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UK 2025 New Data Shows 1 in 3 UK Households Have Under £500 in Emergency Savings – Just One Major Illness From Financial Collapse. Your LCIIP Shield is Your Lifeline

UK 2025 New Data Shows 1 in 3 UK Households Have Under £500...

UK 2025 New Data Shows 1 in 3 UK Households Have Under £500 in Emergency Savings – Just One Major Illness From Financial Collapse. Your LCIIP Shield is Your Lifeline

A stark new reality is facing millions across the United Kingdom. The latest 2025 Financial Resilience Survey from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has painted a sobering picture: an estimated 34% of UK households—more than one in three—have less than £500 in emergency savings. This figure, exacerbated by the long tail of the cost-of-living crisis, places an unprecedented number of families on a financial precipice.

For these households, the buffer between stability and crisis is terrifyingly thin. A single unexpected event, such as a major illness or serious injury, is no longer just a health challenge; it's a direct threat to their financial survival. The loss of an income, even for a few months, could trigger a domino effect of missed mortgage payments, mounting debt, and irreversible financial hardship.

In this fragile economic landscape, relying on savings alone is a gamble most can no longer afford to take. The traditional financial safety net has frayed. This is where a powerful, modern solution comes into its own: the LCIIP Shield.

LCIIP stands for Life Insurance, Critical Illness Cover, and Income Protection. It’s not just an acronym; it’s a comprehensive financial defence strategy. It is the modern-day armour that protects your home, your family, and your future when life throws its most challenging obstacles in your path. This guide will unpack the alarming data, explore the true costs of illness, and show you exactly how to build your own LCIIP Shield, turning vulnerability into security.

The Alarming Reality: The UK's Savings Crisis Deepens in 2025

The headlines are stark, and the data is undeniable. The financial resilience of the average British household has been systematically eroded. The ONS 2025 survey highlights a nation walking a tightrope without a net.

Let's break down the key findings:

  • The £500 Cliff-Edge: With over a third of households possessing less than £500, a single faulty boiler or car repair is a major financial event. A long-term illness is a catastrophe.
  • The "Zero-Savings" Bracket: The data reveals a deeply concerning subset within this group. An estimated 12% of UK households report having no savings whatsoever, up from 9% in 2022.
  • Regional Disparities: The picture is particularly bleak in certain regions. In the North East, the figure for those with under £500 in savings rises to 41%, while London, despite higher wages, sees 38% of households in this position due to exorbitant living costs.
  • The Debt Spiral: To cope, families are turning to high-cost credit. The latest Bank of England data for Q1 2025 shows that total outstanding credit card debt has reached a new record high of £82.5 billion, with the average household carrying a balance of over £2,800.

This isn't a temporary blip; it's a systemic vulnerability. Relying on the hope that "it won't happen to me" is a strategy that is failing millions.

Table: The Shrinking Savings Buffer: A 5-Year Snapshot (Average UK Household Savings)

YearAverage SavingsPercentage with < £1,000Source
2020£11,20025%ONS
2022£8,50033%FCA Financial Lives
2025£6,70044%ONS (2025 Projection)

As the table clearly shows, the cushion that once existed is deflating rapidly. The question is no longer if a financial shock will come, but how you will weather it when it does.

When Illness Strikes: The True Financial Cost of Getting Sick

If you were diagnosed with a serious illness tomorrow, your first thought would be about your health. Your second would almost certainly be about money. The financial impact of becoming seriously ill extends far beyond simply losing your salary.

It creates a perfect storm of rising expenses at the exact moment your income disappears. Most people vastly underestimate these hidden costs.

The Unseen Financial Burdens of Illness:

  • Increased Household Bills: Being at home more during the day means higher energy consumption for heating and electricity.
  • Travel and Parking: The cost of frequent travel to hospitals for treatment, consultations, and check-ups can be significant. NHS data from 2024 showed the average cancer patient spends £180 a month on travel and parking alone.
  • Home Modifications: You may need to install ramps, stairlifts, or accessible bathrooms to live comfortably and safely at home. These modifications can cost thousands of pounds.
  • Specialist Equipment: From adjustable beds to mobility aids, the equipment needed for recovery often comes with a hefty price tag.
  • Additional Childcare: If you or your partner are unwell, you may need to pay for extra childcare to cover school runs and care during appointments.
  • Prescription Costs: While prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, in England they cost £9.90 per item (as of mid-2025). A long-term condition can mean hundreds of pounds a year.
  • Private Treatment: Faced with growing NHS waiting lists (with over 7.6 million on waiting lists in England in early 2025), some may choose to use savings or a critical illness payout to fund faster private diagnosis or treatment.

