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Accident and Sickness Insurance

What is sickness insurance?

Sickness insurance is a vital protection that helps maintain your financial well-being if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. The level of coverage can differ between policy types. However, its primary purpose is to support you with living costs like mortgage and rent payments, bills, and daily expenses when you cannot work. 

Why consider accident, sickness and unemployment insurance?

Many people choose these insurance policies to protect their income if illness or injury prevents them from working. This cover helps prevent financial hardship and is especially beneficial for self-employed individuals who are not eligible for statutory sick pay. Life accident, sickness and unemployment insurance bundles coverage that protects against a range of employment risks to offer peace of mind, letting you focus on work without worrying about income loss.  

Who needs sickness insurance?

Sickness and unemployment insurance is particularly beneficial for people who face greater financial risks if they are unable to work. 

Self-employed individuals

Employees with limited sick pay

People with limited savings

Those with high financial commitments

People in unstable employment

Those without employer benefits

Can I get self employed insurance for sickness?

Yes. Sickness insurance for self employed people is widely available. Insurers may offer flexible options to fit the needs of freelancers, sole traders, and contractors. Always check the definition of ‘incapacity to work’ in your policy to understand the limits of your coverage.

What does sickness insurance cover?

The specific coverage depends on the type of policy you’ve taken out. However, this type of insurance can cover a wide range of illnesses or conditions. 

Conditions usually covered on these policies

  • Physical conditions – Includes injuries or broken bones, heart and respiratory conditions, and musculoskeletal disorders like arthritis or joint problems. 
  • Mental health conditions – Typically stress, anxiety, and depression. Some policies may limit coverage for other mental health conditions. 
  • Serious illnesses – Cancer, stroke, multiple sclerosis, kidney disease, or liver conditions. 
  • Infectious diseases – Like bacterial meningitis or encephalitis. 
  • Autoimmune conditions – For example, rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Digestive disorders – Including irritable bowel syndrome and other stomach conditions. 
  • Neurological conditions – Such as motor neuron disease or Parkinson’s disease. 

Common exclusions from these policies

  • Pre-existing conditionsThis insurance is designed to cover unexpected future risks, so pre-existing conditions are not typically covered.  
  • Self-inflicted injuries – This could include reckless behaviour or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 
  • Lifestyle and cosmetic exclusions – Cosmetic treatments, weight-loss procedures, pregnancy and childbirth.
  • Chronic conditions – Some policies may exclude coverage for chronic conditions that have no cure. For example, asthma and diabetes.

How do sickness policies work?

When you take out this insurance, you pay a monthly premium to maintain coverage.

If illness or injury prevents you from working, a waiting period, usually 30 days, applies before a portion of your income is paid out to you. This is called the deferred period.

You choose how much of your income to protect, typically between 50% and 70%.

Payments can continue until you return to work, retire, or the policy term ends, depending on the policy.

What types of sickness and unemployment insurance are available in the UK?

Income protection insurance

Income protection coverage replaces a percentage of your monthly income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. The payment term can be up to retirement or a set number of years. This policy typically comes with stricter underwriting and a health assessment. 

Critical illness cover

Pays a lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a serious condition like cancer, heart attack, or stroke. It does not offer regular monthly payments. 

Accident, sickness, and unemployment insurance (ASU)

Accident, sickness and unemployment insurance in the UK offers short-term income for a set term if you can’t work because of an accident, sickness, or involuntary redundancy. 

Mortgage payment protection insurance (MPPI)

A focused unemployment accident and sickness insurance that specifically covers your mortgage if you’re unable to work due to an accident, sickness, or redundancy.  

Personal accident and sickness insurance

Accident and sickness insurance pays a lump sum or short-term payments if you’re unable to work due to specific accidents or illnesses. These policies usually have simpler underwriting and may be available without extensive medical checks. 

How much does this insurance cost?

The cost can differ widely depending on the type and level of cover you select. You can choose from basic, affordable insurance to comprehensive coverage for higher-risk situations, such as potential unemployment. Your age, occupation, and health status also weigh in on the calculations. It’s advisable to source customised quotes. This way, you can get an accurate idea of what this policy might cost you. 

Personal accident and sickness insurance FAQs

How do I find the cheapest sickness insurance quote?

Comparing quotes can increase your odds of finding cheaper insurance. Consider only including the coverage you need, choosing a longer waiting period, and improving your risk profile. Stop smoking, maintain a healthy lifestyle, or choose a safer occupation.  

What’s the difference between sickness and accident insurance?

Broadly speaking, this insurance pays out when you can’t work because of illness. Accident insurance pays out when you can’t work due to an accident. It’s possible to take these as individual policies or combine them into one single policy. 

How soon can I claim?

That depends on the waiting time you selected when you took out your policy. Insurers offer shorter or longer waiting times. The longer you wait, the less you’ll typically pay. This is a cost-effective option if you have enough savings to carry you over the waiting period. 

Are pre-existing conditions covered?

Not usually. These insurance policies are specifically designed for unexpected future illnesses or injuries. You have a pre-existing condition if you’ve experienced symptoms, been tested, and received treatment before taking out your policy. It’s important to disclose your full medical history when applying for insurance. Failing to do so could invalidate your cover.  

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