Illness, and Income Protection Cover Work
Did you know most families are one crisis away from financial hardship?
Unfortunately, there are some devastating numbers out there:
- A parent of children under 18 dies every 20 minutes in the UK, equating to around 127 newly bereaved children every day.
- On Britain’s roads, more than 80 people are seriously injured every day.
- More than 403,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with cancer each year—the highest number on record.
We aren’t trying to scare you. In our line of work, it’s simply our job to protect you and ensure your family and livelihood are looked after.
What is the Financial Protection Gap?
Research published in 2026 by CIExpert—the most comprehensive study of its kind, drawing on the views of 10,000 consumers—found that around seven in ten people had seen or heard nothing about Income Protection in the past year. The same proportion had zero exposure to Critical Illness Cover.
This vast disconnect between the real risk of injury or illness and the actual level of coverage people hold is known as the protection gap—and it has barely moved since 2024.
The Three Pillars of Financial Protection
Understanding how the three core financial safety net products work together is key to protecting your household:
| Protection Type | What It Covers | How It Pays Out |
|---|---|---|
| Life Insurance | Pays out if you die during the policy term to clear mortgages, debts, or maintain living standards. | Tax-free lump sum |
| Critical Illness Cover | Covers severe diagnosis (e.g., cancer, heart attack, stroke; typically 40–50 listed conditions). | Tax-free lump sum |
| Income Protection | Replaces lost earnings if you cannot work due to any illness or injury (not limited to a set list). | Regular monthly payout (usually 50–70% of gross salary) |
The Survival Gap: Why Protection Cover Matters More Than Ever
Cover is far more affordable than most people expect. In many cases, policies can be set up solely based on your application form answers without requiring a medical examination. Furthermore, securing cover earlier in life locks in significantly lower premiums.
Don’t be part of the 70% who have never considered their financial protection options. It takes less than an hour to review your needs and could make all the difference when it matters most.
Business Owners & Self-Employed Protection Options
If you run your own business, the stakes are even higher—there is no employer sick pay to fall back on. However, there are also tax-efficient protection options designed specifically for business structures:
- Relevant Life Insurance: Company-paid life cover that qualifies as an allowable business expense.
- Executive Income Protection: Sick pay coverage funded through the business rather than post-tax personal income.
- Key Person Insurance: Safeguards the business’s profits and operations if a crucial team member or director falls ill or passes away.
Take Action: Speak with an advisor today for a personalized review of your life insurance, critical illness, and income protection needs.