Table: The Unseen Costs of a Major Illness (First Year Estimates)

Expense CategoryEstimated Annual CostNotes
Travel & Parking£1,500 - £2,500Based on weekly hospital visits
Increased Utility Bills£500 - £900Higher daytime energy usage
Home Adaptations (Minor)£1,000 - £5,000Ramps, grab rails, etc.
Over-the-Counter Meds£200 - £400Pain relief, supplements
Additional Care/Help£2,000 - £10,000+Depending on needs
Total Potential Cost£5,200 - £18,800+Excluding any lost income

This is the financial reality that state benefits alone simply cannot cover. This is the gap that your LCIIP Shield is designed to fill.

Demystifying Your Financial Lifeline: The LCIIP Shield Explained

The LCIIP Shield is not a single product, but a combination of three distinct types of insurance that work together to provide a robust, multi-layered defence against life's uncertainties. Think of it as a three-legged stool: remove any one leg, and the entire structure becomes unstable.

Let's break down each component.

Part 1: Life Insurance – The Foundation

This is the cornerstone of financial protection for anyone with dependents.

  • What is it? Life insurance pays out a tax-free lump sum to your loved ones if you pass away during the policy term.
  • What is it for? This money can be used to pay off the mortgage, clear outstanding debts, cover funeral costs, and provide an income for your family to live on, ensuring they can maintain their standard of living without you.
  • Who needs it? If anyone relies on you financially—a partner, children, or even a parent you care for—you need life insurance.

Main Types of Life Insurance:

  1. Level Term Insurance: The payout amount remains the same throughout the policy term. Ideal for covering an interest-only mortgage or providing a set amount for your family's future.
  2. Decreasing Term Insurance: The payout amount reduces over time, usually in line with a repayment mortgage or other loan. Because the potential payout decreases, premiums are typically lower than for level term cover.
  3. Whole of Life Insurance: This policy is guaranteed to pay out whenever you die, as long as you keep up with the premiums. It's often used for covering a guaranteed expense, like an inheritance tax bill or funeral costs.
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Part 2: Critical Illness Cover – The Living Lifeline

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.

  • What is it? It pays out a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of a specific list of serious medical conditions defined in your policy.
  • What is it for? This money gives you financial breathing space while you focus on your recovery. You can use it for anything you want: clear your mortgage, pay for private treatment, adapt your home, or simply replace lost income. It gives you options when you need them most.
  • What does it cover? Policies vary, but most cover common, life-altering conditions. The 'big three'—cancer, heart attack, and stroke—account for the vast majority of claims. Other typical conditions include multiple sclerosis, kidney failure, major organ transplant, and Parkinson's disease.

The average payout for a critical illness claim in the UK, according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), is over £65,000. For a family with less than £500 in savings, that sum is not just helpful; it's life-changing.

Part 3: Income Protection – The Monthly Safety Net

This is arguably the most vital and yet most overlooked part of the LCIIP shield. It protects your single most important asset: your ability to earn an income.

  • What is it? Income Protection (also known as Permanent Health Insurance or PHI) pays you a regular, tax-free monthly income if you are unable to work due to any illness or injury.
  • How is it different from Critical Illness Cover? Critical Illness Cover pays a one-off lump sum for a specific, defined condition. Income Protection pays a monthly income and can cover a much broader range of issues—from a bad back or severe stress preventing you from working, to recovery from a major operation. It pays out for as long as you are unable to work, or until the policy term ends (often at your planned retirement age).
  • Key Terms to Understand:
    • Deferment Period: This is the pre-agreed waiting period between when you stop working and when the policy starts paying out. It can range from 4 weeks to 12 months. The longer the deferment period you choose, the lower your premium will be. You can align it with your employer's sick pay policy or your emergency savings.

An Income Protection policy is your personal sick pay scheme, one that you control and that doesn't end after a few months.

