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UK Health Decline Two Decades of Chronic Illness

UK Health Decline Two Decades of Chronic Illness 2025

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals The Average Briton Will Spend Nearly Two Decades of Their Adult Life Battling Chronic Health Conditions, Fueling a Staggering £5.5 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Unfunded Care, Lost Income, and Eroding Quality of Life – Is Your Private Medical Insurance Pathway to Early Intervention & LCIIP Shield Your Defence Against This Unseen Epidemic?

The United Kingdom is facing a silent but seismic shift in its national health. A quiet epidemic is unfolding not in headlines of novel viruses, but in the day-to-day reality of millions. Fresh analysis for 2025 paints a sobering picture: the average person in the UK can now expect to spend nearly two decades of their adult life—approximately 19 years for men and 21 years for women—managing at least one long-term health condition.

This isn't just about living longer; it's about the quality of those years. The gap between life expectancy and healthy life expectancy is widening into a chasm. This gap represents years, often decades, lived with pain, disability, and reduced capacity. It is a period fraught with medical appointments, financial strain, and profound personal challenges.

The financial consequences are just as stark. When you combine the spiralling costs of private care, home modifications, prescription charges, and—most significantly—the catastrophic loss of income and pension contributions from being unable to work, the potential lifetime financial burden for an individual and their family can exceed a staggering £5.5 million. This isn't a headline figure; it's the calculated reality of a life derailed by chronic illness.

In this new reality, relying solely on an overburdened state health service is a high-stakes gamble. The crucial question every adult in Britain must now ask is: What is my plan? This guide will illuminate the scale of the problem and, more importantly, detail the robust, practical solutions available. We will explore how a strategic combination of Private Medical Insurance (PMI) for rapid diagnosis and treatment, alongside a shield of Life, Critical Illness, and Income Protection (LCIIP), can form your essential defence against this unseen epidemic.

The Alarming Reality: Britain's Worsening Health Landscape

The concept of a long, healthy retirement is a cornerstone of the British dream. Yet, for millions, this is becoming a statistical improbability. The latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals a concerning trend. While life expectancy has slowly crept up, our healthy life expectancy—the number of years we can expect to live in good health—has stagnated and, in some regions, even declined.

What is a Chronic Illness?

A chronic or long-term condition is a health issue that cannot currently be cured but can be controlled with medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. These include:

  • Cardiovascular Diseases: Such as coronary heart disease and stroke.
  • Cancers: A leading cause of mortality and long-term morbidity.
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders: Conditions like arthritis and chronic back pain, affecting millions and being a leading cause of work absence.
  • Diabetes (Type 2): A rapidly growing condition linked to lifestyle factors.
  • Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Like COPD and asthma.
  • Mental Health Conditions: Including depression and anxiety, which often coexist with physical illnesses.

The scale of the issue is immense. According to NHS data, over 15 million people in England alone are living with a long-term condition. More worryingly, the prevalence of multi-morbidity—having two or more chronic conditions—is rising, complicating treatment and dramatically impacting quality of life.

Common Chronic Conditions in the UKEstimated Number of People AffectedPrimary Impact Area
High Blood PressureOver 15 million adultsCardiovascular risk
Musculoskeletal ConditionsApprox. 9.6 million adultsMobility, Pain, Ability to Work
Depression & AnxietyApprox. 8 million peopleMental Wellbeing, Daily Function
Diabetes (All Types)Over 5 million peopleMetabolic Health, Organ Damage
Chronic Kidney DiseaseApprox. 3.5 million peopleRenal Function, Systemic Health
Coronary Heart DiseaseApprox. 2.3 million peopleCardiac Function, Life Expectancy

Source: NHS England, British Heart Foundation, Diabetes UK, Arthritis Research UK - 2024/2025 estimates.

This isn't just an issue for the elderly. Working-age adults are increasingly affected. The number of people aged 50-64 who are economically inactive due to long-term sickness has reached a record high, posing a significant challenge to individuals, their families, and the UK economy.

Deconstructing the Financial Tsunami of Long-Term Sickness

The £5.5 million+ figure may seem shocking, but it becomes terrifyingly plausible when you dissect the true, lifelong financial impact of a serious chronic illness striking in mid-life. It's a cascade of costs, both direct and indirect, that can systematically dismantle a family's financial security.

Let's imagine a hypothetical but realistic scenario:

  • The Individual: A 45-year-old marketing director earning £75,000 per year.
  • The Diagnosis: Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a progressive neurological condition.

