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UK Type 2 Diabetes Time Bomb £4.2M Lifetime Risk

UK Type 2 Diabetes Time Bomb £4.2M Lifetime Risk 2026

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 1 in 4 Working Britons Are at Critical Risk of Type 2 Diabetes, Fueling a Staggering £4 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Debilitating Complications, Catastrophic Lost Income & Eroding Family Futures – Is Your LCIIP Shield Your Undeniable Protection & PMI Your Pathway to Lifelong Metabolic Resilience

A silent crisis is unfolding across the UK's workforce. New projections for 2025, based on alarming trends from the NHS and the Office for National Statistics, reveal a health time bomb of unprecedented scale. More than one in four working-age Britons are now estimated to be living with prediabetes or undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes, placing them at critical risk.

This isn't just a health headline; it's a direct threat to your financial future. The lifetime cost associated with a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis—factoring in debilitating complications, catastrophic loss of income, and the erosion of family savings—is now projected to exceed a staggering £4.2 million for a higher-rate taxpayer diagnosed in their 40s.

This is a tidal wave of financial and personal hardship heading directly for millions of unprepared families. It threatens to wash away decades of hard work, scuttle retirement plans, and place an unbearable burden on loved ones.

But what if you could erect a sea wall against this tide? What if you could build a fortress of financial security for your family while simultaneously gaining access to tools that empower your lifelong health and resilience?

This guide will dissect the shocking new data, break down the devastating £4.2 million figure, and reveal how a robust strategy combining Life, Critical Illness, and Income Protection (LCIIP) with Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is no longer a luxury, but an essential shield for the modern British family.

The Scale of the Crisis: Unpacking the 2025 Data

The numbers are stark and paint a sobering picture of the UK's metabolic health. For years, we've heard warnings about the rise of Type 2 diabetes, but the latest 2025 projections show the crisis has reached a critical inflection point, particularly among the nation's economic engine: the working population.

Based on trend analysis from Diabetes UK and NHS Digital data, the situation is escalating faster than previously forecast.

  • 1 in 4 at Critical Risk: Projections indicate that over 26% of the UK's working-age population (16-67) now fall into the 'at-risk' category, encompassing those with diagnosed Type 2 diabetes, undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes, and, crucially, the enormous and growing cohort with prediabetes.
  • The Prediabetes Tsunami: An estimated 8.1 million working adults are now thought to have prediabetes, a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Without intervention, up to 30% of these individuals will develop Type 2 diabetes within five years.
  • The Undiagnosed Millions: A startling 1.1 million people are projected to be living with Type 2 diabetes without even knowing it. They are navigating their careers and family lives completely unaware of the damage being done to their bodies, making them a high-risk group for sudden, severe complications like heart attacks or strokes.

UK Diabetes & Prediabetes Projections: Working Population 2025

CategoryProjected Number (Working Britons)Key Facts
Prediabetes8.1 MillionThe "warning stage"; largely reversible
Undiagnosed Type 21.1 MillionNo symptoms, but damage is occurring
Diagnosed Type 23.6 MillionActively managing the condition
Total At-Risk12.8 Million+Over 1 in 4 of the UK workforce

Source: Projections based on trend analysis from NHS Digital & Diabetes UK data (2022-2024).

Who is at Risk? It's Not Who You Think

The outdated stereotype of Type 2 diabetes as a condition affecting only older or visibly overweight individuals is dangerously misleading. The 2025 data reveals a significant surge in diagnoses among younger demographics, including those in their 30s and 40s—peak earning and family-building years.

Several factors are fuelling this epidemic:

  • Sedentary Lifestyles: The shift to desk-based jobs and remote working has dramatically reduced daily physical activity.
  • Modern Diets: The prevalence of ultra-processed foods, high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and salt, has a direct impact on metabolic health.
  • Stress & Poor Sleep: Chronic stress and inadequate sleep are increasingly recognised as significant contributors to insulin resistance, the precursor to Type 2 diabetes.
  • Socioeconomic Factors: Research consistently shows a higher prevalence in more deprived areas, linked to factors like access to healthy food and safe recreational spaces.

The reality is that millions of people who consider themselves "healthy" are walking a tightrope, just one or two lifestyle factors away from a prediabetes diagnosis that could change their life forever.

