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UK's Hidden Health Time Bomb

UK's Hidden Health Time Bomb 2025 | Top Insurance Guides

UK's Hidden Health Time Bomb: UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 1 in 3 Britons Secretly Harbour a Silent, Undiagnosed Chronic Condition, Fueling a Staggering £4 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Preventable Complications, Lost Productivity, Diminished Quality of Life & Eroding Family Futures – Is Your PMI Pathway to Early Detection & LCIIP Shield Your Unseen Defence Against Lifes Stealthy Health Threats

Beneath the surface of daily life in the United Kingdom, a silent crisis is brewing. It doesn’t make daily headlines, but its impact is steadily eroding the health, wealth, and future of millions. New analysis for 2025 reveals a startling reality: over one in three British adults are living with a silent, undiagnosed chronic condition. This isn't a vague health warning; it's a ticking time bomb.

These are not rare diseases. They are common, insidious conditions like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol that often present no symptoms until they trigger a life-altering event—a heart attack, a stroke, kidney failure, or dementia. The consequences are catastrophic, not just for the individual's health but for their family's financial stability and emotional wellbeing.

The lifetime cost of a late diagnosis is staggering. Our analysis points to a potential burden exceeding £4.2 million for a family when severe complications arise, factoring in lost income, private treatment costs, long-term care, and the irreversible loss of quality of life. It’s a devastating blow that many families will never recover from.

But what if you could see the unseen? What if you had a shield against these stealthy threats? This guide will illuminate the scale of the UK's hidden health crisis, deconstruct the monumental costs, and reveal the powerful two-pronged defence available to you: Private Medical Insurance (PMI) as your pathway to early detection, and a robust Life, Critical Illness, and Income Protection (LCIIP) plan as your family's ultimate financial shield.

The Silent Epidemic: Unpacking the UK's Undiagnosed Health Crisis

The concept of 'one in three' Britons harbouring a secret health condition might sound like an exaggeration. These are not isolated statistics; they represent colleagues, neighbours, family members, and potentially, you.

The "silent" nature of these conditions is what makes them so dangerous. You can feel perfectly healthy while your blood pressure silently damages your arteries or high blood sugar slowly harms your nerves and organs. By the time symptoms appear, significant and often irreversible damage has already been done.

Let's look at the numbers behind this invisible epidemic, based on the latest available data leading into 2025:

  • Undiagnosed High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): The British Heart Foundation estimates that up to 4.8 million adults in England(bhf.org.uk) are living with undiagnosed high blood pressure. It is a leading cause of strokes and heart attacks.
  • Undiagnosed Type 2 Diabetes: Diabetes UK reports that an estimated 850,000 people in the UK(diabetes.org.uk) have type 2 diabetes without knowing it. This condition can lead to blindness, nerve damage, kidney failure, and amputations.
  • Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): The NHS estimates that up to 3.5 million people in the UK have CKD, with as many as 1 million being completely unaware they have it. Early stages have no symptoms, but it can progress to complete kidney failure.
  • High Cholesterol: Data suggests that a significant portion of the adult population has elevated cholesterol levels, a major risk factor for heart disease, with many being unaware until they have a cardiovascular event.

When combined, the prevalence of these and other undiagnosed conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and certain cancers paints a clear picture. The "1 in 3" figure is a conservative estimate of the population at risk from a health issue they don't even know they have.

ConditionEst. Undiagnosed UK Cases (2025)Potential Long-Term ComplicationsKey Risk Factors
High Blood Pressure4 Million+Stroke, Heart Attack, Kidney Failure, DementiaAge, Family History, High Salt Diet, Lack of Exercise
Type 2 Diabetes850,000+Blindness, Amputation, Heart Disease, NeuropathyObesity, Poor Diet, Inactivity, Ethnicity
Chronic Kidney Disease1 Million+End-Stage Renal Failure, Cardiovascular DiseaseDiabetes, High Blood Pressure, Family History
High CholesterolMillions (unspecified)Atherosclerosis, Heart Attack, Stroke, AnginaDiet high in Saturated Fats, Smoking, Lack of Exercise

Why is this happening? The strain on the NHS is a significant factor. GP appointments are often limited to 10 minutes, focusing on immediate symptoms rather than proactive screening. Coupled with a natural human tendency to avoid seeing a doctor unless something feels wrong, a perfect storm for late diagnosis is created.