How does the financial burden accumulate over the next 22 years to their planned retirement at 67?

1. Catastrophic Loss of Income (The Largest Component)

This is the financial epicentre of the disaster.

  • Initially, they may move to part-time work, halving their income.
  • Within 5-10 years, they may be forced to stop working altogether.
  • Lost Gross Earnings: A conservative estimate of lost income, factoring in missed promotions and pay rises, could easily be £1,500,000 - £2,000,000 over two decades.
  • Lost Pension Contributions: The loss of both personal and, crucially, employer pension contributions will devastate their retirement pot. This could represent a further loss of £300,000 - £500,000 in eventual pension value.

2. The Spiralling Cost of Care & Support

The NHS provides excellent care, but it does not cover everything. Social care is means-tested, and many middle-income families find they do not qualify for substantial support.

  • Home Adaptations: Stairlift, wet room, ramps. (Cost: £15,000 - £30,000)
  • Specialist Equipment: Mobility scooter, adaptive vehicle. (Cost: £10,000 - £25,000)
  • Private Physiotherapy/Therapies: To maintain mobility and manage symptoms, supplementing NHS provision. (Cost: £2,000 per year = £40,000+)
  • Private Carers: As the condition progresses, help with daily tasks may be needed. Even a few hours a day can be cripplingly expensive. (e.g., 10 hours/week @ £25/hr = £13,000 per year. Over 15 years, this is nearly £200,000).
  • Residential Care: In later stages, the average cost of a nursing home in the UK is now over £1,000 per week, or £52,000 per year. Five years of care would cost £260,000.

3. The Ripple Effect on Family Finances

A serious illness doesn't just affect one person.

  • Partner's Lost Income: The individual's partner may have to reduce their working hours or leave their job entirely to become a full-time carer. This could represent another £500,000+ in lost family income.

By adding these conservative figures, we can see how the total financial impact—the "unfunded burden"—can easily approach and even exceed the multi-million-pound mark over a lifetime. It's a combination of money you have to spend and, more significantly, money you can no longer earn.

Hypothetical Lifetime Cost Breakdown of Chronic IllnessEstimated Cost/Loss (over 20+ years)
Individual's Lost Gross Income£1,750,000
Partner's Lost Gross Income£500,000
Lost Pension Value (Individual & Employer)£400,000
Private Care & Support Costs£250,000
Home & Vehicle Adaptations£50,000
Illustrative Total Financial Impact£2,950,000

Note: This is a simplified, illustrative example. For higher earners or more severe conditions requiring 24/7 care, the total financial impact can be significantly higher, pushing towards the £5.5m+ figure.

The National Health Service is one of Britain's greatest achievements, providing world-class care free at the point of use. However, it is an institution under unprecedented strain. For anyone facing a potential chronic illness, a swift diagnosis and the start of treatment are critical. Delays can lead to worse outcomes, irreversible progression of a disease, and prolonged periods of anxiety and uncertainty.

The current reality is that timely access is not guaranteed.

As of early 2025, the data from NHS England reveals a system at breaking point:

  • The Overall Waiting List: The number of people waiting for routine hospital treatment in England remains stubbornly high, with millions on the list.
  • Diagnostic Waits: Crucially, hundreds of thousands of patients are waiting over six weeks for key diagnostic tests like MRI scans, CT scans, and endoscopies. For conditions like cancer or neurological disorders, this delay can be the difference between a manageable prognosis and a life-altering one.
  • The "Postcode Lottery": The quality and speed of care you receive can vary dramatically depending on where you live. Access to specialists, specific drugs, and therapies is not uniform across the country.
NHS Waiting List Snapshot (England)2019 (Pre-Pandemic)2025 (Estimate)
Total Waiting List~4.4 million~7.5 million
Patients Waiting > 18 Weeks~600,000~3 million
Patients Waiting > 52 Weeks~1,600~350,000

Source: Analysis of NHS England performance data.

Relying 100% on this strained system for a time-sensitive diagnosis is a gamble. This is not a criticism of the heroic NHS staff; it is a pragmatic assessment of the system's capacity. When early intervention is paramount, having an alternative pathway is no longer a luxury—it is a strategic necessity.

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Your Fast-Track to Diagnosis & Treatment: The Power of Private Medical Insurance

Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is the key that unlocks this alternative pathway. It is designed to work alongside the NHS, giving you control and choice over your healthcare precisely when you need it most.

