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UK 2026 Nearly 3 Million Britons Out of Work Due to Sickness

UK 2026 Nearly 3 Million Britons Out of Work Due to Sickness

UK 2026 Shock New Data Reveals Over 3 Million Working Britons Are Now Economically Inactive Due to Long-Term Sickness, Fuelling a Staggering £5 Million+ Lifetime Financial Catastrophe of Lost Earning Capacity, Unfunded Care Needs & Eroding Family Security – Is Your LCIIP Shield Your Indisputable Protection Against the UK's Growing Health-Driven Economic Inactivity Crisis

A silent crisis is unfolding across the United Kingdom. It doesn’t dominate the headlines every day, but its impact is devastating for millions of families. New data for 2026 paints a stark picture: the number of working-age people unable to work due to long-term sickness has soared to a new record high, surpassing 3 million.

This isn't just a health crisis; it's an economic catastrophe in slow motion. For each individual affected, it can represent a lifetime financial loss exceeding £1 million in earnings, pension contributions, and accumulated wealth. For a family, the combined impact can easily surpass £5 million when factoring in lost income, the cost of private care, and the knock-on effect on a partner's career.

This rising tide of economic inactivity threatens the financial security of households from every walk of life. It’s a threat that waits for no one, striking down skilled professionals, small business owners, and hardworking employees alike. The state safety net, stretched thinner than ever, is simply not designed to catch you.

The question is no longer if this crisis could affect you, but how you are prepared for when it does. In this definitive guide, we will unpack the shocking new data, reveal the true financial devastation of long-term sickness, and introduce the one indisputable defence every household needs: the LCIIP Shield – a robust combination of Life Insurance, Critical Illness Cover, and Income Protection.


The Alarming Reality: Deconstructing the UK's Economic Inactivity Crisis

The numbers are unambiguous and deeply concerning. According to the latest analysis from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the figure for people economically inactive due to long-term sickness has surged. This is not a temporary blip; it's a sustained, upward trend that has been accelerating since the pandemic.

What does "economically inactive due to long-term sickness" mean? It refers to working-age individuals (typically 16-64) who are not in work and are not actively seeking work specifically because of a long-term health condition or disability.

Let's look at the stark trajectory of this crisis.

YearNumber of People Economically Inactive Due to Long-Term Sickness
2020 (Pre-Pandemic)~2.1 million
2023~2.8 million
2026 (Latest Data)~3.1 million

Source: Analysis based on Office for National Statistics (ONS) Labour Force Survey data trends.

This represents a staggering increase of 1 million people in just six years. This surge is overwhelming public services and leaving a trail of broken financial futures.

What is Fuelling This Health Crisis?

There isn't a single cause, but rather a perfect storm of contributing factors:

  • The Post-Pandemic Fallout: "Long COVID" has emerged as a significant, debilitating condition affecting hundreds of thousands, with symptoms like chronic fatigue, brain fog, and respiratory issues making sustained work impossible.
  • Record NHS Waiting Lists: With millions of people in England waiting for routine hospital treatment, conditions that could potentially be managed or resolved are worsening. Delays in diagnosis and treatment for everything from joint replacements to cardiac care are forcing people out of the workforce. org.uk/health-and-social-care) highlights this direct link between waiting times and labour force participation.
  • The Rise of Mental Health Conditions: Anxiety, stress, and depression are now among the leading causes of long-term work absence. The pressures of modern life, financial strain, and post-pandemic anxiety have created a mental health epidemic.
  • Musculoskeletal (MSK) Issues: Back pain, neck problems, and arthritis remain a primary driver of work incapacity. The shift to hybrid and home working has, in some cases, exacerbated these issues due to poor ergonomic setups.
  • An Ageing Workforce: As people work later in life, the probability of developing age-related health conditions that prevent them from working naturally increases.

The most common reasons cited for long-term sickness in the latest data include:

  1. Mental Health & Nervous System Disorders: This is the fastest-growing category, now a leading cause.
  2. Musculoskeletal Problems: Persistent issues with back, neck, and joints.
  3. Cardiovascular Disease: Including heart attacks, strokes, and other circulatory conditions.
  4. Cancer: While survival rates have improved, the long-term effects of treatment can be debilitating.
  5. Long COVID & Respiratory Illnesses: A significant and growing new driver of inactivity.

This isn't a problem confined to one demographic. It affects people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s – their peak earning years – just as much as those nearing retirement.

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The £5 Million+ Financial Catastrophe: The True Cost of Long-Term Sickness

When a primary earner is forced to stop working, the financial consequences are seismic. The headline figure of a "£5 million+ catastrophe" may seem high, but when you dissect the long-term financial impact on a professional family, the numbers quickly become terrifyingly real.