Table: LCIIP Shield at a Glance: A Comparison

FeatureLife InsuranceCritical Illness CoverIncome Protection
TriggerDeathDiagnosis of a specified illnessInability to work (any illness/injury)
PayoutTax-free lump sumTax-free lump sumRegular tax-free monthly income
PurposeProtects dependents after deathProtects you during a major illnessReplaces your monthly salary
Typical TermUntil mortgage paid/kids grownUntil mortgage paid/kids grownUntil retirement age

Why Relying on State Benefits is a High-Risk Gamble

A common assumption is that if you fall seriously ill, the state will provide a sufficient safety net. The reality in 2025 is starkly different. The support offered is minimal and often difficult to access, providing a fraction of what most families need to survive.

Let's look at the primary form of support: Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).

  • The Amount: As of late 2025, SSP is just £118.50 per week.
  • The Duration: It is paid by your employer for a maximum of 28 weeks.
  • The Catch: It is not available to the self-employed, who make up over 4.2 million workers in the UK.

After SSP runs out, or for those who don't qualify, you may be able to apply for Universal Credit or the new-style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). These benefits are means-tested and come with stringent eligibility criteria and often lengthy application processes, adding stress when you least need it.

Table: State Support vs. Average UK Household Outgoings (Monthly, 2025)

ItemState Support (Max SSP)Average UK Household CostsThe Gap
Income£513£3,250 (Average Net Salary)-£2,737
Housing(Not covered)£1,250 (Mortgage/Rent)-£1,250
Utilities(Not covered)£280 (Gas, Elec, Water)-£280
Groceries(Partially covered)£450-£450 (approx.)
Transport(Not covered)£320-£320

As you can see, the gap between state support and the cost of maintaining a basic standard of living is a chasm. Relying on SSP is like using a plaster to fix a dam break. It is simply not designed to support a family through a long-term illness.

Common Myths and Misconceptions About Protection Insurance – Debunked

Misinformation prevents many people from getting the cover they desperately need. Let's tackle the most common myths head-on with the facts.

Myth 1: "It's too expensive. I can't afford it." Reality: The cost of protection is often far lower than people think, especially when you are young and healthy. A comprehensive LCIIP shield can often be secured for less than the cost of a daily coffee or a monthly streaming subscription. For a healthy 35-year-old, a meaningful level of cover could cost:

  • Life & Critical Illness Cover (£250k): Around £30-£40 per month.
  • Income Protection (£2,000/month): Around £25-£35 per month. The real question is, can you afford not to have it?

Myth 2: "Insurers never pay out. It's a waste of money." Reality: This is one of the most damaging and persistent myths. The data proves it is false. According to the latest 2024/2025 statistics from the Association of British Insurers (ABI):

  • 97.4% of all life insurance claims were paid out.
  • 91.6% of all critical illness claims were paid out.
  • 90.2% of all income protection claims were paid out. The overwhelming majority of claims are paid. The main reason for a claim being declined is non-disclosure—not being truthful about your health or lifestyle on the application form. Honesty is crucial.

Myth 3: "I'm young and healthy, I don't need it yet." Reality: While we hope for a long and healthy life, illness can strike at any age.

  • Cancer Research UK data shows that around 35,000 people under the age of 50 are diagnosed with cancer each year in the UK.
  • The British Heart Foundation reports that over 100,000 hospital admissions each year in the UK are for heart attacks—and around 30% of these occur in people under 65. Getting cover when you are young and healthy means you lock in much lower premiums for the life of the policy. Waiting until you have a health issue can make cover more expensive or even unobtainable.

Myth 4: "I have cover through my employer." Reality: While a great perk, employer-provided cover (often called 'Death in Service') has significant limitations:

  • It's often basic: Typically 2-4x your salary, which may not be enough to clear a mortgage and provide for your family.
  • It's not portable: The cover ends the moment you leave your job. You could be left with no protection just when you need it most.
  • It rarely includes Critical Illness or comprehensive Income Protection: Employer sick pay is often limited to a few weeks or months.

Navigating these details can be complex, which is why working with an expert broker like WeCovr can help you understand exactly what you have and what you might still need to create a truly robust LCIIP shield.

How to Build Your Personalised LCIIP Shield: A Step-by-Step Guide

Building your shield isn't about buying an off-the-shelf product. It's about tailoring a solution to your unique life, family, and financial situation.

Step 1: Assess Your Needs Start by asking the big questions. What and who are you protecting?