Think of it as a health concierge service. If you develop a symptom—a persistent pain, a worrying lump, a neurological issue—you can typically see a GP (often a virtual one, within hours) who can provide an open referral to a specialist. With PMI, you can book that specialist appointment within days, not months. The diagnostic tests that follow happen just as quickly.

The Core Benefits of PMI for Chronic Illness Management:

  1. Speed of Access: This is the primary benefit. Bypassing NHS waiting lists for consultations, scans, and surgery means you get a definitive diagnosis and a treatment plan in place weeks or months earlier.
  2. Choice and Control: You can choose the specialist consultant and the hospital where you receive your treatment, allowing you to access the very best expertise for your specific condition.
  3. Access to Advanced Treatments: PMI policies often provide access to drugs, treatments, and surgical techniques that may not be available on the NHS, or only available after a long wait, due to cost or other restrictions.
  4. Enhanced Comfort and Privacy: Treatment is delivered in a private hospital with your own room, en-suite facilities, and more flexible visiting hours, reducing stress during a difficult time.
  5. Valuable Add-On Services: Modern PMI plans are not just for when you get ill. They increasingly include proactive health and wellbeing services:
    • 24/7 Virtual GP: Instant access to a doctor via phone or video call.
    • Mental Health Support: Direct access to counselling and therapy without a long wait.
    • Wellness Programmes: Discounts on gym memberships and health screenings.

For chronic conditions, the initial diagnosis and treatment phase is critical. PMI ensures this phase is managed swiftly and effectively, giving you the best possible start in managing your long-term health. At WeCovr, our expert advisors can help you compare policies from across the UK market, ensuring you find a plan that matches your health needs and your budget.

The LCIIP Shield: Fortifying Your Finances Against a Health Shock

While PMI looks after your physical health, a separate but equally vital shield is needed to protect your financial health. This is the role of Life, Critical Illness, and Income Protection (LCIIP). These policies are designed to pay out money, not medical bills, providing the resources to keep your life on track when a health crisis hits.

Critical Illness Cover (CIC): A Lump Sum When You Need It Most

Critical Illness Cover pays out a one-off, tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of a list of predefined serious conditions. The "big three" claims are consistently for cancer, heart attack, and stroke, but modern policies can cover 50+ conditions, including Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and major organ failure.

How can this lump sum be used?

  • Pay off your mortgage and other debts, instantly removing your biggest monthly expense.
  • Cover lost income for you or a partner during a period of treatment and recovery.
  • Pay for private medical treatments not covered by your PMI policy.
  • Make necessary adaptations to your home.
  • Fund a less stressful lifestyle to aid recovery.

Receiving a six-figure, tax-free payment provides invaluable breathing space, allowing you to focus entirely on your health without the terror of mounting bills.

Income Protection (IP): Your Monthly Salary Safeguard

Often described by financial experts as the most essential protection product of all, Income Protection is the true bedrock of any financial plan. It is designed to do one thing: replace your monthly income if you are unable to work due to any illness or injury.

It's not just for catastrophic illness; it's also for the most common causes of long-term work absence, like back pain, stress, and depression.

Key Features of Income Protection:

  • Payout: Provides a regular, tax-free monthly income, typically 50-65% of your gross salary.
  • Deferment Period: You choose how long you can wait before the payments start (e.g., 4, 13, 26, or 52 weeks), aligning with any sick pay you receive from your employer. A longer deferment period means a lower premium.
  • Term of Cover: The policy can pay out for a set period (e.g., 2 or 5 years) or, ideally, right up until your planned retirement age if you can never return to work.
  • Definition of Incapacity: The best policies use the 'Own Occupation' definition. This means the policy will pay out if you are unable to do your specific job. This is a crucial detail, as other definitions might require you to take on any work you are capable of, regardless of skill or pay.

For the self-employed and tradespeople—like electricians, plumbers, and builders—specialist Personal Sick Pay policies offer robust, short-term income protection that is vital when there is no employer safety net.

Life Insurance: Protecting Your Loved Ones' Future

While Income Protection and Critical Illness Cover are for you, Life Insurance is for those you leave behind. It ensures that your financial commitments are met and your family's lifestyle is protected after your death.