Let's break down the components of this financial disaster.

1. The Chasm of Lost Earnings

This is the most immediate and largest part of the financial loss. Consider a 40-year-old professional earning £70,000 per year who is forced to stop work permanently due to a stroke.

  • Lost Gross Salary: 27 years until state pension age (67) x £70,000 = £1,890,000
  • Lost Pension Contributions: If their employer contributed 8% to their pension, that's another £5,600 per year lost. Over 27 years, without any growth, this is a further £151,200. With compound growth, the final pension pot could be diminished by over half a million pounds.
  • Lost Promotions & Pay Rises: The calculation above assumes a static salary. In reality, their earnings would likely have increased, pushing the true loss well over £2 million.

2. The Partner's Sacrificed Income

The crisis rarely affects just one person. If one partner becomes seriously ill, the other often has to reduce their working hours or give up their career entirely to become a full-time carer.

Imagine the sick partner's spouse earns £60,000. If they have to stop work for 15 years to provide care:

  • Spouse's Lost Earnings: 15 years x £60,000 = £900,000

Total Lost Household Income: The combined loss for this couple is already approaching £3 million in direct earnings alone.

3. The Crushing Weight of Unfunded Care Needs

The belief that the state will cover all care costs is a dangerous misconception. While the NHS provides medical treatment, it does not typically cover the ongoing costs of social care or home modifications.

  • Home Adaptations: Installing a stairlift, wet room, or ramps can cost £10,000 - £30,000.
  • Private Care: The cost of a private carer can range from £25-£40 per hour. Just 15 hours of care per week at £30/hour is £450 per week, or £23,400 per year. Over 20 years, this amounts to £468,000.
  • Specialist Therapies: Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or private psychological support not readily available on the NHS can cost thousands per year.

4. The Erosion of Family Security and Future Dreams

This is the final, devastating blow. The accumulated wealth and future plans of a family are systematically dismantled.

  • Depletion of Savings: All cash reserves are used to plug the income gap.
  • Raiding Investments: ISAs and other investments are sold off, losing their long-term growth potential.
  • Derailing Retirement: Pension pots are often accessed early (if possible), incurring tax penalties and drastically reducing retirement income.
  • Children's Future: University funds are re-purposed for survival. The 'Bank of Mum and Dad' closes permanently.
  • Risk of Losing the Home: Without a protected income, mortgage payments become impossible, putting the family home at risk.

The Financial Catastrophe: A Hypothetical Family Breakdown

Financial Impact AreaEstimated Lifetime Cost
Partner 1: Lost Earnings & Pension£2,100,000
Partner 2: Sacrificed Earnings (as carer)£900,000
Unfunded Care & Home Adaptations£500,000
Lost Investment Growth & Depleted Assets£750,000
Impact on Children's Future (e.g., Uni)£250,000
Total Estimated Financial Catastrophe£4,500,000

As this conservative example shows, the financial fallout for a middle-class family can easily spiral into the millions, creating a multi-generational financial shockwave.


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

Faced with these figures, many people assume the welfare state will provide a robust safety net. This is a critical and potentially catastrophic misunderstanding of the UK benefits system.

State support is designed to prevent destitution, not to replace a professional salary or maintain your family's lifestyle.

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)

If you are employed and become ill, your employer is required to pay you SSP.

  • How much is it? For 2026/26, the rate is £120.50 per week.
  • How long does it last? For a maximum of 28 weeks.

After 28 weeks, this support stops entirely. For most families, £120.50 a week is not enough to cover even the council tax and utility bills, let alone a mortgage or rent.

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) & Universal Credit (UC)

Once SSP ends, you may be able to claim support through Universal Credit or 'New Style' ESA.

  • How much is it? The assessment rate while your claim is being reviewed is low. If you are found to have 'Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity', the maximum you can receive through the UC health element is an additional £402 per month (as of 2026). A single person's total UC award would typically be under £850 per month.
  • The Assessment Process: To qualify, you must undergo a Work Capability Assessment. This is often a stressful, lengthy, and complex process that many sick and vulnerable people find challenging to navigate.

Let's compare this "safety net" to an average UK salary.

Income SourceMonthly Amount (Approx.)Annual Amount (Approx.)
Average UK Salary (Median)£2,900£35,000
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)£522(£6,266 for 28 weeks)
Universal Credit (with health element)£800£9,600

The gap is not a gap; it's a canyon. Relying on the state means accepting a potential 75-90% drop in your household income. It means moving from financial stability to a constant struggle for survival.


Your Indisputable Defence: The LCIIP Shield Explained

While the statistics are frightening, the solution is clear, proven, and accessible. You cannot control your health, but you can control the financial consequences of becoming ill. The ultimate defence is a personally tailored LCIIP Shield, comprised of three distinct but complementary types of insurance.

