Login

UK Oral Health The £4.2M Lifetime Burden

UK Oral Health The £4.2M Lifetime Burden 2026

UK 2025 Discover How Nearly 1 in 2 Britons Are Secretly Battling Severe Gum Disease, Fueling a Staggering £4 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Heart Disease, Stroke, Type 2 Diabetes, and Eroding Quality of Life – Your PMI Pathway to Advanced Diagnostics and Early Intervention & LCIIP Shielding Your Foundational Health and Future Prosperity

A silent epidemic is unfolding in towns and cities across the United Kingdom. It doesn’t command headline news, yet its consequences are devastating, contributing to our nation's most pressing health crises and imposing a crippling financial burden on individuals and families.

New analysis for 2025 reveals a shocking truth: nearly one in two British adults has some form of gum disease, with a significant and growing number battling its severe, destructive form—periodontitis. This isn't just about bleeding gums or bad breath. It's a gateway condition, a hidden inflammatory disease that unleashes bacteria into your bloodstream, directly fuelling the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and Type 2 diabetes.

The cumulative lifetime cost of managing these chronic conditions—factoring in private medical care, lost income, and long-term social support—can exceed a staggering £4.2 million for a single individual in a high-impact scenario. Your oral health is not merely a dental issue; it is the foundation of your systemic health and a cornerstone of your future financial security.

This definitive guide will illuminate the profound connection between your mouth and your body, quantify the astonishing potential costs, and reveal the strategic insurance solutions that can protect you. We will explore how Private Medical Insurance (PMI) provides a vital pathway to early detection and advanced treatment, while Life, Critical Illness, and Income Protection (LCIIP) policies form an impenetrable financial shield against the life-altering consequences of systemic disease.

The Silent Epidemic: Unmasking Gum Disease in the UK

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is one of the most common diseases affecting humankind, yet it often progresses unnoticed until significant, irreversible damage has occurred. It's a classic "silent" condition, which is precisely what makes it so dangerous.

While many cases start as mild gingivitis, a substantial portion advances to periodontitis if left untreated. This is not a niche problem; it is a mainstream public health crisis hiding in plain sight.

What is Gum Disease? A Tale of Two Stages

Understanding the progression is key to appreciating the risk:

  1. Gingivitis: This is the early, reversible stage. It’s caused by plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—building up on the teeth. This irritates the gums, causing them to become red, swollen, and to bleed easily during brushing. At this stage, there is no permanent damage to the bone or tissue supporting the teeth.
  2. Periodontitis: If gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to periodontitis. This is a far more serious, non-reversible condition. The inflammation spreads below the gum line, and the body’s own immune system, in its fight against the bacterial infection, starts to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. Gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that become infected. As the disease progresses, these pockets deepen, and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed.

Why is it a "Secret" Epidemic?

  • Painless Onset: Early gum disease is often painless. The first sign for many—bleeding gums—is frequently dismissed as "brushing too hard."
  • Lack of Awareness: There is a pervasive lack of public understanding about the mouth-body connection. Many people simply do not know that the health of their gums can impact their risk of a heart attack.
  • NHS Dental Access Crisis: A 2024 report by the British Dental Association highlighted the severe difficulties patients face in accessing NHS dentistry. This means millions are missing out on the routine check-ups and hygienist appointments that are essential for catching and treating gum disease early.

The signs of periodontitis become more obvious as the condition worsens, but by then, significant damage may have already been done.

Sign/SymptomEarly Stage (Gingivitis)Advanced Stage (Periodontitis)
Gum AppearanceRed, swollenBright red, purplish, or receding
BleedingOccurs easily when brushing or flossingCan occur spontaneously
PainUsually nonePain when chewing, sensitive teeth
TeethAppear normalTeeth appear longer, may become loose or shift
BreathOccasional bad breathPersistent bad breath (halitosis)
Other SignsNonePus between teeth and gums, new spaces between teeth

The Mouth-Body Connection: How Gum Disease Triggers Systemic Illness

For decades, dentistry and medicine operated in separate silos. Today, a wealth of scientific evidence has torn down that wall, proving that oral health is inextricably linked to overall health. The primary mechanism is chronic inflammation.

Periodontitis is not just a localised infection; it's a chronic inflammatory disease. The bacteria in the infected gum pockets, such as the particularly aggressive Porphyromonas gingivalis, don't stay in the mouth. They can and do enter the bloodstream through the ulcerated gum tissue.

Once in circulation, these bacteria and the inflammatory molecules they trigger can travel throughout the body, causing damage far from the original source.

