Login

The Unseen Shield: Unlocking Life's Potential

The Unseen Shield: Unlocking Life's Potential 2026

Beyond the Safety Net: How Proactive Protection Unlocks Your Full Life Potential.

New health statistics predict an unprecedented need for financial resilience, proving that neglecting your future isn't just a risk – it's a barrier to growth. Discover how Family Income Benefit, Income Protection, Life and Critical Illness Cover, specialized Personal Sick Pay for high-risk professions (tradespeople, nurses, electricians), Life Protection, and Gift Inter Vivos are the unseen pillars of your success. Uncover how private health insurance provides vital rapid access and choice, transforming uncertainty into the ultimate freedom to pursue your passions, secure your legacy, and truly thrive.

We often view insurance as a parachute—something we hope never to use but are glad to have in an emergency. But what if we reframed this thinking? What if, instead of a mere safety net for when things go wrong, robust protection was the very foundation upon which we build our most ambitious plans? What if it was the unseen shield that deflects life’s uncertainties, giving us the confidence to take calculated risks, launch businesses, grow our families, and pursue our passions without the nagging fear of "what if"?

In 2025, this shift in mindset is no longer a luxury; it's a necessity. The landscape of health and finance in the UK is evolving at a startling pace. Emerging health statistics paint a clear picture: a growing need for individual financial resilience. The lingering effects of the pandemic, coupled with an ageing population and a stretched National Health Service (NHS), mean that the support structures we once took for granted are under immense pressure.

Neglecting your future in this new reality isn't just a gamble—it's actively erecting a barrier to your own growth. Financial anxiety is a silent thief of potential, holding you back from seizing opportunities. True freedom isn't just about having choices; it's about having the security to make them.

This guide will illuminate the powerful, often misunderstood, tools at your disposal. We will delve into the core products like Life and Critical Illness Cover and Income Protection. We'll explore specialised solutions like Personal Sick Pay for those in physically demanding roles and Family Income Benefit for structured family support. For those planning their legacy, we'll demystify Gift Inter Vivos insurance. And critically, we'll show how Private Health Insurance acts as an accelerator, providing the rapid access to care that transforms uncertainty into the ultimate freedom to thrive.

This is not about planning for failure. This is about engineering your success.

The Shifting Landscape: Why Financial Resilience is Non-Negotiable in 2025

The notion of a "job for life" and a predictable path to retirement is a relic of the past. Today's world is defined by dynamic careers, entrepreneurial ventures, and the gig economy. While this brings incredible freedom, it also transfers a greater degree of risk onto the individual. The state's safety net, while vital, was not designed for the complexities and challenges of modern life.

Let's look at the hard data shaping our reality in 2025:

  • The Rise of Long-Term Sickness: The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has consistently reported a worrying trend. As of early 2025, an estimated 2.8 million people of working age are out of the workforce due to long-term sickness. This represents a significant increase over the last five years, with mental health conditions and musculoskeletal issues being major contributors. This isn't a niche problem; it's a mainstream economic and social challenge.
  • Pressure on the NHS: While the NHS remains a source of national pride, it is operating under unprecedented strain. The British Medical Association (BMA) reports that NHS waiting lists in England, though slightly down from their peak, still stand at over 7.5 million treatment pathways. The median waiting time for non-urgent, consultant-led treatment can stretch to many months, a period during which an individual's condition could worsen, affecting their ability to work and live normally.
  • The Stark Reality of Illness: Medical advancements are thankfully helping more people survive serious illnesses. However, survival often comes with significant financial and lifestyle adjustments. Cancer Research UK projects that 1 in 2 people in the UK will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in their lifetime. While survival rates have doubled in the last 50 years, the journey through treatment and recovery can be long and financially draining.
  • The Inadequacy of State Support: If you are employed and fall ill, you may be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). The rate for 2025/26 is £116.75 per week, paid for a maximum of 28 weeks. For the vast majority of households, this sum is insufficient to cover even basic living costs like mortgage or rent, utilities, and food. For the self-employed, there is no SSP at all.

This confluence of factors creates a significant "Protection Gap". This is the chasm between the financial resources a household would need to cope with a death or serious illness, and the resources they actually have. Relying on savings alone is a precarious strategy; ONS data shows that nearly a quarter of UK households have no savings at all.

