As financial advisers, we often emphasise the significance of protection insurance in a comprehensive financial plan. Many people overlook this essential aspect, focusing instead on savings and investments. However, protection insurance serves as a safety net, providing financial security for you and your loved ones in the face of unforeseen circumstances.
Here’s an in-depth look at what protection insurance covers and why it’s crucial for your financial wellbeing:
What Does Protection Insurance Cover?
Protection insurance encompasses several types of policies, each designed to protect against different risks. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of protection insurance available in the UK:
Life Insurance
Life insurance pays out a lump sum or regular payments upon the policyholder’s death. This can help cover funeral costs, pay off outstanding debts like mortgages, and provide financial support for dependents. There are two main types of life insurance:
– Term Life Insurance: Covers you for a specified period, paying out if you die within that term.
– Whole of Life Insurance: Covers you for your entire life, with a payout guaranteed upon death.
Critical Illness Insurance
This policy pays out a lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a specified critical illness, such as cancer, heart attack, or stroke. The funds can be used for medical treatments, making home modifications, or covering living expenses if you cannot work.
Income Protection Insurance
Income protection provides a regular income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. It typically covers a percentage of your income (usually around 50-70%) until you can return to work or retire. This ensures you can continue to meet living expenses and maintain your lifestyle during difficult times.
Private Medical Insurance
Also known as health insurance, this covers the cost of private healthcare, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting times and receive treatment quickly. It can cover hospital stays, surgeries, and specialist consultations.
Mortgage Protection Insurance
This is a type of life insurance that pays off your mortgage if you die during the term of the mortgage. It ensures your home remains secure for your family, alleviating the financial burden of mortgage repayments.
Why Do You Need Protection Insurance?
1. Financial Security for Loved Ones
The primary reason for taking out protection insurance is to provide financial security for your dependents. In the event of your death or serious illness, the payout from a protection policy can ensure your family is not left struggling financially. It can cover everyday living expenses, education costs, and long-term financial goals.
2. Peace of Mind
Knowing you have a safety net in place offers peace of mind. You can rest assured that if the worst happens, you and your loved ones are financially protected. This can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, allowing you to focus on recovery if you’re ill or injured.
3. Protection Against Income Loss
Illness or injury can lead to prolonged periods off work. Income protection insurance ensures you continue to receive a regular income, helping you maintain your lifestyle and meet financial commitments. This is especially important for the self-employed or those without sufficient sick pay from their employer.
4. Covering Medical Costs
Private medical insurance can cover the high costs of private healthcare, ensuring you receive timely and high-quality treatment. This can be crucial in accessing necessary medical care without the long wait times often associated with the NHS.
5. Safeguarding Major Financial Commitments
Policies like mortgage protection ensure that significant financial commitments, such as your mortgage, are taken care of. This prevents the risk of losing your home and provides stability for your family.
Protection insurance is a vital component of a robust financial plan. It provides essential coverage against life’s uncertainties, ensuring financial stability and peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
As financial advisers, we strongly recommend assessing your needs and securing the appropriate protection insurance to safeguard your future.
There are certain consideration and it important to note that:
- If you stop paying premiums your cover will cease. At the end of the term selected, cover will cease, and no further benefit will be payable.
- Protections do not acquire a surrender value at any time
- Failure to disclose any requested or relevant information may adversely affect any future claims
- Payment will not be made for a critical illness claim arising from an excluded condition (relevant to Critical Illness only)
- For some income protection plans, benefits may be reduced if you receive other regular income, such as salary or pension
If you have any questions or need personalised advice, please get in touch.