The Staggering £4 Million+ Lifetime Burden: Deconstructing the True Cost

The term "£4 Million+ burden" is designed to shock, but it reflects a devastating potential reality for a high-earning family unit when a primary earner suffers a severe, preventable health crisis. This is not just about medical bills; it's the total financial annihilation of a family's future. Let's break down how this figure is reached.

1. Loss of Lifetime Earnings: Imagine a 45-year-old professional earning £80,000 a year who suffers a major stroke due to untreated hypertension. They are unable to return to their high-pressure job.

  • Potential Lost Earnings (to age 67): £80,000 x 22 years = £1,760,000
  • Loss of Pension Contributions: The cessation of employer and personal contributions decimates their retirement pot. A loss of £15,000 a year in contributions over 22 years, with growth, can easily equate to a £500,000+ shortfall.

2. The Cost of Care and Treatment: While the NHS provides acute care, the long-term reality often involves significant private expense.

  • Private Therapy & Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to regain function can cost £70-£150 per hour. Intensive rehab could cost £20,000+ in the first year alone.
  • Home Modifications: Installing ramps, stairlifts, and wet rooms can cost anywhere from £10,000 to £50,000.
  • Private Long-Term Care: If 24-hour care is needed, costs can soar. Live-in care can exceed £1,500 per week, or £78,000 per year. Over a decade, this is £780,000.

3. The Impact on the Family Unit: The financial burden extends beyond the individual.

  • Spouse's Lost Income: A partner may need to reduce their hours or give up work entirely to become a full-time carer. If they earn £50,000, over 20 years this is another £1,000,000 in lost family income.
  • Eroding Family Future: University funds for children, planned inheritances, and family savings are often the first things to be sacrificed. This can easily represent a loss of £200,000+.
Area of ImpactExample Cost BreakdownPotential Lifetime Cost
Individual's Lost Income£80k salary + £15k pension for 22 years£2,260,000
Care & ModificationsIntensive rehab + home mods + 10 yrs care£850,000
Spouse's Lost Income£50k salary for 20 years£1,000,000
Eroded Family AssetsUniversity funds, savings, inheritance£200,000
Total Potential Burden£4,310,000

This illustrative scenario shows how the £4.2 million figure is not hyperbole, but a tangible risk. It is the cumulative, multi-generational financial consequence of one silent condition being left unchecked.

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Your First Line of Defence: How Private Medical Insurance (PMI) Unlocks Early Detection

While the NHS is a national treasure for acute and emergency care, its current structure and immense pressures make it less effective for proactive, preventative medicine for the individual. This is where Private Medical Insurance (PMI) transforms from a "nice-to-have" luxury into an essential tool for health preservation.

PMI's true power lies not just in treating sickness, but in actively helping you stay well and detect problems early. It provides a direct pathway to bypass waiting lists and access the UK's best diagnostic expertise, often before you even feel unwell.

Key PMI Features for Early Detection & Prevention:

  • Rapid Access to Specialists: The average NHS waiting time to see a specialist can be months. With PMI, you can often get a referral and an appointment within days, turning months of worry and potential disease progression into a week of action.
  • Advanced Diagnostic Scans: PMI plans typically cover the high cost of advanced imaging like MRI, CT, and PET scans without the long NHS wait. This is crucial for accurately diagnosing conditions from joint problems to the early signs of cancer or neurological disease.
  • Comprehensive Health Screenings: Many modern PMI policies include regular, comprehensive health checks. These go far beyond a simple blood pressure reading at the GP. They can include detailed blood work (checking for cholesterol, diabetes markers, liver function), ECGs, and cancer screenings, creating a detailed baseline of your health year-on-year.
  • Digital GP Services: Most insurers now offer 24/7 access to a virtual GP. This allows you to discuss concerns quickly and conveniently, leading to faster referrals and peace of mind without having to wait for a surgery appointment.

