When it comes to protecting yourself and your loved ones, the big three most common types of cover are life insurance, critical illness cover, and income protection. These are often the foundation of a solid protection plan, but there are also other policies that can help top up areas where gaps might exist.
Many people already have some protection through their work – employer-provided life cover or income protection. While that’s a great start, it’s not always enough, and sometimes the details can be confusing. That’s where I can help. I offer a protection review, where I look at your existing policies, translate the legal and technical language into plain English, and identify any gaps or areas where you might need extra cover. If I find that you’re already adequately protected, there’s no need to take out anything additional – I wouldn’t upsell or pressure you. My goal is simply to give you peace of mind and a clear overview of your coverage.
Here’s a quick overview of the main types of protection:
Life Insurance
Life insurance provides a lump sum to your loved ones if you were to pass away. It can help cover everyday living costs, pay off debts, or secure your family’s future. Term life insurance is typically more affordable and covers you for a set period, while whole-of-life insurance lasts your entire lifetime. Broadly, policies can range from £10-£50 per month depending on age, health, and coverage.
Critical Illness Cover
Critical illness cover pays out a lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a serious condition, like a heart attack, stroke, or certain cancers. The money can help with medical costs, household bills, or lifestyle adjustments while you focus on recovery. Premiums vary, but you can often find cover starting from around £15-£60 per month, depending on the level of cover and your health.
Income Protection
Income protection replaces part of your income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. One key thing many people don’t realize is that there’s often a waiting period – sometimes up to three months – before the policy starts paying out. This makes it important to have some savings set aside to cover that period. Policies generally cost 2-5% of your monthly income, depending on factors like age, occupation, and health.
Other Protection Options
Other policies, such as mortgage protection or family income benefit, can be used to fill specific gaps, especially if you have particular financial commitments or want extra security.
Thinking About Your Needs
Have you ever sat down and worked out how much you’d need at a bare minimum to cover your monthly costs? If your income were to suddenly stop, what would you do? Knowing this number is key – it helps you plan coverage that actually works in a real-life scenario.
Even if you have existing health conditions, protection isn’t impossible – sometimes it can be a bit trickier, but there are usually options available.
If any of this resonates, or if you just want to clarify what your current cover really provides, I’d be happy to help. I can guide you through your options, check for gaps, and make sure you have a plan that gives you real peace of mind. Reach out today for a friendly chat, and let’s make sure you and your loved ones are properly protected.
Risk Warning:
🛡️ For Protection Insurance: Cover is subject to underwriting and terms and conditions. Please refer to policy documents for full details. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply.