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UK's Silent Heart Risk

UK's Silent Heart Risk 2025 | Top Insurance Guides

UK's Silent Heart Risk: UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over Half of Britons Are Living with Undiagnosed or Poorly Managed Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Fueling a Staggering £4 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Heart Attacks, Strokes, Dementia & Premature Death – Is Your PMI & LCIIP Shield Your Unseen Defence Against the UK's #1 Killer

A silent crisis is unfolding in homes and workplaces across the United Kingdom. New projections for 2025 paint a stark and unsettling picture: more than half of all British adults are navigating their daily lives with undiagnosed or poorly controlled risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). This isn't a vague future threat; it's a clear and present danger fuelling a health catastrophe that remains the nation's number one killer.

The consequences are devastating, both personally and financially. A single major cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke, can trigger a lifetime financial burden exceeding a staggering £4.8 million when considering the combined impact of lost earnings, long-term care needs, medical expenses, and the tragic cost of premature death. This silent epidemic is not just about health statistics; it's about futures erased, families destabilised, and financial security shattered.

In this definitive guide, we will unmask the scale of the UK's cardiovascular risk, break down the life-altering financial consequences, and reveal how modern protection insurance—from Private Medical Insurance (PMI) to Life & Critical Illness Cover (LCIIP)—can form an essential, unseen shield for you and your loved ones.

The Ticking Time Bomb: Unmasking the UK's Cardiovascular Crisis

Cardiovascular disease is an umbrella term for a range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. It is relentless, often developing silently over many years before striking without warning. According to the British Heart Foundation (BHF)(bhf.org.uk), around 7.6 million people in the UK are living with heart and circulatory diseases.

This equates to:

  • 4 million men and 3.6 million women.
  • One person dying from CVD every three minutes.
  • Healthcare costs related to these diseases amounting to an estimated £9 billion per year for the NHS.

The true crisis, however, lies in the unseen. Projections indicate that by 2025, over half the adult population will have at least one major unmanaged risk factor, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. These are the hidden foundations upon which the devastating events of heart attack, stroke, and vascular dementia are built.

What is Cardiovascular Disease? More Than Just Heart Attacks

Many people associate CVD solely with heart attacks, but its reach is far broader and more complex. It's a systemic issue rooted in the health of our entire circulatory system. The primary underlying cause for most CVD events is atherosclerosis, a process where fatty deposits, cholesterol, and other substances build up in the artery walls, forming plaques that can restrict blood flow or rupture suddenly.

Let's break down the main types of CVD:

Disease TypeDescriptionCommon Outcome
Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)The leading cause of death worldwide. Arteries supplying the heart with blood become narrowed by plaque.Angina (chest pain), Heart Attack
StrokeBlood supply to a part of the brain is cut off, causing brain cells to die. Can be Ischaemic (clot) or Haemorrhagic (bleed).Long-term disability, speech problems, death
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)A blockage in the arteries to the limbs, most commonly the legs.Leg pain when walking (claudication), increased risk of heart attack/stroke
Aortic DiseaseConditions affecting the aorta, the largest blood vessel in the body, such as an aneurysm.Can be fatal if the aorta ruptures
Vascular DementiaCaused by reduced blood flow to the brain, which damages and eventually kills brain cells.Memory loss, confusion, personality changes

Understanding this spectrum is crucial. A diagnosis of PAD, for instance, is a major red flag for your overall cardiovascular health, significantly increasing your risk of a future heart attack or stroke.

The "Silent" Risk Factors: Are You One of the Millions at Risk?

The most dangerous aspect of CVD is its silent progression. You can feel perfectly fine whilst your blood pressure is dangerously high or your arteries are slowly narrowing. This is why understanding and managing the key risk factors is not just advisable—it's essential for a long and healthy life.

Are you unknowingly at risk? The data is sobering.

  • High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Often called "The Silent Killer" because it has no symptoms. An estimated 5 million adults in the UK have undiagnosed high blood pressure. A normal reading is around 120/80 mmHg. Consistent readings above 140/90 mmHg require management.
  • High Cholesterol: A fatty substance in your blood essential for healthy cells, but too much "bad" (LDL) cholesterol contributes to artery-clogging plaque. It's estimated that 6 out of 10 UK adults have cholesterol levels that are too high.
  • Type 2 Diabetes: This condition impairs the body's ability to regulate blood sugar. People with diabetes are two to three times more likely to develop CVD. There are over 5 million people living with diabetes in the UK, and an estimated 850,000 are living with it undiagnosed.
  • Obesity: Carrying excess weight, particularly around the waist, puts significant strain on your heart and is a major driver for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes. Currently, over 25% of adults in England are living with obesity.

This table puts the major modifiable risk factors into perspective:

Risk FactorAlarming UK Statistic (2025 Projection)What is a Healthy Target?
High Blood PressureUp to 1 in 3 adults affected, many unknowingly.Below 140/90 mmHg (ideally near 120/80)
High CholesterolOver 60% of adults have raised levels.Total Cholesterol below 5 mmol/L
Physical Inactivity1 in 4 adults are 'physically inactive'.150 mins moderate activity/week
ObesityOver 25% of adults are obese.BMI of 18.5 to 24.9
SmokingAccounts for 1 in 4 of all CVD deaths.Complete cessation

The first step towards taking control is to know your numbers. Your GP or local pharmacy can provide blood pressure and cholesterol checks. The free NHS Health Check(nhs.uk) is also available to adults in England aged 40-74 to spot early signs of stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes or dementia.

The Devastating Domino Effect: From Risk Factor to Lifetime Burden

A cardiovascular event is not a single, isolated incident. It's the start of a domino effect that can topple every aspect of your life, from your career and finances to your family's future. The £4 Million+ lifetime burden isn't hyperbole; it's a calculated reality for many.

Let's follow a realistic, albeit hypothetical, example to understand the financial cascade.

Meet Mark, a 54-year-old IT consultant earning £70,000 per year. He's a homeowner with a £250,000 mortgage, married with two teenage children. He feels a bit stressed and overweight but assumes he's generally healthy.

  1. The Event: At 54, Mark has a major heart attack. He survives, thanks to the brilliant work of the NHS, but the damage to his heart muscle is significant.
  2. Immediate Impact - Loss of Earnings: Mark is off work for six months. His employer's sick pay runs out after three months, and he moves onto Statutory Sick Pay (£116.75 per week as of 2024/25). His household income plummets.
  3. Medium-Term Impact - Reduced Capacity: Mark returns to work but struggles with fatigue and stress. He can no longer handle the high-pressure projects he used to manage and has to reduce his hours, taking a 40% pay cut. The family's lifestyle changes dramatically.
  4. Long-Term Impact - The Second Event & Care Costs: At 62, Mark suffers a debilitating stroke, a known risk after a heart attack. He is left with mobility issues and cognitive impairment, forcing him into early retirement with no further income. He now requires daily care.
  5. The Financial Calculation:
    • Lost Earnings (Immediate): 3 months at ~£5,800/month vs. SSP = ~£16,000 loss.
    • Lost Earnings (Reduced Capacity): A 40% pay cut on £70k is £28,000/year. From age 55 to 62 (7 years) = £196,000 loss.
    • Lost Pension Contributions: Reduced employer/personal contributions over this period significantly impact his retirement pot.
    • Lost Earnings (Forced Retirement): From age 62 to a planned retirement at 67, he loses 5 years of his reduced salary (~£42k/year) = £210,000 loss.
    • Care Costs: If his wife has to reduce her work to care for him, or they need to hire professional carers (costing £20-£30/hour), the costs quickly escalate. 20 hours of care per week at £25/hour is £26,000 per year. Over 10 years, this is £260,000.
    • Home Modifications: Ramps, a stairlift, and a wet room could cost £15,000 - £25,000.
    • The Ultimate Cost - Premature Death: If Mark passes away at 72 instead of a life expectancy of 82, the "economic value" of those lost years, plus the inheritance he could have built, is substantial. This is where the figures can run into the millions, as calculated in various medico-legal and economic reports.

This scenario doesn't even touch upon the immense emotional strain, the impact on his children's opportunities, or the potential need to sell the family home. It demonstrates how one health event can trigger a lifelong financial crisis.

Your Financial First Aid Kit: How Protection Insurance Acts as a Shield

Whilst the NHS provides outstanding medical care at the point of need, it is not designed to protect your finances. It won't pay your mortgage, cover your bills, or replace your lost income. This is where a robust financial protection plan becomes your personal safety net.

Think of it as a financial first aid kit, with different tools for different injuries.

1. Private Medical Insurance (PMI)

PMI is your fast-track ticket through the healthcare system. In the context of CVD, its value is immense.