This is the new normal. Building personal financial resilience through proactive protection is the only logical response.

Beyond the Basics: Understanding Your Core Protection Toolkit

Navigating the world of protection insurance can seem complex, but the core concepts are built around simple, powerful ideas. Each type of cover is a different tool designed to solve a specific problem. Understanding which tools you need is the first step to building your shield.

Life Insurance (Life Protection): The Cornerstone of Legacy

At its heart, life insurance is a promise. It's a contract that says if you pass away during the policy term, the insurer will pay a tax-free lump sum to your loved ones. This money can be a financial lifeline, ensuring your family's stability at the most difficult of times.

Who needs it?

  • Anyone with a mortgage.
  • Parents with dependent children.
  • Individuals who financially support a partner or other relatives.
  • Anyone who wants to cover their funeral costs and leave a legacy.

Types of Term Life Insurance:

Policy TypeHow It WorksBest For
Level TermThe payout amount remains the same throughout the policy term.Covering an interest-only mortgage or providing a set lump sum for your family's future.
Decreasing TermThe payout amount reduces over time, usually in line with a repayment mortgage.Protecting a specific debt that is being paid off, like a standard mortgage. It's often the most affordable option.
Whole of LifeThis policy has no end date and is guaranteed to pay out whenever you die.Covering a guaranteed liability, such as an inheritance tax bill or funeral costs.

Real-Life Example: Sarah and Tom, both 35, have two young children and a £250,000 repayment mortgage. They take out a joint decreasing term life insurance policy for 25 years. If one of them were to pass away during that time, the policy would pay out enough to clear the remaining mortgage balance, ensuring the surviving partner and children could stay in the family home without financial worry.

Critical Illness Cover (CIC): Your Financial First Aid Kit

While life insurance protects your family after you're gone, Critical Illness Cover is designed to protect you and your family while you are living. It pays out a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of a list of predefined serious illnesses, such as some forms of cancer, a heart attack, or a stroke.

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

  • Replace lost income while you recover.
  • Pay for private medical treatment or specialist therapies.
  • Adapt your home (e.g., installing a ramp or stairlift).
  • Clear debts, reducing your financial stress.
  • Allow your partner to take time off work to care for you.

The key to a good CIC policy is the quality of its definitions. An insurer paying out for an early-stage cancer is far more valuable than one that only pays on a late-stage diagnosis. This is where expert advice is crucial.

Real-Life Example: Mark, a 45-year-old graphic designer, suffers a major heart attack. His Critical Illness Cover pays him £100,000. This allows him to step back from work for six months to focus fully on his rehabilitation, pay for private cardiac therapy to speed up his recovery, and clear his car loan, removing a major monthly outgoing and reducing his overall stress.

Income Protection (IP): The Protector of Your Greatest Asset

For most working people, their single greatest asset isn't their house or their car—it's their ability to earn an income. Income Protection is designed to insure it. If you're unable to work due to any illness or injury, an IP policy will pay you a regular, tax-free monthly income until you can return to work, retire, or the policy term ends.

Key Features to Understand:

  • Deferment Period: This is the waiting period between when you stop working and when the payments start. It can range from 4 weeks to 12 months. The longer the deferment period, the lower the premium. You can align it with your employer's sick pay scheme or your personal savings.
  • Level of Cover: You can typically insure up to 60-70% of your gross monthly income. This ensures you still have an incentive to return to work.
  • 'Own Occupation' Definition: This is the gold standard. It means the policy will pay out if you are unable to do your specific job. Other definitions like 'Suited Occupation' or 'Any Occupation' are less comprehensive and should be approached with caution.

Income Protection is the bedrock of any financial plan. Unlike CIC, which covers specific conditions, IP covers almost any medical reason that stops you from working. According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), mental health is one of the single biggest causes of IP claims, a risk not always covered by CIC.

Real-Life Example: Chloe, a 30-year-old self-employed solicitor, develops severe anxiety and burnout, making it impossible for her to manage her caseload. After her 3-month deferment period, her Income Protection policy starts paying her £2,500 a month. This covers her rent and bills, allowing her to seek therapy and recover without the immense pressure of losing her income and her business.

Get Tailored Quote

Family Income Benefit (FIB): A Different Approach to Family Security

Family Income Benefit is a variation of life insurance, but instead of paying a single lump sum on death, it pays a regular, tax-free monthly or annual income. This income is paid from the time of the claim until the end of the policy term.