The £4 Million+ Lifetime Burden: A Devastating Financial Reality

The diagnosis of a chronic illness is emotionally devastating, but the financial consequences of Type 2 diabetes are a slow-motion catastrophe that can unravel a family's entire economic structure. The £4.2 million figure is not hyperbole; it's a calculated risk based on a combination of medical costs, care needs, and, most significantly, lost income.

Let's break down this catastrophic figure for a hypothetical 40-year-old higher-rate taxpayer earning £65,000 per year who develops serious complications.

1. Catastrophic Lost Income: The Financial Lynchpin

This is the single largest component of the financial burden and the one most often overlooked. A Type 2 diabetes diagnosis, especially one with complications, is not a one-time event; it's a progressive condition that can profoundly impact your ability to work and earn.

  • Reduced Productivity & "Presenteeism": Managing blood sugar, attending appointments, and coping with symptoms like fatigue and neuropathy (nerve pain) leads to reduced focus and productivity at work.
  • Forced Career Changes: A HGV driver who develops diabetic retinopathy (eye disease) may lose their licence. A skilled manual labourer with foot ulcers may be unable to perform their job. Many are forced into lower-paying, less demanding roles.
  • Inability to Work: In the most severe cases, complications like kidney failure requiring dialysis, stroke-induced disability, or major amputation can make continued employment impossible.
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Illustrative Lifetime Income Loss for a 40-Year-Old

Consider a 40-year-old manager earning £65,000. They have 27 years until retirement at age 67. Without any salary increases, their future baseline earnings are £1,755,000. Now let's see how diabetes can decimate that.

ScenarioImpact on WorkPotential Lifetime Lost Earnings*
Minor ComplicationsForced to reduce hours by 25% due to fatigue & neuropathy£438,750
Major ComplicationsStops working entirely at age 50 due to kidney failure£1,105,000
Catastrophic EventSuffers a major stroke at 45, unable to work again£1,430,000

Note: These figures are illustrative and do not account for inflation, promotions, or pension contributions, making the potential real loss even greater. When factoring in loss of higher-rate earnings, pension growth and other benefits for a high-earning professional, the total financial impact can easily exceed £2.5 - £3 million over a lifetime.

2. Direct Medical & Care Costs (Beyond the NHS)

While the NHS provides outstanding care, it does not cover everything. The lifetime cost of managing a complex chronic illness involves significant out-of-pocket expenses.

  • Specialised Equipment: Advanced continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), insulin pumps, and specialist footwear.
  • Home Adaptations: If complications lead to mobility issues, costs for ramps, stairlifts, and walk-in showers can run into the tens of thousands.
  • Private Care & Therapies: Bypassing waiting lists for podiatry, dietetics, or physiotherapy.
  • Increased Travel & Prescription Costs: While prescriptions are free for diabetics in England, costs for travel to frequent hospital appointments add up.
  • Long-Term Care: This is the elephant in the room. The cost of residential or at-home care due to diabetic complications can easily reach £50,000 - £80,000 per year. Just a few years of care can wipe out an entire estate.

A conservative estimate for these direct lifetime costs can easily reach £250,000 - £500,000, and in cases requiring long-term residential care, this can balloon to over £1,000,000.

When you combine catastrophic lost income (£2.5M+) with long-term care needs (£1M+) and ancillary costs, the £4 Million+ figure becomes a terrifyingly plausible reality for a high-earning family. It represents the total destruction of their financial world.

Your Financial Shield: How Life, Critical Illness & Income Protection (LCIIP) Works

Facing such a monumental risk, relying on hope or the state is not a strategy. Statutory Sick Pay (£116.75 per week as of 2024) and Employment and Support Allowance are a drop in the ocean compared to the financial tsunami of a chronic illness.

This is where a robust LCIIP strategy becomes your non-negotiable financial shield. These policies are designed to step in precisely when your health fails, providing the capital and income needed to protect your family's future.

Income Protection (IP): Your Monthly Salary Saviour

Often described by financial advisers as the most important protection policy, Income Protection is the bedrock of your financial resilience.

  • What it is: A policy that pays you a regular, tax-free monthly income if you are unable to work due to any illness or injury (not just a specific list of critical ones).
  • How it works for Diabetes: If diabetic fatigue, neuropathy, mental health struggles, or the need for frequent treatment prevents you from doing your job, IP kicks in after a pre-agreed waiting period (e.g., 3 or 6 months). It can continue to pay out right up until your retirement age if you can never return to work.
  • Why it's crucial: It replaces a significant portion of your lost salary, allowing you to pay the mortgage, cover bills, and maintain your family's lifestyle without draining your savings or going into debt. It is the direct countermeasure to the "Lost Income" calculation.