1. Heart Disease and Stroke

The link between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease is now firmly established. The British Heart Foundation acknowledges that poor oral health can increase your risk of developing heart and circulatory diseases.

  • Mechanism: The chronic inflammation from gum disease contributes to atherosclerosis (the hardening and narrowing of the arteries). Inflammatory proteins and bacteria from the mouth can damage the lining of blood vessels, promoting the formation of fatty plaques. If one of these plaques ruptures, it can form a clot, leading to a heart attack or stroke.
  • The Evidence: A major study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that individuals with severe periodontitis have a two to three times higher risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular event.

2. Type 2 Diabetes

The relationship between gum disease and diabetes is a dangerous two-way street.

  • Mechanism: The systemic inflammation caused by periodontitis can reduce the body's sensitivity to insulin, making it more difficult to control blood sugar levels. For someone with diabetes, this complicates their condition management significantly. Conversely, high blood sugar levels in people with diabetes create ideal conditions for infections to grow, including gum disease. Poorly controlled diabetes makes gum disease more frequent and more severe. 4%. This is a clinically significant improvement, comparable to adding a second drug to their diabetes treatment regimen.

3. Other Linked Conditions

The fallout from poor oral health doesn't stop there. Emerging and established research links periodontitis to a range of other serious conditions:

  • Dementia & Alzheimer's Disease: Researchers have found the P. gingivalis bacterium in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease. It's hypothesised that the bacterium can travel from the mouth to the brain, triggering an immune response that kills neurons.
  • Respiratory Infections: Bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, contributing to infections like pneumonia, especially in older adults or those with compromised immune systems.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: Both are chronic inflammatory diseases. Evidence suggests that the mechanism that destroys tissue in gum disease is similar to the one at play in rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Certain Cancers: Studies have shown associations between periodontitis and an increased risk of certain cancers, including pancreatic and oesophageal cancer.
Systemic DiseaseThe Connection to Gum DiseasePotential Outcome
Heart DiseaseChronic inflammation promotes artery-clogging plaques.Increased risk of heart attack.
StrokeBacteria & inflammation contribute to blood clots.Increased risk of ischaemic stroke.
Type 2 DiabetesInflammation worsens insulin resistance.Poorer blood sugar control, disease progression.
DementiaOral bacteria may travel to the brain, killing neurons.Contributes to cognitive decline.

The £4.2 Million Question: Calculating the Lifetime Burden

The £4.2 million figure represents a calculated potential lifetime burden for a 40-year-old professional who develops severe periodontitis, which then contributes to a cascade of major health events like a severe stroke, followed by the ongoing management of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.

This is not an average; it is an illustration of the catastrophic financial impact that is possible when health fails. The burden is composed of three main elements: direct healthcare costs, indirect costs from lost income, and long-term care costs.

1. Direct Healthcare Costs

While the NHS provides exceptional care at the point of need, managing complex chronic conditions often leads individuals to seek private options for faster access, choice of specialist, or advanced treatments.

  • Advanced Dental Treatment: Complex periodontal surgery, grafts, and implants to replace lost teeth can cost tens of thousands of pounds privately.
  • Private Cardiology: Consultations, advanced scans (e.g., private cardiac MRI), and procedures like stenting or bypass surgery can rapidly accumulate costs from £15,000 to over £50,000.
  • Ongoing Management: Private consultations with endocrinologists for diabetes, neurologists for post-stroke care, and physiotherapists add thousands more each year.

2. Indirect Costs: The Devastation of Lost Income

This is often the largest and most overlooked component of the financial burden. A life-changing illness like a major stroke can mean you are unable to work again.

  • Scenario: A 40-year-old marketing director earning £85,000 per year suffers a debilitating stroke. They are unable to return to their high-pressure job.
  • Calculation:
    • Lost salary over 27 years to retirement (age 67): £85,000 x 27 = £2,295,000.
    • Lost employer pension contributions (e.g., 10%): £8,500 x 27 = £229,500.
    • Lost potential bonuses and promotions.
    • Total Lost Earnings: Well over £2.5 million.

3. Long-Term Social and Lifestyle Costs

Chronic illness brings a wave of additional, often hidden, expenses.

  • Social Care: The cost of a live-in carer can be £1,500-£2,000 per week. Over 10 years, this could amount to £780,000 - £1,040,000. Even part-time care represents a significant financial drain.
  • Home Adaptations: Ramps, walk-in showers, stairlifts, and other modifications can easily cost £20,000-£50,000.
  • Eroding Quality of Life: The non-financial costs are immense—loss of independence, social isolation, chronic pain, and the mental health toll on both the individual and their family.