1. Income Protection (IP): The Cornerstone of Your Defence

If long-term sickness is the primary threat, then Income Protection is the primary answer. It is arguably the most important insurance you can own during your working life.

  • What it is: Income Protection pays you a regular, tax-free monthly income if you are unable to work due to any illness or injury.
  • How it works: You choose a 'deferred period' (e.g., 4, 13, 26, or 52 weeks). This is the time you wait after stopping work before the payments begin. After this period, the policy pays out your monthly benefit until you can return to work, the policy term ends (e.g., at age 67), or you pass away.
  • Why it's essential: It directly replaces a significant portion of your lost salary (typically 50-70%), allowing you to continue paying your mortgage, bills, and essential living costs. It bridges the canyon between state benefits and your actual financial needs.

2. Critical Illness Cover (CIC): The Financial Fire Extinguisher

While IP provides an ongoing income, Critical Illness Cover provides a powerful, immediate financial injection when you need it most.

  • What it is: CIC pays out a one-off, tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of a list of specified serious conditions defined in the policy (e.g., most cancers, heart attack, stroke, multiple sclerosis).
  • How it helps: This lump sum is incredibly versatile. You can use it to:
    • Pay off your mortgage or other major debts instantly.
    • Fund private medical treatment to bypass NHS waiting lists.
    • Pay for essential home modifications.
    • Provide a financial cushion for your family, allowing a partner to take time off work.
    • Replace lost income for a period while you recover.

3. Life Insurance: The Ultimate Family Backstop

Life Insurance completes the shield, providing security against the worst-case scenario.

  • What it is: It pays a tax-free lump sum to your loved ones if you pass away during the policy term.
  • Why it's part of the shield: It ensures that even if your illness becomes terminal, your family will not be left with a financial burden. The payout can clear the mortgage and other debts, cover funeral costs, and provide for your children's future, ensuring they are protected no matter what.

The LCIIP Shield: A Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureIncome Protection (IP)Critical Illness Cover (CIC)Life Insurance
PurposeReplaces lost monthly incomeProvides a lump sum for major costsProvides a lump sum on death
Payout TypeRegular, monthly tax-free incomeOne-off, tax-free lump sumOne-off, tax-free lump sum
TriggerInability to work due to ANY illness/injuryDiagnosis of a SPECIFIED serious illnessDeath during the policy term
Key UsePay ongoing bills, mortgage, living costsClear debts, fund treatment, adapt homeClear debts, provide for family's future
"The Role"Your monthly salary replacementYour financial emergency fundYour family's ultimate guarantee

These three policies work together in harmony. A critical illness diagnosis might trigger a CIC payout to clear the mortgage, while your IP policy kicks in to cover your monthly bills, all underpinned by a Life Insurance policy that protects your family's long-term future.


Case Study: The Tale of Two Families

The abstract importance of insurance is best understood through a real-world lens. Let's consider two identical families, both facing the same life-altering event.

The Unprotected Family: The Davies David, a 42-year-old IT consultant, and his wife, Chloe, a part-time teacher, have two children. David is the main earner. He suffers a severe heart attack and requires a lengthy recovery, leaving him unable to return to his high-pressure job. They have no personal protection insurance.

  • Month 1-6: David receives SSP of £120.50 per week. Chloe increases her hours, but their household income drops by 60%. They use their £10,000 in savings to meet the mortgage payment and bills. Stress levels are sky-high.
  • Month 7-12: SSP stops. They apply for Universal Credit but face delays and bureaucracy. Their income is now 80% lower than before. They miss a mortgage payment.
  • Year 2: They have exhausted their savings. They sell their car and stop all non-essential spending. The strain on their marriage is immense. They are in arrears on their mortgage and face the terrifying prospect of repossession. Their financial future is in ruins.

The Protected Family: The Taylors Tom, a 42-year-old IT consultant, and his wife, Laura, a part-time teacher, have two children. Tom has a comprehensive LCIIP Shield arranged through an expert broker. He suffers the same severe heart attack.

  • Diagnosis: Tom's Critical Illness Cover pays out a £200,000 lump sum. They use it to immediately pay off the remaining £150,000 on their mortgage. The remaining £50,000 is put into an accessible savings account, removing all immediate financial pressure.
  • Month 7: Tom's Income Protection policy, which had a 6-month deferred period, kicks in. It pays him £3,500 tax-free every month. This, combined with Laura's salary, means their household income is stable.
  • Year 2: With the mortgage gone and a secure monthly income, Tom can focus entirely on his rehabilitation without financial stress. Laura can support him without needing to work extra hours. Their children's lives are undisrupted. Their Life Insurance policy remains in place, giving them peace of mind that the family is secure no matter what the future holds.

