WeCovr.

Login

Aviva Protection UK (formerly AIG Life): A Guide for Existing Policyholders in 2026




Watch this on a dedicated video page
Scroll for the full guide
↓

TL;DR

Navigating the world of life insurance can feel overwhelming, especially when providers change. In a major market shift, AIG Life Limited was acquired by Aviva in 2024 and rebranded in February 2025 as Aviva Protection UK Limited. New life, critical illness, and income protection policies are now Aviva-branded, while existing AIG Life policies are managed by Aviva.

Key takeaways

  • 99% of life claims paid
  • 94% of critical illness claims paid
  • 92% of income protection claims paid
  • Level Term Assurance: The payout amount remains the same throughout the policy term. This is ideal for covering an interest-only mortgage or providing a financial legacy for your family.
  • Decreasing Term Assurance: The payout amount reduces over time, broadly in line with a repayment mortgage or other loan. Because the potential payout decreases, premiums are typically lower than for level term cover.

Navigating the world of life insurance can feel overwhelming, especially when providers change. In a major market shift, AIG Life Limited was acquired by Aviva in 2024 and rebranded in February 2025 as Aviva Protection UK Limited. New life, critical illness, and income protection policies are now Aviva-branded, while existing AIG Life policies are managed by Aviva.

This definitive 2026 guide is for existing AIG Life policyholders. We'll explain what the change means for you, review the features of your legacy AIG Life policy, and clarify how your cover, claims, and benefits like Smart Health are now managed by Aviva.

WeCovr reviews AIG Life's legacy products and what the Aviva acquisition means for you

As independent protection specialists, our job at WeCovr is to scrutinise the market to find the best possible cover for our clients. We work with all the major UK insurers, including Aviva, Legal & General, Zurich, and other leading providers. This gives us a unique, impartial perspective on where each provider excels.

AIG Life carved out a strong reputation in the UK for its comprehensive cover, innovative approach to customer wellness, and a solid track record for paying claims. As an existing policyholder, you can be reassured that these high-quality policies are now backed by Aviva, another of the UK's largest and most trusted insurers. Your policy terms and cover remain unchanged.

Let's break down the legacy of AIG Life's products and what you need to know in 2026.

Who Was AIG Life? A Snapshot

AIG Life Limited was the UK-based life insurance arm of the American International Group, a global finance and insurance corporation. Following its launch in 2015 with the acquisition of Ageas Protect, AIG Life quickly established itself as a forward-thinking and reliable provider. In 2024, Aviva acquired AIG Life Limited, and in February 2025 it was rebranded and integrated into Aviva's UK protection business as Aviva Protection UK Limited.

Financial Strength and Trust

When you buy a life insurance policy, you're buying a promise that could be fulfilled decades in the future. The financial strength of the insurer is paramount. Your policy is now underwritten by Aviva, a FTSE 100 company with one of the strongest financial ratings in the industry, ensuring a robust ability to meet long-term financial obligations.

More importantly for UK customers, both Aviva Protection (formerly AIG Life) and Aviva have a demonstrable commitment to paying claims. In its final years as a standalone brand, Aviva Protection (formerly AIG Life) published impressive claims statistics. For example, in 2023, they paid out:

  • 99% of life claims paid
  • 94% of critical illness claims paid
  • 92% of income protection claims paid

These figures, which represented over £235 million paid out to thousands of families, provide crucial peace of mind. This commitment to paying claims is continued by Aviva, which has its own stellar payout record. (illustrative estimate)

Awards and Recognition

The insurance industry recognises excellence through various awards and ratings. AIG Life consistently received high ratings from independent bodies like Defaqto, which scores products based on the quality and comprehensiveness of their features. Many of AIG Life's legacy products hold a 5-Star Defaqto rating, signifying they are among the best in the market.

A Review of AIG Life's Former Core Protection Products

AIG Life offered a complete suite of personal and business protection products. If you are an existing policyholder, your cover will fall into one of these categories. New customers seeking similar products should now look at Aviva's current range.

AIG Life Term Life Insurance

This is the most straightforward form of life insurance. You choose a lump sum to be paid out and a policy term (e.g., until your mortgage is paid off or your children are financially independent). If you pass away during the term, the policy pays out to your loved ones.

AIG Life offered the two main types:

  • Level Term Assurance: The payout amount remains the same throughout the policy term. This is ideal for covering an interest-only mortgage or providing a financial legacy for your family.
  • Decreasing Term Assurance: The payout amount reduces over time, broadly in line with a repayment mortgage or other loan. Because the potential payout decreases, premiums are typically lower than for level term cover.

Key Features:

  • Generous Terms: Cover can run up to age 90.
  • Waiver of Premium: This optional add-on covers your premiums if you're unable to work for more than 26 weeks due to illness or injury, ensuring your policy remains active.
  • Terminal Illness Cover: Included as standard. If you are diagnosed with a terminal illness with a life expectancy of less than 12 months, AIG Life would pay out the full sum assured early.

