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UK Work Risk 1 in 2 Face Health Crisis

UK Work Risk 1 in 2 Face Health Crisis 2026

UK 2025 Over 1 in 2 Working Britons Will Face a Major Health Crisis or Disability Preventing Work Before Retirement, Threatening a £4.5 Million Lifetime Income Gap and Family Future – Why Life, Critical Illness & Income Protection Are Non-Negotiable

It’s a statistic so stark it forces you to stop and think: more than half of us, over 1 in 2 working people in the UK, are now expected to face a significant period off work due to serious illness, injury, or disability before we reach retirement age. This single event—a diagnosis, an accident, a mental health crisis—can trigger a devastating financial chain reaction. The immediate loss of income is just the beginning. It creates a chasm in your lifetime earnings, a potential £4.5 million gap for a higher earner over their career, jeopardising everything you've worked for: your home, your family's stability, and your future dreams.

In this definitive guide, we will unpack this unprecedented risk facing UK households. We’ll explore the forces driving this trend, calculate the true financial impact, and demystify the state's limited safety net. Most importantly, we will provide a clear, actionable blueprint for protecting your income and your family's future with the three pillars of financial resilience: Life Insurance, Critical Illness Cover, and Income Protection. This isn't about fear; it's about empowerment.

The Uncomfortable Truth: Unpacking the "1 in 2" Statistic

The "1 in 2" figure isn't hyperbole; it's the result of a perfect storm of converging trends in UK society. For decades, we’ve held a quiet belief that serious illness is something that happens to "other people," or at least, not until we're much older. The data for 2025 paints a very different picture.

So, what’s driving this dramatic increase in risk during our working lives?

1. The Rise of Chronic and Critical Illness

While medical advancements mean we're surviving illnesses that were once a death sentence, it also means more of us are living with long-term conditions.

  • Cancer: Cancer Research UK states that 1 in 2 people will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in their lifetime. Many of these diagnoses will occur during prime working years, requiring extensive time off for treatment and recovery.
  • Heart and Circulatory Diseases: The British Heart Foundation reports there are around 7.6 million people in the UK living with heart and circulatory diseases. A heart attack or stroke can abruptly end a career or necessitate a significant, long-term reduction in working capacity.
  • Diabetes: Over 5 million people in the UK now have diabetes, a number that has more than doubled in the last 15 years. Complications can lead to serious health issues impacting one's ability to work.

2. The Epidemic of Mental Health Conditions

The conversation around mental health has opened up, but the statistics on its impact on the workforce are staggering.

  • According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), stress, depression, or anxiety accounted for 17.1 million working days lost in 2022/23.
  • Mind, the mental health charity, reports that at least 1 in 6 workers experiences common mental health problems, including anxiety and depression. Unlike a broken leg, mental health recovery can be a non-linear journey, often leading to prolonged or recurring absences from work.

3. Pervasive Musculoskeletal Issues

Often overlooked, musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions like back pain, neck problems, and arthritis are the leading cause of long-term work absence in the UK.

  • The Office for National Statistics (ONS) consistently identifies MSK problems as a primary reason for long-term sickness, affecting millions and often developing into chronic conditions that make manual or even office-based work impossible.

4. We Are Working for Longer

The state pension age is now 66 for both men and women and is scheduled to rise to 67 between 2026 and 2028, with further increases planned. This longer working life extends the window of risk. A health issue at 62 that might have once coincided with retirement now happens with five or more years of work still expected.

These factors combine to create a simple, unavoidable truth: the probability of a health crisis derailing your career before you retire has never been higher.

The £4.5 Million Chasm: Calculating Your Personal Income Gap

The figure of a £4.5 million lifetime income gap sounds astronomical, but for a professional or high-earner, it's a frighteningly realistic calculation of what's at stake.

Let's break it down. Consider a 30-year-old solicitor earning £80,000 a year. With modest annual pay rises and promotions, their average salary over a 37-year career until retirement at 67 could easily be £120,000.

£120,000 (average annual salary) x 37 years = £4,440,000

This is not just "money." This is the mortgage on the family home, school fees, university funds, holidays, pension contributions, and the entire lifestyle they've built. A sudden illness at 40 could wipe out £3,240,000 of that future income.

But you don't need to be a top-flight solicitor for the impact to be catastrophic. Let's look at a more typical UK example.

Scenario: A 35-Year-Old Marketing Manager

  • Annual Salary: £40,000
  • Years to Retirement (Age 67): 32 years
  • Total Potential Future Earnings (without pay rises): £40,000 x 32 = £1,280,000

A health crisis forcing them out of work permanently at 35 means over £1.2 million in lost income. Even a five-year absence represents a £200,000 financial hole.

The table below illustrates the potential income at risk based on age and salary, excluding any future promotions or inflation.

