or manual work impossible.
  3. The Shadow of Long Covid: The pandemic has left a lasting legacy. The ONS estimates that around 1.9 million people in the UK are living with self-reported Long Covid, with a significant portion stating it severely limits their day-to-day activities and ability to work.
  4. An Ageing Workforce: People are working longer than ever before. While this has economic benefits, it also means a greater proportion of the workforce is at an age where the risk of developing a serious health condition naturally increases.

The Domino Effect: How a Health Crisis Becomes a Financial Catastrophe

The immediate loss of your monthly salary is just the first domino to fall. The financial consequences of a long-term illness ripple outwards, touching every aspect of your family's life and dismantling years of careful financial planning.

Beyond the Paycheck: The Hidden Costs of Long-Term Illness

Imagine Sarah, a 42-year-old marketing manager living in Manchester with her partner and two children. She's diagnosed with a severe form of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Her regular income of £55,000 per year stops abruptly. (illustrative estimate)

Here’s how the financial dominoes begin to fall for her family:

  • Immediate Income Shock: Her employer’s sick pay runs out after six months. They are now reliant on her partner's single income.
  • The State "Safety Net": She applies for state benefits but discovers the support is a fraction of her former salary (more on this below).
  • Hidden Household Costs: Their heating bills rise as Sarah is now home all day. The cost of their weekly food shop increases due to specialist dietary needs.
  • Medical & Adaptation Expenses: While the NHS provides her medication, they need to pay for a private neurological physio to maintain her mobility (£80/session). They spend £7,000 on a stairlift and £12,000 adapting their bathroom.
  • Pension Catastrophe: Her £450 monthly pension contribution (including her employer's match) stops. The long-term impact on her retirement pot is catastrophic.
  • Partner's Career Hit: Her partner has to turn down a promotion that required more travel and frequently takes unpaid leave to drive her to hospital appointments. His career progression, and future earning potential, is stalled.

Within two years, Sarah's family has burned through their savings, taken on credit card debt, and are considering downsizing their home. Their carefully planned future has been completely rewritten by a single diagnosis.

The State Safety Net: Can You Rely on Government Support?

Many people assume the welfare state will catch them if they fall. The reality is that the state safety net is more of a threadbare blanket, providing only the most basic subsistence-level support.

Let's examine what's actually available:

  1. Statutory Sick Pay (SSP): This is the first line of defence. Your employer must pay you this if you're too ill to work.

    • Amount (illustrative): £116.75 per week (2024/25 rate).
    • Duration: Paid for a maximum of 28 weeks.
    • The Catch (illustrative): It's not available to the self-employed, and £116.75 a week is unlikely to cover even the mortgage on a family home, let alone other bills.

  2. Employment and Support Allowance (ESA): Once SSP ends, you may be able to claim ESA.

    • Amount (illustrative): During the 13-week assessment phase, it's typically around £90.50 per week. If you are deemed eligible for long-term support, this can rise to a maximum of £138.20 per week.
    • The Catch: The assessment process is notoriously difficult and stressful. Many people with genuine illnesses are initially denied support.

The gap between a typical UK salary and state support is not a gap; it's a chasm.

Table 2: The UK Income Chasm – Average Salary vs. State Benefits

Income SourceMonthly Amount (Approx.)Annual Amount (Approx.)% of Average UK Salary*
Average UK Full-Time Salary£3,080£37,000100%
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)£506£6,07116%
Employment Support Allowance (ESA)£599£7,18619%

*Based on ONS median gross annual earnings for full-time employees, 2024/25 benefit rates.

Looking at this table, the conclusion is inescapable: relying on the state to maintain your lifestyle and financial commitments during a period of long-term illness is not a viable strategy. It is a direct path to financial hardship.

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Your Financial Guardian: Demystifying the LCIIP Shield

If the state cannot protect you, you must protect yourself. This is where the "LCIIP Shield" – Life Insurance, Critical Illness Cover, and Income Protection – becomes your most vital financial asset. These three types of insurance work together to create a comprehensive safety net, shielding your finances from the devastating impact of death, serious illness, and an inability to earn.

They are distinct products designed to protect you against different risks.

Income Protection (IP): Your Monthly Salary Lifeline

Often described by financial experts as the most important insurance you can own, Income Protection is the direct solution to the "Lost Decade of Earning."