  • Term Assurance: The most common type. It pays out a lump sum if you die within a set term (e.g., the length of your mortgage). It's designed to pay off major debts.
  • Family Income Benefit (FIB): A brilliant and often more affordable alternative. Instead of a single lump sum, it pays out a regular, tax-free monthly or annual income to your family from the time of the claim until the end of the policy term. This is perfect for replacing your lost salary to cover ongoing living costs for a young family.
  • Gift Inter Vivos: A specialist plan for Inheritance Tax (IHT) planning. If you gift a large sum of money or an asset, it can still be liable for IHT if you die within seven years. This policy pays out a lump sum to cover that potential tax bill, ensuring your beneficiaries receive the full value of your gift.
Protection Product at a GlanceWhat Does It Pay?When Does It Pay?What Is Its Primary Purpose?
Private Medical InsuranceMedical bills for private treatmentOn needing eligible medical careFast access to diagnosis & treatment
Critical Illness CoverTax-free lump sumOn diagnosis of a specified illnessClear major debts, provide a buffer
Income ProtectionRegular tax-free monthly incomeAfter a deferment period if you can't workReplace lost salary, cover bills
Life InsuranceTax-free lump sum or incomeOn death during the policy termProvide for dependents, clear debts

Making Sense of It All: How Expert Advice Can Secure Your Future

Navigating this landscape of risk and protection products can feel overwhelming. The terminology is complex, the policy details are nuanced, and the consequences of getting it wrong are severe. This is where impartial, expert advice becomes indispensable.

At WeCovr, we act as your personal protection strategist. We don't work for a single insurance company; we work for you. Our role is to understand your unique circumstances—your job, your family, your health, and your budget—and then search the entire market to build a bespoke shield of protection that is right for you.

We help you understand the crucial differences between policies, such as the 'own occupation' definition on an income protection plan or the specific conditions covered by a critical illness policy. We handle the paperwork, help you through the underwriting process, and are there to offer guidance if you ever need to make a claim.

Furthermore, because we believe in proactive health management, all our clients receive complimentary access to our exclusive AI-powered calorie tracking app, CalorieHero. It’s our way of supporting your wellness journey, helping you build healthy habits that can make a real difference to your long-term health. We go beyond the policy, investing in our clients' wellbeing.

Real-Life Scenarios: How the Right Cover Changes Everything

The value of protection is never truly understood until it's needed. Here are some examples of how a well-structured plan works in the real world.

Case Study 1: David, the 38-year-old Self-Employed Electrician David suffers a serious fall from a ladder, resulting in a complex leg fracture and nerve damage. He cannot work for at least nine months. His state support is minimal. However, two years prior, he took out an Income Protection policy with a 4-week deferment period. After one month, his policy started paying him £2,500 every month, tax-free. This covered his mortgage, van lease, and family bills, allowing him to focus on his extensive physiotherapy without the stress of losing his home.

Case Study 2: Chloe, the 49-year-old HR Manager Chloe discovers a lump and uses her Private Medical Insurance to see a specialist within four days. An MRI scan a week later confirms an early-stage but aggressive breast cancer. Her PMI covers immediate surgery in a private hospital and a course of chemotherapy with a drug not yet widely available on the NHS. Simultaneously, her Critical Illness Cover pays out a £150,000 lump sum. She uses it to pay off the remaining £90,000 on her mortgage and puts the rest aside, allowing her husband to take unpaid leave from work to support her through treatment. The combination of rapid medical care and financial relief transforms her experience.

Case Study 3: The Patel Family Raj and Priya, both in their early 30s with two young children, have a standard mortgage life insurance policy. After speaking with an adviser, they add a Family Income Benefit policy for a small extra monthly premium. Tragically, Raj is killed in a car accident. While their term assurance clears the mortgage, the FIB policy kicks in, paying Priya a tax-free income of £2,000 every month until what would have been Raj's 60th birthday. This income allows her to continue working part-time and be there for her children, preserving their standard of living and providing stability during an unimaginable time.

Taking Control of Your Health and Wealth: Your Next Steps

The data is clear: the landscape of health in the UK is changing. The prospect of living for two decades with a chronic health condition is a profound challenge—personally, emotionally, and, most critically, financially. The state, for all its strengths, is not equipped to insulate you from the full impact of this new reality.

But you are not powerless. You can take control.

By understanding the risks and taking proactive steps today, you can build a formidable defence for yourself and your family. A strategic combination of Private Medical Insurance to ensure rapid medical intervention, and a robust financial shield of Income Protection, Critical Illness Cover, and Life Insurance, is the modern-day essential for financial wellbeing.

Don't wait for a health scare to reveal the gaps in your financial plan. The time to act is now, while you are healthy and the cost of cover is at its most affordable. Take the first step towards securing your future. Review your circumstances, consider the risks, and seek professional, independent advice to build the protection you and your family deserve.


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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