Current AgeAnnual SalaryYears to State Pension Age (67)Potential Lost Future Income
30£35,00037£1,295,000
30£60,00037£2,220,000
40£45,00027£1,215,000
40£75,00027£2,025,000
50£50,00017£850,000

This gap isn't just a number on a spreadsheet. It's the difference between:

  • Staying in your family home vs. being forced to downsize.
  • Providing for your children's education vs. scaling back their opportunities.
  • A comfortable retirement vs. relying on a meagre state pension.
  • Independence and dignity vs. financial dependence on family or the state.
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The State Safety Net: A Reality Check

A common and dangerous misconception is that "the state will provide" if you become too ill to work. While there is a safety net, it's designed to prevent destitution, not to replace your income. Relying on it is a fast track to financial hardship.

Let's look at what's actually on offer in 2025.

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)

This is the first line of support, but it's extremely limited.

  • What you get: £116.75 per week (as of 2024/25 rates).
  • How long it lasts: For a maximum of 28 weeks, paid by your employer.
  • The reality: £116.75 per week is roughly £505 per month. Compare that to your mortgage, council tax, energy bills, and food costs. For most, it's a drop in the ocean. It's also not available to many self-employed individuals.

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

Once SSP runs out after 28 weeks, you may be able to claim support through ESA or the "limited capability for work" element of Universal Credit.

  • The process: You must undergo a rigorous Work Capability Assessment (WCA) to prove you are too ill to work. These assessments are notoriously stressful and difficult to pass.
  • What you might get: If you are deemed to have "limited capability for work and work-related activity," the additional element is around £390 per month on top of your standard Universal Credit allowance.
  • The total: A single person over 25 might receive a total of around £750-£800 per month. For a couple, the figure is higher but still nowhere near a replacement for a professional salary.

Let's put this into stark perspective.

Your Monthly Bills & LifestyleTypical Monthly Salary (after tax)Maximum Monthly State SupportThe Monthly Shortfall
Mortgage: £1,200£2,500 (£40k salary)~£800-£1,700
Council Tax: £180
Utilities: £250
Food: £500
Transport: £150
Total Outgoings: £2,280

The state safety net doesn't just fail to cover your lifestyle; for most homeowners, it fails to even cover the mortgage. This is the reality that forces families to burn through savings, rack up debt, and ultimately, risk losing their homes.

Your Triple-Lock Defence: Life, Critical Illness, and Income Protection Explained

If you cannot rely on your health or the state, you must build your own financial fortress. The three essential building blocks for this are Income Protection, Critical Illness Cover, and Life Insurance. They work together to protect you against different financial shocks.

Think of it like protecting your car. You have an MOT (health checks), breakdown cover (Income Protection), and insurance for a major crash (Critical Illness Cover). They all serve a different, vital purpose.

1. Income Protection (IP): The Bedrock of Your Plan

If your income is the engine of your financial life, Income Protection is your personal breakdown service. It is arguably the most important insurance you can own during your working life.

  • 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 that your doctor signs you off for.
  • How it works:
    • Benefit: You can typically cover 50-70% of your gross monthly salary. This is designed to be close to your take-home pay.
    • Deferred Period: This is the waiting period before the payments start. You choose this when you take out the policy. It can be anything from 4 weeks to 12 months. You align it with your employer's sick pay scheme or your savings. A longer deferred period means a lower premium.
    • Payment Term: The policy can pay out for a set period (e.g., 2 or 5 years) or, ideally, right up until you are able to return to work or you reach your chosen retirement age.
  • Why it's crucial: It replaces the one thing that underpins everything else: your monthly salary. It allows you to keep paying the mortgage, bills, and everyday costs, preserving your savings and your standard of living while you focus on recovery.

2. Critical Illness Cover (CIC): The Capital Shield

While IP protects your income, Critical Illness Cover provides a capital injection to deal with the significant one-off costs of a serious health event.

  • What it is: A policy that pays out a one-off, tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of a list of specified serious medical conditions.
  • How it works:
    • Conditions Covered: Policies typically cover 40-50 core conditions like most cancers, heart attack, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and organ failure. More comprehensive plans can cover over 100 conditions.
    • The Payout: The lump sum can be used for anything you want. Common uses include:
      • Clearing or reducing a mortgage or other debts.
      • Paying for private medical treatment or specialist consultations.
      • Making adaptations to your home (e.g., a wheelchair ramp).
      • Funding a period of recuperation for you and your partner.
  • Why it's crucial: It gives you financial breathing space and options. It removes the immediate pressure of large debts, allowing the income from your IP or savings to stretch much further.

3. Life Insurance: The Ultimate Family Protection

Life Insurance addresses the ultimate "what if," ensuring your loved ones are financially secure if you are no longer around.