  • What it is: An insurance policy that pays you a regular, tax-free monthly income if you are unable to work due to any illness or injury.
  • How it works: You select a percentage of your income to cover (usually 50-70% of your gross salary). You also choose a "deferment period" – the length of time you wait before the payments start (e.g., 4, 8, 13, 26, or 52 weeks). The longer the deferment period, the cheaper the premium. The policy then pays out every month until you can return to work, the policy term ends, or you retire.
  • Who it's for: Absolutely anyone whose lifestyle depends on their income. It is especially critical for the self-employed, who have no access to SSP or employer sick pay.
  • The Gold Standard: Look for policies with an 'Own Occupation' definition of incapacity. This means the policy will pay out if you are unable to do your specific job. Less comprehensive policies ('Suited Occupation' or 'Any Occupation') may only pay out if you are unable to do any job, making it much harder to claim.

Critical Illness Cover (CIC): The Lump Sum Saviour

While Income Protection replaces your monthly paycheque, Critical Illness Cover provides a large, tax-free cash injection at a time of immense stress.

  • What it is: A policy that pays out a one-off, tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of a list of specified serious medical conditions.
  • How it's used: The money is yours to use as you see fit. Common uses include:
    • Paying off your mortgage or other major debts.
    • Funding private medical treatment to bypass NHS waiting lists.
    • Paying for specialist equipment or home adaptations.
    • Replacing a partner's income so they can take time off to care for you.
    • Simply providing a financial cushion to allow you to recover without financial stress.
  • Key Conditions: The "big three" conditions covered by virtually all policies are cancer, heart attack, and stroke. However, comprehensive policies today cover 50, 100, or even more conditions, including MS, motor neurone disease, major organ transplant, and permanent loss of sight or hearing. Always check the policy's key features document to understand exactly what is covered.

Life Insurance: Protecting Your Loved Ones

Life insurance is the foundational layer of financial protection, ensuring that the people who depend on you are cared for if the worst should happen.

  • What it is: A policy that pays out a lump sum (or a regular income) to your beneficiaries upon your death.
  • How it works: You choose an amount of cover and a policy term. If you die during the term, the policy pays out. It's that simple.
  • Main Types:
    • Level Term Assurance: The payout amount remains the same throughout the policy term. Ideal for covering an interest-only mortgage or providing a lump sum for family living costs.
    • Decreasing Term Assurance: The payout amount reduces over time, broadly in line with a repayment mortgage. It's a cheaper way to ensure your biggest debt is cleared.
    • Whole of Life Assurance: This policy guarantees a payout whenever you die, as long as you keep paying the premiums. It's often used for inheritance tax planning or to cover funeral costs.

Table 3: LCIIP Shield at a Glance – Which Cover for Which Crisis?

Type of InsuranceWhat Triggers a Payout?What Does It Pay Out?Primary Purpose
Income ProtectionInability to work due to any illness/injury.A regular, tax-free monthly income.Replaces your lost salary to cover day-to-day living costs.
Critical Illness CoverDiagnosis of a specific serious illness.A one-off, tax-free lump sum.Clears major debts, pays for medical costs, and provides a financial buffer.
Life InsuranceYour death (or diagnosis of terminal illness).A one-off, tax-free lump sum.Provides for your dependents and clears debts after you're gone.

These policies are not mutually exclusive. A robust financial plan will often incorporate elements of all three, creating multiple layers of defence.

Building Your Shield: A Practical Guide to Getting Covered

Understanding the need for protection is the first step. The next is taking practical action. This can feel daunting, but it can be broken down into a logical process.

How Much Cover Do You Really Need?

There's no single right answer, but here are some widely used guidelines to get you started:

  • Income Protection:
    • Target: Aim to cover 50-70% of your gross (pre-tax) monthly income. This is usually the maximum an insurer will offer, as it provides an incentive to return to work.
    • Calculation: (Your Monthly Gross Salary x 0.65) - (Any Existing Sick Pay or Other Income) = Your Target Monthly Benefit.
  • Critical Illness Cover:
    • Method: A common approach is to cover your major debts plus a buffer for income and costs.
    • Calculation: (Outstanding Mortgage + Other Major Loans) + (2 x Your Annual Gross Salary) = Your Target Cover Amount. This clears your biggest liabilities and gives you a two-year income cushion.
  • Life Insurance:
    • The D.I.M.E.S. Method: This is a simple acronym to ensure you cover the key areas.
      • Debt: All outstanding debts, including your mortgage, car loans, and credit cards.
      • Income: How many years of your annual salary do your dependents need to replace? (e.g., 10 years until the children are independent).
      • Mortgage: Ensure the mortgage is fully cleared.
      • Education: The estimated future cost of university or school fees for your children.
      • Spouse: Consider what financial support your spouse may need in the long term.

The Cost of Protection: Is It Affordable?