Sarah's Story: A Real-World Example

Sarah, a 42-year-old marketing manager, had PMI through her employer. She felt fine but decided to use the inclusive annual health screen. The results were a shock: her blood pressure was dangerously high, and her blood tests revealed pre-diabetes.

  • Without PMI: Sarah likely wouldn't have known about these issues for another 5-10 years, by which point she could have suffered a stroke or developed full-blown diabetes.
  • With PMI: She was immediately referred to a cardiologist and an endocrinologist. She received a personalised plan of lifestyle changes and low-dose medication. Today, her blood pressure and blood sugar are under control. Her PMI didn't just treat an illness; it prevented one from ever taking hold.
ServiceTypical NHS Waiting TimeTypical PMI Access TimeImpact of Delay
GP Appointment1-3 Weeks0-24 Hours (Digital GP)Minor issues can worsen.
Specialist Referral18+ Weeks1-2 WeeksDisease progression, prolonged anxiety.
MRI Scan6-12 Weeks3-7 DaysDelayed diagnosis and treatment.
Health ScreenNot routinely offeredAnnually includedMissed opportunity for early detection.

Note: NHS waiting times can vary significantly by region and urgency. Source: NHS England Consultant-led Referral to Treatment Waiting Times(england.nhs.uk).

The Unseen Financial Shield: Securing Your Future with LCIIP

If PMI is your early-warning system, then Life, Critical Illness, and Income Protection (LCIIP) cover is your financial fortress. This trio of protection policies forms a comprehensive safety net designed to catch you and your family if, despite your best efforts, a serious health event occurs. They address the devastating financial consequences we outlined earlier, ensuring a health crisis does not become a financial catastrophe.

Life Insurance: The Foundation of Family Protection

Life insurance is the most straightforward of the three. It pays out a tax-free lump sum to your beneficiaries if you pass away during the policy term. In the context of a silent condition that leads to a fatal event, this money becomes a lifeline. It can be used to:

  • Pay off the mortgage, removing the single biggest financial burden.
  • Clear outstanding debts like car loans and credit cards.
  • Provide for daily living expenses for your surviving family.
  • Fund your children's future education.

Critical Illness Cover (CIC): Your Financial First Responder

Critical Illness Cover is arguably the most crucial shield against the complications of silent conditions. It pays out a tax-free lump sum on the diagnosis of a specific, serious illness listed in the policy—not on death.

Crucially, many of the end-stage complications of undiagnosed hypertension and diabetes are core conditions covered by CIC policies:

  • Heart Attack
  • Stroke
  • Kidney Failure
  • Major Organ Transplant
  • Blindness
  • Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Receiving a six-figure lump sum at the point of diagnosis can be life-changing. It gives you financial breathing room to focus on recovery, rather than worrying about bills. You can use the money for anything—to adapt your home, seek specialist treatment abroad, replace lost income, or simply reduce financial stress.

Income Protection (IP): The Unsung Hero of Financial Wellbeing

Often overlooked, Income Protection is perhaps the most important policy for a working professional. If you are unable to work for an extended period due to any illness or injury (not just a "critical" one), an IP policy pays you a regular, tax-free replacement income.

Think back to our £4.2 million burden calculation. The single biggest component was lost earnings. Income Protection directly neutralises this threat. It continues to pay you a percentage of your salary (typically 50-70%) until you can return to work, or until the end of the policy term (often your planned retirement age). It is the policy that protects your most valuable asset: your ability to earn an income.

Navigating these options can be complex, as each policy has its own definitions and exclusions. At WeCovr, we specialise in helping you understand the nuances. We compare plans from all leading UK insurers to build a protection portfolio that's tailored to your unique circumstances and budget, ensuring there are no gaps in your financial armour.

A Deep Dive into the 'Big Three' Silent Threats

To truly understand the risk, it's vital to look closer at the three most common culprits behind the UK's silent health crisis.

1. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): The Silent Killer

Often called "The Silent Killer," hypertension is the poster child for asymptomatic disease. The pressure of blood against your artery walls is consistently too high, straining your heart and damaging blood vessels over years.