  • What it is: A policy that pays out a tax-free lump sum to your beneficiaries upon your death.
  • How it works:
    • Term Insurance: You choose an amount of cover and a policy term (e.g., £250,000 over 25 years to match your mortgage). If you die within the term, it pays out. This is the most common and affordable type.
    • Whole of Life: This policy guarantees a payout whenever you die. It's often used for inheritance tax planning or to leave a legacy.
  • Why it's crucial: It ensures your death doesn't create a financial crisis for your family. The payout can clear the mortgage, provide an income for your surviving partner, cover childcare and education costs, and settle funeral expenses.

How They Work Together: A Summary

Insurance TypeWhat does it cover?When does it pay out?How does it pay out?Primary Purpose
Income ProtectionLoss of income due to any illness or injury.After a pre-agreed waiting period (the deferred period).Regular, tax-free monthly incomeReplace your salary; pay ongoing bills.
Critical IllnessDiagnosis of a specified serious medical condition.Upon diagnosis and survival for a short period (e.g., 14 days).One-off, tax-free lump sumClear debts (mortgage); fund treatment; adapt lifestyle.
Life InsuranceYour death during the policy term.Upon your death.One-off, tax-free lump sumProtect your family's future; clear mortgage; cover final costs.

Real-Life Scenarios: How Protection Insurance Makes the Difference

Theory is one thing; seeing how this works in practice is another. Let's explore some realistic scenarios.

Case Study 1: Sarah, the 38-Year-Old Graphic Designer

  • Situation: Sarah earns £55,000, is married with one child, and has a £300,000 mortgage. She's the main earner.
  • Her Cover: She has a Life & Critical Illness policy for £300,000 and an Income Protection policy for £2,800/month with a 3-month deferred period.
  • The Crisis: Sarah is diagnosed with breast cancer. She needs surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, meaning she'll be off work for at least a year. Her employer pays full salary for 3 months, then drops to SSP.
  • How Her Insurance Responds:
    • Critical Illness: Her CIC policy pays out the £300,000 lump sum. Sarah and her husband decide to pay off their entire mortgage. This instantly removes their biggest monthly expense.
    • Income Protection: After the 3-month deferred period (covered by her work sick pay), her IP policy starts paying her £2,800 tax-free every month. This replaces her lost salary and covers all the family's running costs.
  • The Outcome: Instead of financial panic, the family has security. They can focus completely on Sarah's recovery without the stress of bills or the fear of losing their home. The IP continues to pay until Sarah is well enough to return to work part-time a year later.

Case Study 2: David, the 45-Year-Old Self-Employed Electrician

  • Situation: David earns around £45,000 a year. As a sole trader, he has no employee benefits. If he doesn't work, he doesn't get paid.
  • His Cover: David wisely took out an Income Protection policy years ago. It covers him for £2,200/month with a 4-week deferred period. He chose an 'own occupation' definition.
  • The Crisis: David falls from a ladder and suffers a severe spinal injury. He is told he will never be able to work as an electrician again.
  • How His Insurance Responds:
    • Income Protection: After 4 weeks, his policy starts paying him £2,200 per month. Because he has an 'own occupation' definition, the policy pays out because he cannot do his specific job.
  • The Outcome: This income is his lifeline. It pays his mortgage and bills while he undergoes extensive physiotherapy. The security of the ongoing payments allows him to retrain over two years in a new, office-based role as a project estimator. His IP policy supports him throughout this transition. Without it, he would have faced financial ruin.

Securing the right protection isn't just about buying a policy; it's about buying the right policy. The market is complex, with dozens of providers and products, each with its own definitions, features, and pricing.

Here's a step-by-step guide to getting it right.

Step 1: Properly Assess Your Needs Don't guess. Sit down and do the maths.

  • For Life & Critical Illness: How much is your mortgage? Any other large debts? How much income would your family need to replace, and for how long? Do you want to cover future costs like university fees?
  • For Income Protection: What are your essential monthly outgoings? Check your employer's sick pay policy to determine your ideal deferred period. How long do you need the cover to last (ideally to retirement)?

Step 2: Understand the Key Terminology The details matter.

  • 'Own Occupation' Definition (for IP): This is the gold standard. It means your policy will pay out if you are unable to do your specific job. Other definitions (like 'suited occupation' or 'any work') are less generous and should be avoided if possible.
  • Guaranteed vs. Reviewable Premiums: Guaranteed premiums are fixed for the life of the policy. Reviewable premiums may start cheaper but can increase over time, potentially becoming unaffordable when you need the cover most.
  • Waiver of Premium: This is a vital add-on. It means the insurer will pay your policy premiums for you while you are ill and claiming, so your cover remains in force.

Step 3: Use an Expert Independent Broker This is the single most important step. Navigating this landscape alone is fraught with risk. An expert broker, like WeCovr, provides an invaluable service.