Real-Life Example: The Miller Family David and Chloe, both 35, have a £300,000 repayment mortgage and two young children. They want to ensure that if one of them were to pass away, the other could clear the mortgage and have funds to support the children. They take out a joint decreasing term assurance policy from AIG Life for £300,000 over a 25-year term. This is a cost-effective way to protect their single biggest liability. (illustrative estimate)

AIG Life Critical Illness Cover (CIC)

A critical illness diagnosis can be financially devastating, often meaning you have to stop working while facing increased costs for treatment and home adaptations. AIG Life's Critical Illness Cover is designed to provide a tax-free lump sum on diagnosis of a specified condition, giving you financial breathing space.

AIG Life's proposition was particularly strong in this area:

  • Comprehensive Definitions: They cover over 80 conditions, including 49 full payment conditions and 38 additional (partial) payment conditions. This is one of the most extensive lists on the market.
  • Focus on Core Conditions: They provide enhanced definitions for the most common reasons for claims: cancer, heart attack, and stroke.
  • Children's Critical Illness Cover (illustrative): Included as standard at no extra cost, covering children from birth to age 22. It provides a payout of up to £30,000 or 50% of the adult's cover, whichever is lower.
  • Advanced Cancer Cover: AIG Life provided cover for 81 types of cancer classified as 'advanced', offering greater certainty at the point of claim.

AIG Life Income Protection (IP)

Often considered the foundation of any financial protection plan, Income Protection (IP) pays a regular, tax-free monthly income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. It's your financial safety net against the unexpected.

AIG Life's income protection was highly flexible and a strong contender in the market:

  • Own Occupation Definition: For most professions, AIG Life offered the 'own occupation' definition of incapacity. This is the gold standard. It means the policy will pay out if you are unable to perform your specific job, not just any job. This is crucial for skilled professionals, surgeons, tradespeople, or anyone in a specialised role.
  • Flexible Deferred Periods: You can choose how long you wait before the payments start, from as little as 4 weeks up to 52 weeks. A longer deferred period means a lower premium.
  • Choice of Payout Terms:
    • Full Term: Pays out until you recover, your chosen retirement age, or the policy term ends.
    • Short Term (Limited Payment Term): A more budget-friendly option that pays out for a maximum of 1, 2, or 5 years per claim. This is often sold as 'Personal Sick Pay' and is popular with tradespeople and those in riskier occupations.
  • Guaranteed Insurability Options: Allows you to increase your cover without further medical questions at key life events, like getting married, having a child, or getting a mortgage.

Your Value-Added Benefits: What Happens to Smart Health?

A key feature of Aviva Protection (formerly AIG Life) policies was the excellent Smart Health service. The great news for existing policyholders is that you retain access to this benefit, which is now managed by Aviva and known as Aviva Smart Health.

Available to you and your immediate family (partner and children up to age 21) at no extra cost, Aviva Smart Health remains a comprehensive health and wellbeing hub. It is important to note that this is different from Aviva's own "DigiCare+" app, which is for their direct customers.

What's included in Aviva Smart Health?

  • 24/7 UK-based Virtual GP: Get unlimited access to a GP by phone or video call, anytime, anywhere. This can save weeks of waiting for an NHS appointment for non-urgent issues. Prescriptions can be sent directly to your local pharmacy.
  • Second Medical Opinion: If you or your family member receives a serious diagnosis, an independent network of world-leading specialists can review your case and provide a detailed second opinion report. This can provide clarity, reassurance, or alternative treatment options.
  • Mental Health Support: Access up to four sessions of therapy or counselling per condition, per year. This support covers issues like stress, anxiety, depression, and bereavement. In a world where NHS mental health waiting lists are long, this is an invaluable benefit.
  • Fitness and Nutrition Plans: Get tailored online programmes to help you achieve your health, fitness, and dietary goals. This proactive support helps you improve your long-term wellbeing.
  • Health Check: A yearly online questionnaire that provides a personalised report on your health and suggests areas for improvement.

The value of Smart Health cannot be overstated. It provides tangible, everyday benefits that can improve your quality of life and potentially prevent serious health issues from developing. Your access to this service continues seamlessly under Aviva's management.

Get Tailored Quote

Managing Your Policy and Making a Claim with Aviva

Your Aviva Protection (formerly AIG Life) policy terms have not changed, but the company managing your policy has.

Making a Claim

Aviva is now responsible for handling all claims on former Aviva Protection (formerly AIG Life) policies. Aviva has a very strong reputation for fair and efficient claims handling, so you can be confident that your claim will be processed with sensitivity and professionalism. The process typically involves:

  1. Contacting the Aviva claims team (using the details provided on your policy documents or their website).
  2. Completing the necessary claim forms.
  3. Providing supporting evidence (e.g., a death certificate or medical reports).