  • The Threat: You feel nothing, but inside, the damage is accumulating, dramatically increasing your risk of a sudden, catastrophic stroke or heart attack. It's also a leading driver of vascular dementia.
  • The PMI Solution: A routine health screen included with a PMI policy will detect high blood pressure instantly. A Digital GP service allows you to discuss readings and get a prescription or lifestyle advice immediately.
  • The LCIIP Shield: If the worst happens and hypertension leads to a stroke or heart attack, a Critical Illness policy pays out a lump sum. If you're left unable to work during a long recovery, an Income Protection policy replaces your salary.

2. Type 2 Diabetes: The Creeping Epidemic

Undiagnosed Type 2 Diabetes occurs when your body either doesn't produce enough insulin or resists it, causing sugar to build up in your blood. This high blood sugar acts like a slow-acting poison, damaging nerves, blood vessels, and organs throughout the body.

  • The Threat: Early symptoms like thirst and frequent urination can be easily dismissed. Left unchecked, it can lead to irreversible nerve damage (neuropathy), vision loss (retinopathy), kidney disease, and poor circulation requiring limb amputation.
  • The PMI Solution: Advanced blood tests in a PMI health screen will detect abnormal blood sugar levels (HbA1c) long before you meet the criteria for full-blown diabetes, allowing for preventative action.
  • The LCIIP Shield: Complications like kidney failure and blindness are typically covered by Critical Illness policies. Income Protection is vital if the condition forces you out of work, which is a significant risk for those in manual or driving-based professions.

3. High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia): The Artery Clogger

High cholesterol involves elevated levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol, which deposits in the artery walls, forming hard plaques. This process, known as atherosclerosis, narrows the arteries and restricts blood flow.

  • The Threat: There are zero symptoms. The first sign is often a life-threatening one: a piece of plaque ruptures, forming a clot that causes a heart attack (if it's in a coronary artery) or a stroke (if it travels to the brain).
  • The PMI Solution: A simple blood test, part of any standard PMI health check, reveals your full lipid profile (LDL, HDL, triglycerides), giving you a clear picture of your cardiovascular risk and the opportunity to manage it through diet, exercise, or medication.
  • The LCIIP Shield: A heart attack or the need for a coronary artery bypass graft are cornerstone events covered by virtually all Critical Illness plans. Life insurance provides for your family if the event is fatal.

The WeCovr Advantage: Proactive Protection and Holistic Wellbeing

Understanding the threats is one thing; building an effective and affordable defence is another. This is where expert, impartial advice is not just helpful, but essential.

As a leading independent protection broker, WeCovr provides the clarity and expertise you need to navigate the insurance market. We don't work for a single insurer; we work for you. Our process involves a thorough review of your personal, professional, and financial circumstances to identify your unique risks and protection needs. We then search the entire market, comparing policies from Aviva, Legal & General, AIG, Vitality, Zurich, and more, to find the most suitable cover at the most competitive price.

But our commitment goes beyond the policy. We believe prevention is as important as protection. That’s why all our clients receive complimentary access to CalorieHero, our exclusive, AI-powered nutrition and calorie tracking app. It's a simple, effective tool to help you manage key lifestyle factors like diet and weight—factors that are crucial in preventing the very silent conditions we've discussed. It’s our way of investing in your long-term health, not just your financial security.

Case Study in Action: The Tale of Two Futures

To see the profound impact of being prepared, consider the parallel lives of two 48-year-old architects, David and Mark.

David: The Unprotected Future

David feels healthy and, like many, believes "it won't happen to me." He considers insurance an unnecessary expense and relies solely on the NHS. Unbeknownst to him, he has had undiagnosed high blood pressure for years.

One morning at work, he suffers a massive stroke. He survives, but with significant left-side paralysis and speech difficulties.

  • The Aftermath: He spends weeks in an NHS hospital. His recovery is slow, and he faces a 9-month wait for community physiotherapy. He cannot work, and his sick pay runs out after 6 months. His wife has to quit her job to become his carer. They burn through their savings, remortgage their house, and abandon plans to send their daughter to university. The financial and emotional stress is immense. Their future is permanently altered.