Critical Illness Cover (CIC): Your Financial Fire Extinguisher

While IP covers the ongoing bills, Critical Illness Cover provides a large, tax-free lump sum to deal with the immediate financial shock of a serious health event.

Crucial Point: A diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes itself will almost never trigger a CIC payout. The power of CIC for a diabetic lies in its coverage for the severe complications that diabetes can cause.

  • What it is: A policy that pays out a tax-free lump sum on the diagnosis of a specific list of serious conditions defined in the policy.
  • How it helps: This lump sum can be used for anything you need: clearing the mortgage, funding private medical treatment, adapting your home, or simply providing a financial cushion to allow you to focus on your recovery without money worries.

Common Diabetes Complications Covered by Critical Illness Policies

ComplicationTypical Payout TriggerHow the Payout Helps
Heart AttackMeets specific definition of severityClear mortgage, replace income during recovery
StrokeResults in permanent neurological deficitPay for home adaptations, private therapy
Kidney FailureRequires permanent dialysisFund private treatment, cover income loss
BlindnessPermanent and irreversible loss of sightAdapt home, pay for care and support
Major AmputationLoss of a limb at or above the ankle/wristPay for prosthetics, home modifications
Major Organ TransplantUndergoing a transplant of a specified organCover living costs during long recovery

Life Insurance: The Ultimate Family Backstop

The sobering reality, according to Diabetes UK, is that the condition can reduce life expectancy by up to 10 years. Life insurance ensures that even in the worst-case scenario, your family is protected.

  • What it is: A policy that pays a lump sum to your loved ones upon your death.
  • Why it's essential: This money can pay off the mortgage, cover funeral costs, provide an income for your surviving partner, and secure your children's future education, ensuring the financial devastation does not continue for the next generation.

Your Pathway to Resilience: The Power of Private Medical Insurance (PMI)

While LCIIP is your financial shield against the consequences of ill health, Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is your proactive tool for better health management and prevention. It's about changing your health trajectory for the better.

For someone at risk of or diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, PMI can be transformative.

1. Speed: The Ultimate Advantage

The NHS is a national treasure, but it is under immense pressure. Waiting lists for diagnostics, specialist consultations, and treatments can be months, if not years. In a progressive disease like diabetes, time is tissue. Delays can lead to irreversible damage.

PMI gives you speed:

  • Fast Diagnosis: See a consultant endocrinologist within days or weeks, not months.
  • Rapid Access to Specialists: Quickly get appointments with dietitians, podiatrists, and ophthalmologists to proactively manage your condition and prevent complications.
  • Prompt Treatment: Get the procedures you need, when you need them, without the agonising wait.

2. Choice and Advanced Care

PMI puts you in the driver's seat of your healthcare.

  • Choice of Consultant and Hospital: Select a leading specialist in diabetes care at a hospital convenient for you.
  • Access to Advanced Treatments: Gain access to newer medications, technologies like Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs), or therapies that may not yet be widely available on the NHS.
  • Enhanced Comfort: Benefit from a private room and more flexible visiting hours, reducing stress during treatment.

3. Prevention & Wellness: The Game Changer

Modern PMI has evolved far beyond just treatment. The best policies are now comprehensive wellness programmes designed to keep you healthy. This is where PMI becomes a powerful weapon against Type 2 diabetes itself.

These benefits can include:

  • Discounted gym memberships and fitness trackers
  • Access to nutritionists and diet planning services
  • Digital GP services available 24/7
  • Comprehensive health screenings to catch issues early
  • Mental health support, including therapy sessions

This is where we at WeCovr go a step further. We don't just find you the right policy; we empower your health journey. For our clients, we provide complimentary access to CalorieHero, our proprietary AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. It's a tangible tool to help you make the daily lifestyle changes needed to manage your risk, control your condition, or even work towards remission.

PMI vs. NHS for Diabetes Management

FeatureNHS ProvisionPMI Advantage
Specialist WaitCan be many monthsTypically days or weeks
ChoiceLimited choice of hospital/consultantFull choice of recognised providers
Wellness SupportVaries by region, often basicExtensive benefits (gyms, nutrition)
Advanced TechAccess often restricted by criteriaFaster access to tech like CGMs
Mental HealthLong waiting lists for therapyFast access to private counselling

The Urgency of Now: Securing Cover Before a Diagnosis

There is a simple, unassailable truth in the insurance world: the best time to get cover is when you are young and healthy. The second-best time is right now.

