Put simply protection products are policies that are arranged to provide you and your family with either a lump sum or a regular income should you become seriously ill, or in the event of your death.
Protection Is Paramount
Thinking about the consequences should anything happen to the main breadwinner isn’t something any of us want to contemplate. However it is important when arranging your mortgage to take the time to protect you and your family should the unthinkable happen.
We have listed some of the most popular types of insurance below.
What is it?
Term Life Insurance is one of the simplest and most affordable forms of life insurance, providing financial protection for your loved ones should you pass away during the policy term. It covers you for a fixed period and pays out a one-off lump sum if you die during that time. This money can help your family repay a mortgage, cover everyday living expenses, or maintain their standard of living.
The amount of cover and length of the policy can be tailored to your individual needs and circumstances. Depending on the type of policy, the cover can remain at the same level throughout the term or gradually decrease, typically in line with a repayment mortgage.
Many Term Life Insurance policies also offer the option to include Critical Illness Cover. This provides additional protection by paying out if you are diagnosed with a specified serious illness that meets the insurer’s criteria. With a combined policy, the plan will typically pay out once, either following a qualifying critical illness diagnosis or upon death during the policy term.
Who is it for?
Term Life Insurance is ideal for anyone looking to provide financial security for their loved ones in the event of their death, whilst keeping the cost of cover affordable. It is particularly important for those with young children, a partner who relies on their income, or other financial dependants who could struggle financially without their support.
This type of insurance is commonly used to protect a mortgage or other outstanding debts, ensuring that your family is not left with significant financial commitments should the unexpected happen. It can also provide a financial safety net to help cover household bills, childcare costs and everyday living expenses, allowing your loved ones to maintain their standard of living.
Whether you’re buying your first home, starting a family or simply looking to protect those closest to you, Term Life Insurance can offer valuable peace of mind. At Lansdown Financial Services, our experienced advisers can help you explore your options and find a policy that suits your individual circumstances, financial commitments and budget.
What is it?
Critical Illness Cover is designed to provide financial protection by paying out a lump sum if you are diagnosed with a serious illness covered by your policy. It can be taken out as a standalone policy or added to a Life Insurance plan, providing an additional level of financial security. Unlike Life Insurance, you do not need to pass away for the policy to pay out, meaning the money can help support you and your family during a difficult period of illness or recovery.
Some of the most common conditions covered by Critical Illness policies include certain types of cancer, heart attacks, strokes and multiple sclerosis. However, more comprehensive policies can provide protection against a much wider range of illnesses and medical conditions, with some covering 60 or more conditions, subject to specific policy definitions and criteria.
The level of protection and the conditions covered can vary significantly between insurance providers, making it important to choose the right policy. At Lansdown Financial Services, our experienced advisers can help you compare policies, understand their benefits and exclusions, and find cover that offers comprehensive protection alongside a straightforward claims process.
Who is it for?
Critical Illness Cover is suitable for individuals and families who want financial protection should they be diagnosed with a serious illness. It can be particularly valuable for those with a mortgage, children or other financial commitments, where an unexpected illness could have a significant impact on their finances and lifestyle.
The lump sum payment can be used however you choose, whether that’s repaying a mortgage or other debts, covering household bills, or replacing lost income while taking time off work to recover. It could also help fund private medical treatment, rehabilitation or necessary alterations to your home, providing additional financial flexibility when you need it most.
As the illnesses covered, policy definitions and additional benefits can vary considerably between insurers, choosing the right level of protection is important. At Lansdown Financial Services, our experienced advisers can help you compare policies and find cover that suits your individual circumstances, financial commitments and budget.
What is it?
Income Protection Insurance is designed to provide financial security by paying a regular income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. Rather than receiving a one-off lump sum, the policy provides ongoing payments to help replace a proportion of your lost earnings, allowing you to continue meeting your financial commitments while you focus on your recovery.
Depending on the policy selected, payments typically begin after an agreed waiting period and can continue until you are well enough to return to work, reach the end of the policy term, or retire. The amount of income covered, waiting period and length of time benefits are paid can all be tailored to suit your individual circumstances and budget.
Income Protection is often considered one of the foundations of financial planning, as your ability to earn an income supports almost every other financial commitment you make. Without a regular income, maintaining mortgage payments, household bills and everyday living expenses can quickly become challenging. Having the right protection in place can provide valuable peace of mind and help maintain your financial stability during an unexpected period away from work.
Who is it for?
Income Protection is suitable for anyone who relies on their earnings to maintain their lifestyle and meet their financial commitments, whether employed or self-employed. It is particularly valuable for those with a mortgage, family or other financial dependants who could struggle financially if their income suddenly stopped due to illness or injury.
Even if your employer provides sick pay, this may only cover you for a limited period, leaving you financially vulnerable if you’re unable to return to work for an extended time. For self-employed individuals, who often have little or no access to sick pay, having reliable income protection can be especially important.
Policies can be tailored to complement any existing employer benefits or protection you already have, helping to ensure you have the right level of cover without paying for unnecessary benefits. At Lansdown Financial Services, our experienced advisers can help you explore your options and find a policy that suits your circumstances, financial commitments and budget.