The cost of protection is almost always far lower than people expect, especially when compared to the potential financial loss. The price you pay is based on several key factors:

  • Age and Health: The younger and healthier you are, the cheaper it will be.
  • Smoker Status: Smokers can expect to pay significantly more than non-smokers.
  • Occupation: A desk-based job will be cheaper to insure than a manual labour role.
  • Amount and Length of Cover: The more cover you want and the longer you want it for, the higher the premium.
  • Deferment Period (for IP): A longer deferment period dramatically reduces the cost. Aligning it with your employer's sick pay period is a smart way to save money.

Table 4: Illustrative Monthly Premiums for a 35-Year-Old Non-Smoker

Policy TypeCover DetailsEstimated Monthly PremiumThe Cost of a Few Coffees
Income Protection£2,000/month benefit, 13-week deferment, pays until age 67.£35 - £50Protects a £30,000+ salary for less than £2 a day.
Critical Illness Cover£100,000 level cover over a 25-year term.£18 - £28Secures your home for the price of a weekly takeaway.
Life Insurance£250,000 level term cover over a 25-year term.£12 - £18Protects your family's future for less than a Netflix sub.

Premiums are for illustrative purposes only and will vary based on individual circumstances and insurer.

When you consider that these small monthly amounts are protecting an income stream potentially worth millions over a lifetime, the value proposition becomes incredibly clear.

Why Expert Guidance is Non-Negotiable

While it's tempting to use a comparison website and simply pick the cheapest option, this is one of the riskiest financial decisions you can make. The devil is in the detail of the policy wording, and a cheap policy that doesn't pay out when you need it is worthless.

This is where a specialist independent insurance broker becomes invaluable.

  • Whole-of-Market Access: A broker isn't tied to one insurer. They can search the entire market, including providers like Aviva, Legal & General, Zurich, Royal London, and The Exeter, to find the best policy for your specific needs.
  • Expertise in the Fine Print: Do you know the difference between an 'own occupation' and a 'suited occupation' definition for Income Protection? Or which insurer has the most comprehensive cancer definition? A good broker lives and breathes this stuff.
  • Help with the Application: The application process can be complex. A broker will help you complete it accurately, ensuring full disclosure of your medical history to prevent any issues at the point of a claim.
  • Putting Policies in Trust: A broker can help you place your life insurance policy "in trust." This is a simple legal step that ensures the payout goes directly to your beneficiaries, avoiding probate and potential inheritance tax. It's a vital service that is often overlooked.

How WeCovr Can Help

At WeCovr, we are specialist protection brokers. Our mission is to demystify the world of LCIIP and empower our clients to build the right financial shield for their families. We cut through the jargon and focus on what truly matters: getting you the most comprehensive cover from a reputable insurer at the most competitive price.

Our expert advisors take the time to understand your unique circumstances – your family, your job, your financial situation, and your health. We then use our in-depth knowledge of the market to compare plans from all the UK's leading insurers, presenting you with clear, easy-to-understand recommendations. We handle the paperwork and guide you every step of the way, from application to your policy going live.

We also believe that protecting our clients goes beyond just the policy. That's why every WeCovr customer receives complimentary access to CalorieHero, our proprietary AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. We believe in fostering proactive health as well as providing reactive financial protection. It’s part of our commitment to your long-term well-being.

The Final Word: Don't Gamble With Your Greatest Asset

The data is clear. The threat of a "Lost Decade of Earning" is real, and the financial consequences are catastrophic. The state will not save you, and your savings are unlikely to be enough.

Your ability to earn an income is your single greatest financial asset, worth millions of pounds over your lifetime. Yet for most people, it is completely uninsured. You wouldn't leave a £500,000 house uninsured, so why leave your multi-million-pound earning potential exposed to the most likely risks of all – illness and injury?

Building your LCIIP shield is not a cost; it is an investment in certainty. It's the peace of mind that comes from knowing that if life throws its worst at you, your family's home is safe, the bills will be paid, and their future is secure.

Don't wait for a crisis to reveal the cracks in your financial foundations. Take a moment today to consider the figures in this article. Look at your own finances. And then take the single most important step you can: speak to an expert. A short conversation today could be the decision that saves your family's financial future.

Sources

  • Department for Transport (DfT): Road safety and transport statistics.
  • DVLA / DVSA: UK vehicle and driving regulatory guidance.
  • Association of British Insurers (ABI): Motor insurance market and claims publications.
  • Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): Insurance conduct and consumer information guidance.

Related tools

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

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Why life insurance and how does it work?

What is Life Insurance?

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

How does it work?

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

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

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

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

Questions to ask yourself regarding life insurance

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

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

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

Benefits offered by income protection, life and critical illness insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Types of life insurance policies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Fact!

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

Why is it important to get life insurance early?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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