The Aviva Smart Health service, particularly the bereavement and mental health support, can also be a valuable resource for families during a difficult time.

Specialist Cover from Aviva (formerly AIG Life): For Business Owners and High-Net-Worth Individuals

AIG Life's expertise extended beyond personal protection into the more complex world of business and estate planning. If you hold one of these specialist policies, your cover remains in place and is now managed by Aviva.

Key Person Insurance

What would happen to your business if your top salesperson, genius developer, or even you as the director were suddenly unable to work due to death or critical illness? Key Person Insurance is a policy taken out by the business on the life of a crucial employee. The payout goes to the business to cover lost profits, recruit a replacement, or repay loans. AIG Life's life and critical illness policies are well-suited for this purpose.

Executive Income Protection

This is a form of income protection paid for by a company for its directors or key employees. Unlike a personal policy, the premiums are typically a tax-deductible business expense, and the benefit is paid to the company, which then distributes it to the employee via PAYE. It's an excellent way to attract and retain top talent while protecting the business. Aviva (formerly AIG Life) offers strong Executive IP products with high benefit limits.

Gift Inter Vivos & Inheritance Tax (IHT) Planning

If you gift a significant asset (like property or a lump sum of cash) to someone, it may still be considered part of your estate for Inheritance Tax purposes if you pass away within seven years. This can leave your loved ones with an unexpected tax bill.

A Gift Inter Vivos policy is a special type of life insurance designed to cover this potential liability. It's essentially a term assurance policy where the sum assured decreases over seven years, mirroring the reducing IHT liability. Aviva (formerly AIG Life) is one of the providers that offers solutions for this niche but vital area of estate planning.

Our Verdict: The Legacy of Aviva Protection (formerly AIG Life) and What it Means for You in 2026

Aviva Protection (formerly AIG Life) was a top-tier contender in the UK protection market, known for robust policies, comprehensive definitions, and the excellent Smart Health service.

As an existing policyholder, you can be confident that your cover remains in excellent hands. Aviva is one of the UK's largest and most financially secure insurers, with an equally strong commitment to customer service and paying claims.

Key Takeaways for Existing Aviva Protection (formerly AIG Life) Customers:

  • Your Cover is Secure: Your policy terms, cover amount, and premiums are unchanged. Your protection is now backed by Aviva.
  • You Keep Smart Health: You and your family retain access to the full suite of Aviva Smart Health services (formerly AIG Life Smart Health).
  • Claims are Handled by Aviva: All new claims on your policy should be directed to Aviva's claims department.

While new customers will now be looking at Aviva's direct product range, legacy Aviva (formerly AIG Life) policyholders continue to benefit from the high-quality features they originally signed up for, with the added reassurance of being part of one of the UK's biggest insurance families.

If you are looking for new or additional cover, our expert advisers at WeCovr can provide impartial advice, comparing Aviva's current offerings against all other leading providers to find the best policy for your needs today.

What's more, we believe in supporting our clients' wellbeing in every way we can. As a WeCovr client, you'll receive complimentary access to our exclusive AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracker, CalorieHero. It’s our way of going the extra mile, helping you stay on top of your health goals every single day, in addition to the fantastic benefits provided by your insurance policy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Aviva (formerly AIG Life) life insurance pay out?

Yes. Aviva has historically high payout rates for life claims (over 98%). The small percentage of claims that are not paid are typically due to non-disclosure (the applicant not providing accurate information at the start) or the claim not meeting the policy's definition.

My Aviva Protection (formerly AIG Life) policy is now with Aviva. Will it still pay out?

Yes. Your policy is fully valid and now managed by Aviva, one of the UK's largest insurers with an excellent claims record of its own. Your terms, cover amount, and premiums remain the same, and claims are now handled by Aviva.

I have an Aviva Protection (formerly AIG Life) policy with a pre-existing medical condition noted. Is that still valid with Aviva?

Yes. All the original terms of your Aviva Protection (formerly AIG Life) policy, including any premium loadings or exclusions related to pre-existing medical conditions, have been carried over to Aviva. The contract you agreed with Aviva Protection (formerly AIG Life) remains in force and is now honoured by Aviva.

Will my Aviva Protection (formerly AIG Life) insurance premiums go up now that Aviva has taken over?

No. The acquisition does not change the agreed premium structure of your existing policy. Your premiums will only change if they were designed to do so from the start (e.g., reviewable premiums or age-banded increases, which are rare for modern term policies) or if you choose to make a change to your cover.

What is Aviva Smart Health and do I still get it for free?