The event was the same. The outcome was worlds apart. The difference was not luck; it was foresight.


Tailoring Your LCIIP Shield: Key Considerations for 2026

Putting your protection in place is not a one-size-fits-all exercise. It requires careful thought and expert guidance. Here are the key factors to consider.

  • How much cover do you need?

    • Life/Critical Illness: Calculate the sum of your mortgage, other debts, and a lump sum for your family to live on (e.g., 10x your annual salary).
    • Income Protection: Aim to cover 50-70% of your gross monthly income. This is usually the maximum an insurer will offer, as it's tax-free and designed to incentivise a return to work if possible.
  • Choosing the right Deferred Period (for IP):

    • This is the waiting period before your IP pays out. A longer deferred period (e.g., 6 or 12 months) makes your premium cheaper.
    • Align it with your employer's sick pay scheme and your own savings. If your work pays you for 6 months, a 6-month deferred period is ideal.
  • The 'Definition of Incapacity' (for IP): This is CRUCIAL.

    • 'Own Occupation': The gold standard. It pays out if you are unable to do your specific job.
    • 'Suited Occupation': Pays out only if you can't do your own job or any other job you are suited for by education or experience. This is less comprehensive.
    • 'Any Occupation': The weakest definition. It only pays out if you are so ill you cannot do any kind of work.
    • Always insist on 'Own Occupation' cover if you are in a skilled or professional role.
  • Guaranteed vs. Reviewable Premiums:

    • Guaranteed: Your premium is fixed for the life of the policy unless you change your cover. It provides certainty.
    • Reviewable: The premium may start cheaper but the insurer can increase it over time (e.g., every 5 years). This can become very expensive later in life.

Navigating these options can be complex. This is where an independent expert broker like WeCovr becomes invaluable. We don't work for one insurer; we work for you. We search the entire market, including leading providers like Aviva, Legal & General, and Royal London, to find the policy with the right features at the most competitive price for your unique circumstances.

Furthermore, we believe in supporting our clients' holistic health. As part of our commitment to your long-term wellbeing, WeCovr customers receive complimentary access to CalorieHero, our exclusive AI-powered nutrition and calorie tracking app. We believe proactive health management is just as important as robust financial protection.


The Application Process: Navigating the Path to Protection with WeCovr

Getting covered is more straightforward than you might think, especially with an expert guiding you.

Step 1: Initial Consultation & Fact-Finding You'll have a no-obligation chat with one of our friendly, qualified advisors. We'll listen to your needs, understand your budget, and explain your options in plain English.

Step 2: Comparing the Market We use our expertise and technology to research and compare policies from dozens of UK insurers. We'll find the best provider for your age, health, and occupation, ensuring you get the most comprehensive cover for your premium.

Step 3: The Application Form We'll help you complete the application form, which will ask questions about your health, lifestyle (e.g., smoking, alcohol consumption), and occupation. It is vital to be completely honest here. Full disclosure is the key to a guaranteed payout.

Step 4: Underwriting The insurer assesses your application. g., blood pressure check, blood test), often at their expense.

Step 5: Offer of Terms & Policy Start Once underwriting is complete, the insurer will issue the final terms. We'll review these with you to ensure you're happy, and then your LCIIP Shield can go live. You are then protected from that moment on.


Your Future is Not a Statistic: Take Control Today

The data is clear: the UK is facing an unprecedented health and economic crisis. With nearly 3 million people now out of work due to long-term sickness, a number that has grown relentlessly, relying on hope or a threadbare state safety net is no longer a viable strategy.

This isn't about fear; it's about empowerment. The power to secure your home, your income, and your family's future lies firmly in your hands. The LCIIP Shield – robust Income Protection, comprehensive Critical Illness Cover, and foundational Life Insurance – is the definitive solution. It is the wall that stands between your family and the financial catastrophe of long-term illness.

The cost of inaction is measured in lost homes, depleted savings, and shattered dreams. The cost of action is a manageable monthly premium that buys you something priceless: certainty in an uncertain world.

Don't let your family's future become another statistic in this growing crisis. Take the first, most important step today.

Talk to one of our expert advisors at WeCovr for a free, no-obligation review of your protection needs. We will help you build the impenetrable financial shield your family deserves.


Related guides

Why life insurance and how does it work?

What is Life Insurance?

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

How does it work?

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

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

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

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

Questions to ask yourself regarding life insurance

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

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

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

Benefits offered by income protection, life and critical illness insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Types of life insurance policies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Fact!

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

Why is it important to get life insurance early?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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