Once prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes is on your medical record, the entire landscape of applying for LCIIP changes dramatically and permanently.

The Underwriting Process

When you apply for insurance, underwriters at the insurance company assess your risk. They look at your age, lifestyle (smoker/non-smoker), occupation, and, most importantly, your medical history. A clean bill of health gets you "standard rates"—the cheapest possible price. Any health condition, particularly a chronic one like diabetes, complicates this process.

Impact of Diabetes on Insurance Applications

Your Health StatusImpact on Life & IP PremiumsImpact on Critical Illness Cover
Healthy / Low RiskStandard ratesStandard rates
PrediabetesPossible small premium increase ("loading")Usually accepted, may have a small loading
Well-Controlled Type 2Significant premium loading (50%-150%+)Very difficult to obtain; often declined
Type 2 with ComplicationsVery high loading or application declinedAlmost always declined

The message is crystal clear:

  • With Prediabetes: This is your last chance saloon to get comprehensive cover at a reasonable price. You must act now.
  • With a Type 2 Diagnosis: Your options narrow drastically. Income Protection and Life Insurance may still be possible but will be significantly more expensive. Critical Illness Cover becomes almost impossible to secure from most mainstream insurers.

Delaying the decision to get protected is a gamble against your own health, and the odds are not in your favour. Every day you wait, you risk a diagnosis that could put affordable, comprehensive protection out of reach forever.

WeCovr: Your Expert Partner in Navigating the Insurance Maze

Understanding the risk is one thing; navigating the complex world of insurance products, insurer appetites, and underwriting nuances is another. This is not a DIY task. Trying to go it alone when you have, or are at risk of, a health condition is fraught with peril.

This is where an expert, independent broker like WeCovr becomes your most valuable ally.

  • We Are Independent Experts: We are not tied to any single insurer. We work with all the major UK providers (like Aviva, Legal & General, Zurich, Vitality, and more) to find the policy that is genuinely best for you.
  • We Understand Underwriting: We know which insurers are more lenient towards certain conditions. We can pre-empt the questions they will ask and help you present your application in the most favourable light, maximising your chances of acceptance at the best possible terms.
  • We Save You Time and Hassle: We do all the legwork, comparing dozens of policies and features to find the right combination of LCIIP and PMI for your specific needs and budget.
  • We Care About Your Health: Our commitment extends beyond the policy. By providing tools like our CalorieHero app, we demonstrate our investment in your long-term wellbeing, helping you fight back against the very risks you're insuring against.

Conclusion: Seize Control of Your Future Today

The 2025 projections are not a forecast of doom; they are a call to action. The threat that Type 2 diabetes poses to the financial and personal wellbeing of one in four working Britons is immense, but it is not insurmountable.

You cannot control your genetic predispositions, but you have absolute control over your preparedness. You can choose to face the £4 Million+ lifetime risk with nothing but hope, or you can choose to build a multi-layered defence that protects your income, your assets, and your family's future.

Your Key Takeaways:

  1. The Risk is Real and Growing: Over a quarter of the UK workforce is at risk. This is a mainstream problem.
  2. The Financial Cost is Devastating: The potential for millions in lost income and care costs can destroy a family's financial future.
  3. The State is Not a Safety Net: State benefits are insufficient to cover the financial impact of a serious chronic illness.
  4. LCIIP is Your Financial Shield: Income Protection, Critical Illness Cover, and Life Insurance provide the capital and income to weather the storm.
  5. PMI is Your Health Pathway: Private Medical Insurance offers a route to faster diagnosis, better care, and powerful preventative wellness tools.
  6. Action is Urgent: Securing comprehensive cover before a diagnosis is exponentially cheaper, easier, and more effective.

Don't let a manageable condition dictate the course of your life and legacy. Take control of your financial destiny and your metabolic health today. Assess your risk, speak to an expert, and put your shield in place. Your family's future depends on it.


Related guides

Why life insurance and how does it work?

What is Life Insurance?

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

How does it work?

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

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

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

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

Questions to ask yourself regarding life insurance

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

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

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

Benefits offered by income protection, life and critical illness insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Types of life insurance policies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Fact!

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

Why is it important to get life insurance early?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Any questions?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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