Why choose FIB?

  • Budgeting Made Easy: It replaces the deceased's lost salary in a manageable way, making it easier for the surviving partner to handle monthly bills, childcare costs, and school fees.
  • Cost-Effective: It is often cheaper than a level-term policy for the same level of cover, as the total potential payout reduces as the policy ages.
  • Peace of Mind: It ensures a steady stream of income to maintain the family's lifestyle until the children are financially independent.
FeatureStandard Life Insurance (Level Term)Family Income Benefit
PayoutSingle, large lump sumRegular, smaller income payments
PurposePay off large debts (e.g., mortgage), provide a large inheritanceReplace lost monthly income, cover ongoing living costs
ManagementRequires the beneficiary to manage and invest a large sumSimple to manage, mimics a salary

Real-Life Example: A couple with children aged 5 and 7 take out a 20-year FIB policy. They want to ensure that if one of them dies, there's always money for day-to-day life until the youngest child is 27. If a claim is made 5 years into the policy, the insurer would pay the agreed monthly income for the remaining 15 years.

Specialised Protection: Cover Tailored to Your Unique Life

While the core products provide a fantastic foundation, some professions, business structures, and life events require more specialised solutions. This is where the protection market truly shows its flexibility.

For the Hands-On Professional: Personal Sick Pay for Tradespeople, Nurses & Electricians

If your income depends directly on your physical health and ability, you face a unique set of risks. A tradesperson with a broken leg, a nurse with a back injury, or an electrician unable to use their hands can see their income disappear overnight.

While full Income Protection is the most comprehensive option, some insurers may load premiums or have exclusions for higher-risk occupations. This is where Personal Sick Pay (often a type of Accident, Sickness & Unemployment cover) can be a valuable alternative or supplement.

Key features of Personal Sick Pay:

  • Simpler Underwriting: Often has a more straightforward application process.
  • Short-Term Focus: Typically designed to pay out for 12 or 24 months per claim, bridging the gap until you can get back on your feet.
  • Affordability: Can be a more budget-friendly option for those in manual roles.
  • Accident-Specific Options: Some policies can be tailored to cover accidents only, which is a key risk for tradespeople.

For anyone whose livelihood is in their hands, protecting their income isn't an option; it's an essential business overhead.

For the Visionaries: Protection for Company Directors & Business Owners

When you run your own business, you are the business. Your health and your company's health are inextricably linked. Failing to protect yourself not only jeopardises your family's future but also the futures of your employees and the business you've worked so hard to build. Thankfully, there are highly tax-efficient ways to arrange cover through your limited company.

Protection TypeWhat It ProtectsHow It Works & Key Benefit
Key Person InsuranceThe business's profitabilityA policy taken out by the company on a key individual (e.g., a founder or top salesperson). The payout goes to the business to cover lost profits or recruitment costs. Premiums are usually a tax-deductible business expense.
Executive Income ProtectionThe director's personal incomeThe company pays the premiums for an IP policy for a director. This is a tax-deductible expense for the business and not treated as a P11D benefit for the director, making it highly tax-efficient.
Relevant Life CoverThe director's familyA company-paid death-in-service policy for an individual director. It provides a lump sum to the family. The key advantage is that premiums are not a P11D benefit and do not count towards pension lifetime allowances.

Using these business protection strategies not only provides vital cover but does so in the most tax-efficient way possible, using company funds rather than taxed personal income. Navigating this complex landscape can be daunting. This is where an expert broker like us at WeCovr becomes invaluable. We help business owners compare policies from all the UK's leading insurers to structure the most effective and tax-efficient protection portfolio for both their business and their family.

For the Generous: Gift Inter Vivos & Inheritance Tax Planning

Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a tax on the estate of someone who has died, including all their property, possessions, and money. The current threshold (nil-rate band) is £325,000. Many people choose to pass on wealth during their lifetime by giving large gifts, for example, helping a child with a house deposit.

However, there's a catch: the 7-year rule. If you give a gift and die within seven years, that gift may still be considered part of your estate for IHT purposes. This could leave the recipient with an unexpected and substantial tax bill.