Aviva Smart Health is the new name for the Aviva (formerly AIG Life) Smart Health service. It provides a suite of health and wellbeing services, including a 24/7 virtual GP, mental health support, and a second medical opinion service. As an existing Aviva Protection (formerly AIG Life) policyholder, you and your immediate family retain access to this service at no extra cost.

How long does a claim on my former Aviva (formerly AIG Life) life insurance policy take now?

Claims are now handled by Aviva. For a straightforward life insurance claim with all the required documentation (like a death certificate), Aviva aims to pay out very quickly, often within a few days. More complex claims, such as for critical illness, can take longer as they require detailed medical evidence. Aviva's claims team is dedicated to processing all claims as efficiently and empathetically as possible.

What is the difference between Aviva Smart Health (for Aviva (formerly AIG Life) customers) and Aviva DigiCare+?

These are two separate value-added services. **Aviva Smart Health** is the rebranded service for legacy Aviva Protection (formerly AIG Life) customers. **Aviva DigiCare+** is the equivalent service for Aviva's direct protection customers. While both offer similar core benefits like a digital GP and health support, the specific features, partners, and usage limits can differ. As an Aviva (formerly AIG Life) policyholder, you continue to use the Aviva Smart Health service you are entitled to.

Do I need to do anything with my Aviva Protection (formerly AIG Life) policy now it's with Aviva?

No, you do not need to take any action. Your policy, including your direct debits for premiums, has been automatically transferred to Aviva's management. You should have received communication confirming this change. It is always a good idea to review your cover periodically to ensure it still meets your needs, but no action is required because of the acquisition itself.

Sources

  • Office for National Statistics (ONS): Mortality, earnings, and household statistics.
  • Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): Insurance and consumer protection guidance.
  • Association of British Insurers (ABI): Life insurance and protection market publications.
  • HMRC: Tax treatment guidance for relevant protection and benefits products.

Related guides

Zurich vs Aviva Protection (formerly AIG Life) Insurance Which Provider Leads in 2026
Zurich vs Aviva Protection (formerly AIG Life) Insurance Which Provider Leads in 2026
Read more →
Aviva Protection UK (formerly AIG Life): What You Need to Know in 2025
Aviva Protection UK (formerly AIG Life): What You Need to Know in 2025
Read more →
Aviva vs Legal & General: Who Offers More Comprehensive Cover in 2026?
Aviva vs Legal & General: Who Offers More Comprehensive Cover in 2026?
Read more →
Aviva Health Insurance in 2026: In-Depth Review and Market Comparison
Aviva Health Insurance in 2026: In-Depth Review and Market Comparison
Read more →
Aviva Health Insurance in 2026: In-Depth Review and Market Comparison
Aviva Health Insurance in 2026: In-Depth Review and Market Comparison
Read more →
Aviva Health Insurance Review UK 2026
Aviva Health Insurance Review UK 2026
Read more →

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:

Our Group Is Proud To Have Issued 900,000+ Policies!

We've established collaboration agreements with leading insurance groups to create tailored coverage
Working with leading UK insurers
Allianz Logo
Ageas Logo
Covea Logo
AIG Logo
Zurich Logo
BUPA Logo
Aviva Logo
Axa Logo
Vitality Logo
Exeter Logo
WPA Logo
National Friendly Logo
General & Medical Logo
Legal & General Logo
ARAG Logo
Scottish Widows Logo
Metlife Logo
HSBC Logo
Guardian Logo
Royal London Logo
Cigna Logo
NIG Logo
CanadaLife Logo
TMHCC Logo

How It Works

1. Complete a brief form
Complete a brief form
2. Our experts analyse your information and find you best quotes
Experts discuss your quotes
3. Enjoy your protection!
Enjoy your protection

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.

Learn more

...

Who Are WeCovr?

WeCovr is an insurance specialist for people valuing their peace of mind and a great service.

👍 WeCovr will help you get your private medical insurance, life insurance, critical illness insurance and others in no time thanks to our wonderful super-friendly experts ready to assist you every step of the way.

Just a quick and simple form and an easy conversation with one of our experts and your valuable insurance policy is in place for that needed peace of mind!

Important Information

Since 2011, WeCovr has helped thousands of individuals, families, and businesses protect what matters most. We make it easy to get quotes for life insurance, critical illness cover, private medical insurance, and a wide range of other insurance types. We also provide embedded insurance solutions tailored for business partners and platforms.

Political And Credit Risks Ltd is a registered company in England and Wales. Company Number: 07691072. Data Protection Register Number: ZA207579. Registered Office: 22-45 Old Castle Street, London, E1 7NY. WeCovr is a trading style of Political And Credit Risks Ltd. Political And Credit Risks Ltd is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is on the Financial Services Register under number 735613.

About WeCovr

WeCovr is your trusted partner for comprehensive insurance solutions. We help families and individuals find the right protection for their needs.

Insurance Products

Resources

Legal

© 2026 WeCovr. Made with in London