  • What it is: A policy that pays for private medical care, from diagnosis to treatment.
  • How it helps with CVD:
    • Speed of Diagnosis: Instead of waiting weeks or months for an NHS cardiology appointment or an MRI scan, PMI can get you seen in days. This is critical for catching problems early.
    • Choice of Specialist & Hospital: You can choose the leading cardiologist or the best-equipped hospital for your procedure.
    • Access to Advanced Treatments: Gain access to drugs or treatments that may not yet be available on the NHS due to cost or NICE approval delays.
    • Comfort and Recovery: A private room can make a significant difference to your recovery and mental wellbeing after a major event like bypass surgery.
    • Value-Added Services: Most modern PMI policies come with digital GP apps, mental health support, and wellness incentives—tools that can help you manage your health proactively.

2. Life & Critical Illness Cover (LCIIP)

This is a powerful combination product that provides a tax-free lump sum when you need it most.

  • Critical Illness Cover (CIC): This is arguably the most important shield against the financial fallout of a major health event. It pays out a pre-agreed, tax-free cash lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of a list of specified serious conditions.
    • Key CVD-related conditions covered typically include: Heart Attack, Stroke, Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery, Aorta Graft Surgery, Heart Valve Replacement or Repair, and Cardiomyopathy.
    • How the money can be used: Clear your mortgage, replace lost income for a period, pay for private treatment or rehabilitation, adapt your home, or simply reduce financial stress so you can focus on recovery. A £200,000 payout could wipe out the mortgage and cover a spouse's salary for a year while they care for you.
  • Life Insurance: This provides a lump sum payment to your loved ones upon your death. It ensures that your family can maintain their standard of living, pay off the mortgage, and fund future costs like university fees, even if you are no longer there to provide for them.

3. Income Protection (IP)

Often described by financial experts as the one policy every working adult should consider, Income Protection is your replacement salary.

  • 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.
  • How it helps with CVD: Recovery from a heart attack or stroke is often long. Many people can't return to their old job, especially if it's physically demanding or high-stress. IP pays out after a pre-agreed "deferment period" (e.g., 3, 6, or 12 months) and can continue to pay you right up until retirement age if you can never work again. It's the ultimate defence against the long-term loss of earnings that Mark's story illustrated.
  • Personal Sick Pay: This term is often used for shorter-term IP policies, popular with tradespeople, nurses, and electricians whose jobs are more physical. It might cover you for 1, 2, or 5 years per claim, providing a crucial buffer without the longer-term commitment of a full IP plan.

4. Specialist Cover: Family Income Benefit & Gift Inter Vivos

  • Family Income Benefit (FIB): A clever and often more affordable type of life insurance. Instead of a single lump sum, it pays your family a regular, tax-free income from the point of claim until the end of the policy term. This is excellent for young families who want to ensure monthly bills and costs are covered until their children are financially independent.
  • Gift Inter Vivos (GIV): A specialist life insurance plan designed to cover a potential Inheritance Tax (IHT) bill. If you gift a large sum of money or an asset (like a house) to someone, it may still be considered part of your estate for IHT purposes if you die within seven years. A GIV policy pays out a lump sum on death to cover that potential tax bill, ensuring your beneficiaries receive the full value of your gift. Death from a sudden cardiovascular event is a common trigger for such a policy.
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Choosing Your Shield: A Practical Comparison of Protection Policies

Understanding which product does what can be confusing. This table provides a clear, at-a-glance comparison.

Policy TypeWhat It Pays OutWhen It Pays OutKey Purpose
Private Medical Insurance (PMI)The cost of private medical diagnosis and treatment.When you need eligible medical care.To bypass NHS waiting lists and access private healthcare.
Critical Illness Cover (CIC)A one-off, tax-free lump sum of cash.On diagnosis of a specific, serious illness.To eliminate major debts and cover immediate costs post-diagnosis.
Income Protection (IP)A regular, tax-free monthly income.After a set 'deferment period' if you can't work due to illness/injury.To replace your lost salary and cover ongoing living costs long-term.
Life InsuranceA one-off, tax-free lump sum of cash.Upon your death.To provide for your dependents and clear debts after you're gone.
Family Income Benefit (FIB)A regular, tax-free monthly income.Upon your death, paid until the policy term ends.To provide a replacement family income instead of a single lump sum.

These policies are not mutually exclusive. A truly comprehensive plan often layers these different types of cover to create a complete financial shield, tailored to your specific circumstances, budget, and family needs.

WeCovr: Your Partner in Health and Financial Wellbeing

Navigating the world of protection insurance can feel overwhelming. The terminology is complex, and with dozens of insurers offering hundreds of products, how do you know which is right for you?