This is where Gift Inter Vivos ("gift between the living") insurance comes in. It is a specialised type of life insurance policy designed to cover this specific IHT liability.

  • How it works: You take out a life insurance policy for the amount of the potential tax bill. The term of the policy is 7 years.
  • The Payout: If you pass away within the 7 years, the policy pays out, giving your loved one the funds to pay the IHT bill on the gift.
  • Cost: The policy is a type of decreasing term assurance, as the IHT liability on the gift reduces over the 7-year period, making the premiums affordable.

This simple tool allows you to be generous with confidence, knowing your gift will not become a burden.

The Accelerator: How Private Health Insurance (PMI) Turbocharges Your Wellbeing

If protection insurance is your shield, Private Health Insurance (PMI) is your express lane. While the NHS provides excellent care, the reality in 2025 is one of long waits for diagnosis and treatment. This waiting period is not just a medical issue; it's a period of anxiety, uncertainty, and often, an inability to work or live life to the fullest.

PMI doesn't replace the NHS—it works alongside it. It's designed to give you fast access to private medical care when you need it most.

The Key Benefits of PMI:

  1. Speed of Access: This is the primary advantage. Instead of waiting months for a consultation or procedure on the NHS, you can often be seen by a specialist in days or weeks. This can lead to a quicker diagnosis, faster treatment, and a swifter return to health.
  2. Choice and Control: PMI gives you control over your healthcare. You can choose the specialist who treats you and the hospital you are treated in, giving you confidence and comfort.
  3. Advanced Treatments and Drugs: Some of the latest drugs and treatments, particularly for cancer, may not be available on the NHS due to cost or NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) approval delays. Many comprehensive PMI policies provide access to these cutting-edge options.
  4. Comfort and Privacy: Being unwell is stressful enough. The comfort of a private room with an en-suite bathroom can make a significant difference to your recovery and mental wellbeing.

By minimising the time you spend unwell and worrying, PMI directly empowers you to get back to your passions, your family, and your work. It transforms a period of potential stagnation into a proactive journey back to health, unlocking your potential to live an uninterrupted life.

Building Your Unseen Shield: A Practical Guide

Understanding the tools is the first step. Building your personal fortress of protection requires a thoughtful, strategic approach.

  1. Assess Your Needs (The "What If?" Game):

    • What if I died tomorrow? Who would suffer financially? How would the mortgage be paid? How would the children be supported? This points towards Life Insurance or FIB.
    • What if I were diagnosed with a serious illness? How would we cope with a sudden drop in income? Would we need to adapt the house? This points towards Critical Illness Cover.
    • What if I couldn't work for six months due to an injury? How would we pay the monthly bills? Where would the money come from? This points towards Income Protection.
  2. Seek Expert Advice: You wouldn't build a house without an architect, and you shouldn't build your financial protection without expert guidance. A qualified adviser will help you quantify your needs, understand the nuances between policies, and find the most suitable cover from the entire market for your specific circumstances and budget.

  3. Be Completely Honest: When applying for insurance, you will be asked questions about your health, lifestyle, and occupation. It is vital that you answer these with 100% honesty and accuracy. This process is called disclosure. Failing to disclose something, even if it seems minor, could give the insurer grounds to reject a future claim.

  4. Review Regularly: Your protection needs are not static. Life events like getting married, having children, buying a bigger house, or starting a business should all trigger a review of your cover to ensure it's still fit for purpose. A good rule of thumb is to review your policies every 3-5 years, or whenever a major life event occurs.

At WeCovr, we believe in a holistic approach to your wellbeing. That's why, in addition to finding you the right financial protection, we also provide our clients with complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie tracking app, CalorieHero, helping you manage your health proactively. It's one part of our commitment to supporting you not just financially, but in your overall journey to a healthier, more secure life.

The Proactive Mindset: Wellness, Health, and Your Financial Future

The ultimate form of protection is prevention. While insurance provides a financial backstop, adopting a proactive approach to your health can reduce your risks and enhance your quality of life immeasurably. A healthier life is not only a happier one but also a more financially secure one, often leading to lower insurance premiums and a reduced likelihood of needing to claim in the first place.