The Lifetime Burden: A Hypothetical Breakdown

Cost CategoryEstimated Lifetime Cost (High-Impact Scenario)
Lost Future Income & Pension£2,500,000
Long-Term Private Social Care£1,000,000
Private Medical & Specialist Care£300,000
Home Modifications & Equipment£50,000
Ongoing Prescriptions & Therapies£100,000
Specialised Dental Reconstruction£50,000
Miscellaneous (Travel, Nutrition etc.)£200,000
TOTAL POTENTIAL LIFETIME BURDEN£4,200,000+

This sobering calculation demonstrates that foundational health is inextricably linked to future prosperity. Protecting one is essential to preserving the other.

Get Tailored Quote

Your First Line of Defence: Private Medical Insurance (PMI) for Proactive Health

Given the clear and present danger posed by gum disease, a reactive approach is insufficient. The key is early detection and aggressive intervention, an area where Private Medical Insurance (PMI) offers a powerful advantage over an overstretched NHS system.

While PMI policies do not typically cover routine dentistry, their true value lies in providing rapid access to the specialists and diagnostics needed to manage the consequences of gum disease and its systemic risks.

How PMI Creates a Pathway to Better Health Outcomes:

  1. Swift Access to Periodontists: If your dentist identifies advanced gum disease requiring specialist care, the NHS waiting list for a periodontist can be long. PMI allows you to bypass this, securing a consultation and treatment plan within days or weeks, not months or years. This speed can be the difference between saving or losing teeth.
  2. Advanced Diagnostics: PMI often covers state-of-the-art diagnostic tests that may not be standard on the NHS. This includes specific microbiological analysis to identify the exact bacteria driving your infection, and advanced imaging (like Cone Beam CT scans) to precisely map bone loss.
  3. Cutting-Edge Treatments: PMI can provide access to the latest periodontal treatments, such as laser-assisted therapy (LANAP) and guided tissue regeneration, which may have limited availability on the NHS.
  4. Integrated Care and Systemic Screening: This is perhaps the most crucial benefit. If your periodontist is concerned about your cardiovascular risk profile, a PMI policy can facilitate a seamless and rapid referral to a consultant cardiologist for comprehensive screening. This integrated approach connects the dots between your oral and systemic health, allowing for proactive management of your overall risk.

Many insurers also offer dental and optical cashback plans or more comprehensive dental insurance add-ons. These can help cover the costs of the regular hygienist visits that are fundamental to preventing gum disease in the first place.

At WeCovr, we help our clients navigate the complexities of PMI, identifying policies that offer not just excellent hospital cover, but also robust diagnostic benefits and pathways to the specialist care that can halt the progression of conditions like periodontitis before they trigger a systemic crisis.

FeatureNHS Dentistry & ReferralsPrivate Medical Insurance (PMI) Pathway
Periodontist AccessPotentially long waiting listsRapid access, often within weeks
Diagnostic ScopeStandard diagnosticsAccess to advanced microbiological & imaging tests
Treatment OptionsStandard of care, may be limitedWider access to latest techniques (e.g., laser)
Systemic ReferralsSeparate referral process, can be slowFast, integrated referrals to cardiologists etc.
ChoiceLimited choice of specialist/hospitalFull choice of recognised specialists/facilities

The Financial Shield: Life, Critical Illness, and Income Protection (LCIIP)

If PMI is your proactive shield, then Life, Critical Illness, and Income Protection (LCIIP) policies are your financial fortress. They are designed to protect you and your family from the catastrophic financial fallout—the £4.2 million burden—if prevention fails and you suffer a major health event.

The conditions most strongly linked to severe gum disease—heart attack, stroke, and some cancers—are the very conditions that form the core of most Critical Illness Cover policies in the UK.

1. Critical Illness Cover (CIC)

This policy pays out a tax-free lump sum on the diagnosis of a specified critical illness.

  • How it Works: You are diagnosed with a major heart attack that meets the policy definition. Your insurer pays you your cover amount, for example, £250,000.
  • Its Purpose: This money is yours to use as you see fit. It can be used to pay off your mortgage, cover the costs of private treatment or rehabilitation, adapt your home, or simply provide a financial cushion while you recover, reducing stress at the most difficult time. It directly combats the "Direct Healthcare" and "Lifestyle Costs" elements of the financial burden.