This is where we come in. At WeCovr, we are expert, independent insurance brokers. Our job is to make the complex simple. We work for you, not the insurance companies. We take the time to understand your personal situation, your financial commitments, and your health concerns. Then, we use our expertise and market knowledge to compare plans from all the major UK insurers, finding you the right level of cover at the most competitive price.

But our commitment goes beyond just finding you a policy. We believe in proactive health. That's why every WeCovr client receives complimentary access to our proprietary AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero. We don't just want to provide the financial safety net for when things go wrong; we want to empower you with tools to help you stay healthy and reduce your risk in the first place. It's part of our holistic approach to your long-term wellbeing.

Taking Control: Practical Steps to Reduce Your Cardiovascular Risk Today

Insurance is your financial defence, but your lifestyle is your first line of defence. The good news is that up to 80% of premature deaths from CVD could be prevented by making healthier choices.

Here are five evidence-based steps you can take, starting now:

  1. Know Your Numbers: Don't guess. Book an appointment with your GP or visit a pharmacy for a blood pressure and cholesterol check. Knowledge is power.
  2. Embrace a Heart-Healthy Diet: You don't need a punishing diet. Focus on the principles of a Mediterranean-style diet: plenty of fruit and veg, wholegrains, fish, nuts, and seeds, whilst limiting processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats.
  3. Move Your Body: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week. This could be a brisk 30-minute walk five days a week. Find something you enjoy—cycling, swimming, dancing—and make it a habit.
  4. Stop Smoking: If you smoke, quitting is the single most effective thing you can do for your heart health. The risk of a heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker just one year after quitting. Visit the NHS Smokefree(nhs.uk) website for support.
  5. Manage Stress: Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure and encourage unhealthy coping mechanisms (like comfort eating or smoking). Practice mindfulness, ensure you get enough sleep, and make time for hobbies and relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About CVD and Protection Insurance

1. Can I get cover if I already have a cardiovascular condition? Yes, it's often still possible, but it's more complex. An insurer may offer cover with a higher premium or an "exclusion" for your specific pre-existing condition. This is where a specialist broker like WeCovr is invaluable. We know which insurers have more lenient underwriting for certain conditions and can fight your corner to find the best possible terms.

2. How much cover do I need? A general rule of thumb is:

  • Life Insurance: 10x your annual salary, or enough to clear your mortgage and other major debts.
  • Critical Illness Cover: Enough to clear major debts and/or cover 1-2 years of your salary to give you breathing space.
  • Income Protection: Aim to cover 50-65% of your gross monthly salary (this is the typical maximum, and the payout is tax-free, so it's comparable to a higher percentage of your take-home pay). A professional adviser can provide a precise calculation based on your needs.

3. Isn't the NHS enough? The NHS is a national treasure for treating you when you are ill. However, it provides no financial support. It will not pay your mortgage, feed your family, or cover your bills if a heart attack stops you from working. Protection insurance is designed to cover this financial gap.

4. Is this type of insurance expensive? The cost (premium) depends on several factors: your age, your health and lifestyle (e.g., whether you smoke), the type and amount of cover, and the policy term. For a healthy 35-year-old, comprehensive cover can be surprisingly affordable—often less than a daily cup of coffee. The key is to get advice and compare the market to find the best value, which is exactly what we do at WeCovr.

5. What's the difference between Income Protection and "Personal Sick Pay"? They are fundamentally the same type of product, but "Personal Sick Pay" is a term often used for short-term Income Protection policies. A "full" IP policy can pay out until retirement age. A "Personal Sick Pay" or short-term IP policy might limit the payout period to 1, 2, or 5 years for each claim. These can be a more affordable option for those on a tighter budget or in physical jobs like tradespeople.

Your Health, Your Future: Don't Leave It to Chance

The threat of cardiovascular disease is not a distant, abstract concept. It is a silent risk that affects millions of us, with the potential to devastate not only our health but the financial security we've worked so hard to build.

Ignoring this risk is a gamble none of us can afford to take. The solution is a powerful, two-pronged strategy: take proactive control of your health through positive lifestyle choices, and build a robust financial shield with the right protection insurance.

Don't wait for a warning sign that may never come until it's too late. Know your numbers, understand your risks, and protect your future.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation review of your protection needs. Let us help you build the unseen shield that will protect you and your family against the UK's #1 killer.


Why life insurance and how does it work?

What is Life Insurance?

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

How does it work?

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

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

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

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

Questions to ask yourself regarding life insurance

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

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

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

Benefits offered by income protection, life and critical illness insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Types of life insurance policies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Fact!

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

Why is it important to get life insurance early?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Any questions?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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