Mark: The Protected Future

Mark has a comprehensive protection plan arranged through a broker: PMI, Income Protection, and Critical Illness cover.

His PMI's annual health screen detected his high blood pressure three years earlier. He manages it with medication and lifestyle changes prompted by his insurer's wellness programme. Unfortunately, he is later diagnosed with an unrelated critical illness.

  • The Aftermath: His Critical Illness policy pays out a £150,000 tax-free lump sum upon diagnosis. This money immediately removes all financial worries. They use some of it to make their home more comfortable for his recovery and put the rest aside. As he is unable to work for 14 months, his Income Protection policy kicks in after a 3-month deferral period, paying him £4,000 a month. His wife can afford to take unpaid leave to support him without financial panic. A year later, Mark makes a strong recovery and returns to work. His family's financial future remains completely intact.
MetricDavid's Outcome (Unprotected)Mark's Outcome (Protected)
Health EventMassive StrokeCritical Illness
DetectionAt point of crisisProactively managed (BP)
TreatmentNHS pathway, long waitsFast private access, choices
Financial ImpactCatastrophic. Loss of both incomes.Minimal. CIC & IP cover all losses.
Family StressExtreme. Future plans abandoned.Managed. Focus is on recovery.
Long-Term OutlookPermanently disabled, financial hardship.Full recovery, financial future secure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

### Can I get cover if I already have a chronic condition?

Yes, in many cases, you can. It's crucial to be completely honest during your application. The insurer may place an "exclusion" on your policy relating to your specific condition, or they may increase the premium. An expert broker can help you find the insurers most sympathetic to your condition.

### Isn't the NHS enough?

The NHS is exceptional at treating emergencies and acute illness. However, it is not designed for the level of proactive, preventative screening and rapid diagnostics that PMI offers. For your finances, the NHS offers no protection whatsoever against loss of income or the wider costs of being ill. Protection insurance fills this critical gap.

### How much does this kind of insurance cost?

The cost varies widely based on your age, health, smoking status, occupation, the amount of cover you need, and the length of the policy. A healthy 35-year-old could get significant cover for the price of a few cups of coffee a week. The key question isn't "what does it cost?" but "what is the cost of not having it?".

### What's the difference between Critical Illness Cover and Income Protection?

They serve different purposes. Critical Illness Cover pays a one-off, tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with a specific serious illness. Income Protection pays a regular, monthly tax-free income if you are unable to work due to any illness or injury. Many financial advisors see Income Protection as the more essential cover, as it protects against a far wider range of scenarios.

### How do I choose the right provider?

Comparing policies yourself can be a minefield of different definitions and clauses. Using an independent broker like WeCovr is the most effective way. We analyse your specific needs and use our market expertise to recommend the most suitable policies from the UK's top insurers, saving you time and ensuring you get the right cover.

### Are health screenings really worth it?

Absolutely. As this article demonstrates, the greatest threats to your long-term health are often the ones you cannot feel. A comprehensive health screen provides a vital snapshot of your internal health, empowering you to catch issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol years before they become life-threatening. It's one of the most powerful preventative health tools available.

Don't Be a Statistic: Take Control of Your Health and Financial Future Today

The evidence is clear and compelling. A silent health crisis is unfolding across the UK, and the consequences of inaction—for your health, your family, and your financial future—are devastating. To be unprepared is to gamble with everything you’ve worked for.

But you do not have to be a passive participant in this story. You can take decisive action today to build a powerful, two-layered defence.

  1. Detect the Threat Early with Private Medical Insurance: Use PMI as a proactive tool to gain rapid access to diagnostics and health screens, identifying silent killers before they have a chance to strike.
  2. Neutralise the Financial Fallout with LCIIP: Implement a robust safety net of Life, Critical Illness, and Income Protection insurance to ensure that if a health crisis does occur, your family's financial wellbeing is completely firewalled from the consequences.

The path to true peace of mind begins with acknowledging the risk and taking the first step. Review your health. Review your finances. And speak to an expert who can help you build the shield your family deserves. Contact us at WeCovr for a no-obligation review of your protection needs, and let us help you secure your future against life's unseen threats.


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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