2. Income Protection (IP)

Often described by financial experts as the bedrock of any financial plan, Income Protection is arguably the most important insurance you can own.

  • How it Works: If you are unable to work for an extended period due to illness or injury (such as the after-effects of a stroke), this policy pays you a regular, tax-free replacement income. This is typically 50-65% of your gross salary.
  • Its Purpose: It directly replaces the "Lost Income" component of the £4.2 million burden. It ensures that your mortgage or rent continues to be paid, bills are covered, and your family can maintain its standard of living, even if you can never return to work. Payments can continue right up until your chosen retirement age.

3. Life Insurance

This provides the ultimate financial safety net for your loved ones.

  • How it Works: It pays out a lump sum to your beneficiaries if you pass away during the policy term.
  • Its Purpose: This ensures that your family is not left with debts like a mortgage and has the financial resources to secure their future in your absence.

Building Your Fortress: A Coordinated Strategy for Health and Wealth

Viewing these insurance products in isolation misses their true power. The most resilient strategy is a coordinated one that addresses both your physical and financial health.

  1. Proactive Health Defence (PMI): Use PMI to actively manage your health, gain rapid access to diagnostics and specialists, and intervene early on conditions like gum disease. This is your investment in staying well.
  2. Reactive Financial Defence (LCIIP): Implement robust Life, Critical Illness, and Income Protection cover as your non-negotiable financial backstop. This is your plan for what happens if you don't stay well.

The monthly cost of a comprehensive protection portfolio is a tiny fraction of the potential multi-million-pound cost of inaction. A conversation with an expert broker can be one of the most valuable investments you ever make. This is where we at WeCovr excel, comparing plans from across the UK market to tailor a strategy that fits your unique personal and financial circumstances.

As a testament to our commitment to our clients' holistic wellbeing, we also provide them with complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. We know that diet is a critical factor in managing risks for both gum disease (sugar intake) and systemic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease. This tool empowers our clients to take daily, practical steps towards better health, complementing the security their insurance provides.

Practical Steps You Can Take Today

Securing your future starts now. Beyond insurance, you can take immediate action to lower your risk profile.

  1. Upgrade Your Oral Hygiene: This is non-negotiable. Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, and, crucially, clean between your teeth every day using interdental brushes or floss. An antiseptic mouthwash can provide extra protection.
  2. Commit to Regular Professional Cleanings: See a dental hygienist at least twice a year, or more frequently if you are in a higher-risk group. This is the only way to remove hardened plaque (tartar) that you cannot remove at home.
  3. Adopt an Anti-Inflammatory Lifestyle:
    • Diet: Reduce your intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates, which feed harmful oral bacteria. Increase your intake of anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, oily fish, and berries.
    • Stop Smoking: Smoking is one of the single biggest risk factors for developing severe periodontitis.
    • Manage Stress: Chronic stress can impair your immune system, making you more susceptible to infection.
  4. Schedule a Financial Health Review: Sit down with an independent protection adviser. Lay out your income, your debts, and your long-term goals. Understand where your financial vulnerabilities lie and how insurance can close those gaps.

Conclusion: Your Health is Your Wealth

The line between a healthy smile and a healthy life has been erased. The 2025 UK health landscape reveals that periodontitis is not a minor dental inconvenience but a major medical threat with the potential to trigger a cascade of chronic diseases and a lifetime financial burden that can reach into the millions.

Ignoring the health of your gums is a gamble with the highest possible stakes: your physical wellbeing and your financial future. The good news is that you have the power to change the odds decisively in your favour.

By embracing a proactive approach to your oral and systemic health, facilitated by the rapid access and advanced care of Private Medical Insurance, you can tackle problems at their root. By simultaneously erecting a financial fortress with Life, Critical Illness, and Income Protection, you ensure that even if illness strikes, your family's prosperity and quality of life are shielded from the fallout.

Don't let a secret, silent battle in your mouth dictate the course of your life. Take control today. Invest in your health, secure your finances, and build a future founded on resilience and peace of mind.


Related guides

Why life insurance and how does it work?

What is Life Insurance?

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

How does it work?

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

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

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

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

Questions to ask yourself regarding life insurance

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

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

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

Benefits offered by income protection, life and critical illness insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Types of life insurance policies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Fact!

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

Why is it important to get life insurance early?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our Group Is Proud To Have Issued 900,000+ Policies!

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

How It Works

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

Any questions?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



...

Who Are WeCovr?

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

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

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

Important Information

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

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

About WeCovr

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