  • Whole-of-Market Access: We are not tied to one insurer. We compare policies and prices from all the major UK providers, including Aviva, Legal & General, Zurich, Royal London, and more.
  • Expert Advice: We help you complete the needs analysis, understand the jargon, and identify the policy features that are most important for your specific circumstances.
  • Application Support: We help you complete the application forms correctly, ensuring full and proper disclosure of your medical history to prevent any issues at the point of a claim. We fight your corner.
  • Finding the Best Value: Our expertise ensures you get the most comprehensive cover available for your budget.

Step 4: Be Meticulously Honest When you apply for insurance, you will be asked detailed questions about your health, lifestyle, and family medical history. You must be completely truthful. Withholding information, even if it seems minor, is known as 'non-disclosure' and can give the insurer grounds to void your policy and refuse a claim.

Step 5: Put Your Policy in Trust For Life Insurance, placing the policy 'in trust' is a simple piece of paperwork that has two huge benefits. First, it means the payout goes directly to your chosen beneficiaries, bypassing your estate and the lengthy probate process. Second, it can keep the payout outside of your estate for Inheritance Tax purposes. A good adviser will help you with this for free.

Beyond the Payout: The Added Value That Matters

In 2025, the best insurance policies offer more than just a financial payout. Insurers now compete to provide a comprehensive ecosystem of support services designed to help you stay healthy and to support you during a claim.

These 'value-added benefits' can include:

  • Virtual GP Services: 24/7 access to a GP via phone or video call.
  • Second Medical Opinion Services: If you're diagnosed with a serious illness, you can get your diagnosis and treatment plan reviewed by a world-leading specialist.
  • Mental Health Support: Access to a set number of counselling or therapy sessions.
  • Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Support: Services to help you get back on your feet and back to work faster.
  • Bereavement Counselling: Support for your family in the event of a claim.

At WeCovr, we believe in this holistic approach to our clients' well-being. We see our role as not just arranging a policy, but as being a long-term partner in your health and financial security. That’s why we go a step further. As a WeCovr client, you not only get peace of mind from a carefully selected protection plan, but you also receive complimentary access to our exclusive AI-powered health and wellness app, CalorieHero.

This app helps you track nutrition, manage fitness goals, and build healthier habits. It's our way of investing in your long-term health, demonstrating our commitment to you beyond the policy document.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. I have a pre-existing medical condition. Can I still get cover? Yes, in many cases you can. The insurer may place an 'exclusion' on your policy relating to that condition, or they may increase the premium. This is an area where a specialist broker is essential, as they know which insurers are most sympathetic to certain conditions.

2. Isn't this type of insurance really expensive? This is the biggest myth. The cost depends on your age, health, smoking status, the amount of cover, and the policy type. However, for a healthy non-smoker in their 30s, meaningful cover can often be secured for less than the cost of a daily coffee or a monthly streaming subscription. The cost of not having cover is infinitely higher.

3. I'm self-employed. Is this really for me? Absolutely. In fact, you arguably need it more than an employee. You have no employer sick pay, no death-in-service benefit, and no one to support you financially if you can't work. Income Protection, in particular, should be considered an essential business overhead for any self-employed person.

4. My employer provides Death in Service cover. Isn't that enough? Death in Service is a great benefit, but it has limitations. It's typically 2-4 times your salary, which may not be enough to clear a large mortgage and provide for your family. Crucially, it's tied to your job. If you leave your job, you lose the cover, and getting new life insurance when you're older will be more expensive. It's wise to have your own personal policy that you control.

5. What is the difference between 'guaranteed' and 'reviewable' premiums? Guaranteed premiums are fixed for the entire policy term. You know exactly what you'll be paying from day one until the policy ends. Reviewable premiums can be re-assessed by the insurer (e.g., every 5 years) and may increase based on their claims experience or other factors. While they can look cheaper initially, they often become more expensive in the long run. We almost always recommend guaranteed premiums for budget certainty.

Conclusion: Don't Be a Statistic

The evidence is clear and compelling. The risk of a major health event interrupting your working life is now a coin-toss probability. The financial consequences of being unprepared are not just inconvenient; they are life-altering for you and your family. Relying on hope as a strategy, or on a state safety net that was never designed to replace your income, is a gamble you cannot afford to take.

The good news is that the solution is straightforward, affordable, and accessible. A robust, layered defence of Income Protection, Critical Illness Cover, and Life Insurance creates a financial shield that protects your income, your assets, and your family's future against whatever life throws at you.

Building this shield is not something you have to do alone. Taking the first step is as simple as having a conversation. Talk to an expert who can understand your unique situation, navigate the market on your behalf, and build a tailored protection plan that fits your life and your budget.

Your ability to earn an income is your most valuable asset. The time to protect it is now. Don't wait to become part of the "1 in 2" statistic. Take control of your financial future today.


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.

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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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