  • Your Mortgage/Rent: How much is your outstanding mortgage balance or what would your family need to cover rent?
  • Other Debts: Do you have car loans, credit cards, or personal loans that need to be cleared?
  • Family Living Costs: How much money would your family need each month to live comfortably (food, bills, clothing, transport)?
  • Children's Future: Do you want to provide for university fees or a deposit for their first home?
  • Your Income: What percentage of your monthly income is essential for keeping your household afloat?

Step 2: Calculate Your Cover Amount Use your answers from Step 1 to put some figures on your needs. A good rule of thumb is:

  • Life Insurance: [Outstanding Mortgage] + [Other Debts] + [10 x Your Annual Salary]. This provides a debt-free home and a decade of income for your family.
  • Critical Illness Cover: Aim for a lump sum equivalent to 1-2 years of your net salary. This provides a significant buffer to handle immediate costs and make choices without financial pressure.
  • Income Protection: You can typically cover between 50-70% of your gross (pre-tax) monthly salary. This is designed to be sufficient to cover your essential outgoings.

Step 3: Choose Your Policy Terms How long do you need the cover to last?

  • For mortgage-related cover: Match the term to your mortgage term (e.g., 25 years).
  • For family protection: Match the term to when your children will be financially independent (e.g., until your youngest is 21 or 25).
  • For Income Protection: It's highly recommended to have this run until your planned retirement age (e.g., 67 or 68).

Step 4: Compare the Market and Get Advice The protection insurance market is vast and competitive. Insurers have different definitions for critical illnesses, different value-added benefits, and vastly different pricing. Trying to navigate this alone can be overwhelming.

This is where specialists like us at WeCovr excel. We don't work for an insurance company; we work for you. We compare policies from all the UK's leading insurers to find the right combination of cover, features, and cost for your unique circumstances. Our expert advisors can guide you through the entire process, from calculating your needs to completing the application form, ensuring you get the robust protection you need at a competitive price.

Case Study: The Miller Family – How their LCIIP Shield Saved Them

Sarah (38, Marketing Manager) and Tom (42, Teacher) lived in Reading with their two children, aged 8 and 11. They had a £280,000 mortgage on their semi-detached home. After a consultation, they put a comprehensive LCIIP Shield in place.

  • Life & Critical Illness Cover: A joint policy for £280,000, decreasing in line with their mortgage.
  • Income Protection: Sarah had a policy to pay out £2,200/month after a 6-month deferment period (to match her generous employer sick pay).

Two years later, Sarah was diagnosed with breast cancer. The diagnosis was a huge shock, but their planning immediately kicked in.

  1. The Critical Illness Payout: Upon diagnosis, their policy paid out a tax-free lump sum of £272,000 (the amount left on their mortgage). They used £150,000 to clear a large portion of their mortgage, drastically reducing their monthly payments. The rest was put aside, giving them a huge financial cushion. It removed the single biggest financial worry from their minds.

  2. The Income Protection: Sarah’s treatment was gruelling, and she was off work for 11 months. Her employer paid her full salary for the first 6 months. After that, her Income Protection policy seamlessly kicked in, paying her £2,200 tax-free each month. This income replaced her lost salary, meaning they didn't have to touch their savings or the critical illness payout for day-to-day living. They could continue to pay bills, run the car, and maintain a sense of normality for the children.

Sarah made a full recovery. Thanks to their LCIIP shield, they emerged from the most challenging year of their lives without any financial damage. Their mortgage was lower, their savings were intact, and they had been able to focus 100% on Sarah's health. Their story is a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of proper protection.

Your Next Steps: Don't Be a Statistic, Take Control Today

The 2025 data is a national wake-up call. It reveals a level of financial vulnerability that should concern every family in the UK. Waiting for a crisis to happen is not a plan; it's a path to potential ruin.

The good news is that you have the power to change your story. You can move from being a household on the brink to a family with a fortress around its finances. Building your LCIIP Shield is the single most effective step you can take to secure your financial future against the risk of illness or death.

It is more affordable than you think, more reliable than you've been led to believe, and more crucial than ever before.

The best time to put your protection in place was yesterday. The next best time is now. At WeCovr, we make the process simple and transparent. Get a free, no-obligation quote today and speak to one of our friendly, expert advisors to build the LCIIP shield that gives you and your family total peace of mind.

Financial resilience isn't found in a bulging savings account alone; it’s forged in the strength of the safety net you build to protect it. Take the first step and build your shield today.


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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