  • Nourish Your Body: A balanced diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins is scientifically linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Small, sustainable changes are more effective than drastic, short-term diets.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Sleep is not a luxury; it's a biological necessity. Consistent, quality sleep (7-9 hours for most adults) is crucial for cognitive function, immune response, and mental health. Poor sleep is linked to a host of health problems.
  • Move Every Day: You don't need to run a marathon. The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week. This could be a brisk walk, a bike ride, swimming, or dancing. Regular physical activity is a powerful tool against both physical and mental illness.
  • Cultivate Mental Wellbeing: In an always-on world, stress, anxiety, and burnout are at epidemic levels. Actively managing your mental health through mindfulness, hobbies, social connection, and seeking professional help when needed is just as important as managing your physical health.

Connecting these wellness habits with your financial planning creates a virtuous cycle. Good health supports your ability to earn and enjoy life, while strong financial protection removes the anxiety that can so often undermine your health.

Conclusion: From Safety Net to Springboard

For too long, we've thought about protection insurance with a sense of dread—a plan for the worst-case scenario. It's time to reclaim the narrative.

The products we've explored—from Life Insurance and Income Protection to Private Health Insurance—are not instruments of fear. They are instruments of empowerment. They are the unseen shield that allows you to step into the arena of life with confidence. They provide the quiet assurance that lets you take the promotion, start the business, buy the family home, and plan for a generous legacy.

In the complex world of 2025, financial resilience is the bedrock of personal freedom. It is the solid ground beneath your feet that allows you to leap higher. By proactively building your protection portfolio, you are not just mitigating risk; you are investing in your own potential. You are transforming the nagging question of "what if?" into the exciting pursuit of "what's next?".

Don't let uncertainty be the barrier to your growth. Take the first step today. Speak to an adviser at WeCovr to build the unseen shield that will empower your future.


Is protection insurance expensive?

The cost of protection insurance varies widely based on the type of cover, your age, health, lifestyle (e.g., whether you smoke), and the amount of cover you need. For example, life insurance for a healthy 30-year-old can cost less than a few coffees a week. An adviser can help you find cover that fits your budget by adjusting factors like the policy term or deferment period. It's almost always more affordable than people think, and certainly less expensive than the financial cost of having no cover at all.

Do I need a medical examination to get cover?

Not always. For many people, especially if you are young and healthy, cover can be arranged based solely on the answers you provide on the application form. However, if you are older, applying for a very large amount of cover, or have pre-existing medical conditions, the insurer may request a GP report or a mini-medical examination (usually consisting of a nurse visit to take your height, weight, blood pressure, and a blood or urine sample). This is paid for by the insurer.

What happens if my circumstances change after I take out a policy?

It's vital to review your cover when your life changes. Most modern policies have 'guaranteed insurability options' (GIOs) which allow you to increase your cover without further medical underwriting after specific life events like marriage, birth of a child, or a mortgage increase. If your needs decrease, you can also apply to reduce your cover and premiums. If you take up a higher-risk hobby or change to a riskier job, you should inform your insurer, but for most lifestyle changes, you simply review and decide if your existing cover is still appropriate.

Do insurers actually pay out claims?

Yes, overwhelmingly so. This is a common misconception. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) publishes annual statistics that consistently show that the vast majority of claims are paid. In 2023, the industry paid out over 97% of all protection claims, totalling billions of pounds. The main reasons for a claim being rejected are 'non-disclosure' (the customer not being honest on their application) or the claim not meeting the policy's definition. This is why honesty during application and understanding your policy terms are so important.

Can I have more than one type of protection policy?

Absolutely. In fact, a robust financial plan usually involves a combination of different policies. It's very common for someone to have Life Insurance to protect their mortgage, Income Protection to cover their salary, and perhaps Critical Illness Cover to provide a lump sum for extra flexibility. The different policies are designed to cover different risks and work together to create a comprehensive safety net.

What is the main difference between Income Protection and Critical Illness Cover?

This is a key distinction. Critical Illness Cover pays out a one-off, tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with a specific condition listed on your policy. Income Protection pays a regular, monthly tax-free income if you are unable to work due to *any* illness or injury (not just a specific list). A critical illness payout is great for big expenses, but the money can run out. Income Protection is designed for long-term support, replacing your salary month after month, potentially until retirement. Many people choose to have both to cover different needs.

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:

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

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

How It Works

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

Any questions?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



...

Who Are WeCovr?

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

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

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

Important Information

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

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

About WeCovr

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