Permanent Health Insurance for Your Financial Security

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Having a permanent health insurance plan can provide you with a financial safety net in case you're unable to work due to illness or injury. This type of insurance can replace up to 75% of your income.

It's essential to consider your income replacement needs, which can be determined by calculating 60-80% of your gross income. This will help you decide how much coverage you need.

Having a permanent health insurance plan can also provide tax benefits, as premiums may be tax-deductible.

What Is Permanent Health Insurance?

Permanent health insurance is a type of insurance that provides a monthly benefit to replace your income if you're unable to work due to illness or injury.

You'll choose your level of cover when buying a policy, which determines how much benefit you'll receive.

The length of your policy can be either long-term or short-term, depending on your needs.

A deferred period is a waiting time that you'll need to serve before your insurer pays out a monthly benefit.

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You'll pay a premium, either monthly or annually, to maintain your policy.

If you need time off work for an illness or injury listed on your policy, you can make a claim.

If your claim is successful, you'll have to wait out your deferred period before receiving payments.

These payments are tax-free and will continue until you're well enough to go back to work, the policy ends, or you retire.

Importance and Benefits

Permanent health insurance provides financial protection against unexpected medical expenses, giving you peace of mind and reduced financial stress.

Having a permanent health insurance policy can help you avoid going into debt due to medical bills, as seen in the example of John who had to pay $50,000 out of pocket for a surgical procedure.

One of the benefits of permanent health insurance is that it covers you for your entire life, as opposed to term life insurance which only covers you for a set period of time.

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This means you can rest assured that you and your loved ones will be protected financially, no matter what life throws your way.

Permanent health insurance policies often have a cash value component, which can be borrowed against or used to pay premiums, providing an added layer of financial security.

This feature can be particularly useful in times of financial need, allowing you to tap into the policy's cash value to help cover expenses.

Choosing a Provider

Choosing a provider for your permanent health insurance can be a daunting task.

Consider the provider's claims process, as some may have more streamlined procedures than others.

Look for providers with a strong track record of paying out claims, such as Aviva, which paid out 99% of its claims in 2020.

Be wary of providers with high administration fees, as these can eat into your policy's value.

For example, some providers charge up to 5% of the policy's value in administration fees, which can add up over time.

Why Choose Mic?

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MIC stands out as a reliable provider due to its expertise in crafting insurance solutions tailored to the healthcare industry. This level of knowledge is crucial in creating effective Permanent Health Insurance.

MIC offers a wide range of options, thanks to its diverse panel of insurers. This means you can choose the best coverage for your needs at competitive rates.

Discounted premiums are a bonus when working with MIC, as they offer discounted commissions, resulting in lower monthly premiums for you.

MIC prioritizes transparency, guiding you through the intricacies of Permanent Health Insurance to ensure informed decisions about your coverage.

Provider

Choosing a provider for your Permanent Health Insurance can be a daunting task. The premiums offered by different providers can vary significantly, even for similar levels of cover.

Each provider has its own appetite for risk, which affects the premiums they charge. For instance, one provider may charge £36.29 a month, while another provider charges £49.00 a month.

Here's a comparison of two different providers:

The difference in premiums is substantial, and it's essential to consider your budget and needs before making a decision.

Your

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You may not ever need to claim on your policy, but it's a lifesaver if you do need long-term leave.

Being prepared for any eventuality is key, especially if you're not lucky enough to have generous sick pay or a safety net of savings to rely on during tough times.

Permanent Health Insurance provides crucial financial support when it's needed most, allowing you to focus on recovery and returning to work.

Not everyone is prepared for the financial strain of an illness or injury, and that's where Permanent Health Insurance becomes a lifeline.

Own Occupation Cover

When choosing a provider for your Permanent Health Insurance, it's essential to consider the type of occupation cover you need. Own occupation cover is highly recommended because it allows you to claim as long as your health prevents you from doing your specific job.

This type of cover is the easiest to claim on, as insurers typically use it to determine how capable you are of working and the likelihood of a successful claim. Insurers use these definitions to determine how capable you are of working and the likelihood of a successful claim.

If you have own occupation cover, you're eligible to claim the moment you become unable to carry out your job duties. Other definitions make it harder, like any occupation cover, where you're likely to be deemed capable of work outside of your current occupation.

Why Mrs. Mummy Exited

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Mrs. Mummy's story is a great reminder that PHI insurance can be a game-changer for families.

By putting a financial safety net in place, she's safeguarded her family's future against the unexpected.

Claims and Coverage

Making a claim under your permanent health insurance policy is a relatively straightforward process. You'll need to let your insurer know if you're unable to work due to accident or sickness, and provide a completed claims form along with evidence of your condition.

If you need to take time off work, you should inform your insurer that you may be out of work longer than your deferred period. This will help them process your claim more efficiently.

Here's a step-by-step guide to making a claim:

  • You need time off work due to accident or sickness
  • Let your insurer know that you may be out of work longer than your deferred period
  • Provide a completed claims form and evidence of your condition
  • Wait for confirmation of your claim from the insurer
  • Begin receiving payments once your deferred period has passed
  • Payments continue until you either return to work, reach the policy cease age, or retire.

Your insurer will handle your claim smoothly and quickly, thanks to their expert advisers who will help guide you through the process.

What to Do About Claim Problems

If you're experiencing claim problems, don't worry, there's help available. Our expert advisers can guide you through the process to ensure your claim is dealt with smoothly and quickly.

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If you need to make a claim, it's essential to provide a completed claims form and evidence of your condition. This will help speed up the process and get you the support you need.

You can submit a claims form online, making the process even easier. Many insurers now offer this convenient option, so take advantage of it if you can.

If you're unsure about what to do, don't hesitate to reach out to our expert advisers. They'll be happy to help you navigate the claims process and answer any questions you may have.

Here are the key steps to take if you're experiencing claim problems:

  • Get in touch with your insurer to report the issue
  • Provide any additional evidence or information requested by the insurer
  • Wait for the insurer to review your claim and make a decision

By following these steps, you can resolve your claim problems quickly and efficiently.

Claims and Coverage

Understanding your Permanent Health Insurance coverage is crucial. It's essential to get the right type of coverage, and own occupation cover is highly recommended. This type of coverage enables you to claim as long as your health prevents you from doing your specific job.

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Insurers use various incapacity definitions to determine how capable you are of working and the likelihood of a successful claim. Own occupation cover is the easiest to claim on, making it a great option.

Making a claim is a relatively straightforward process. You'll need to provide a completed claims form and evidence of your condition, and then wait for confirmation from the insurer.

Most insurers pay out on claims, with payout rates across the industry being higher than many people assume. In fact, most insurers pay more than 90% of all Permanent Health Insurance claims they receive.

Here are some examples of payout rates from various insurers:

Neil's Cancer Claim

Neil's Cancer Claim is a great example of how Permanent Health Insurance can make a big difference in someone's life. Neil was diagnosed with stage 2 bowel cancer after experiencing stomach pains.

He was unable to work while he had surgery and recovered, but fortunately, he had made a successful claim with British Friendly. This allowed him to focus on his recovery without worrying about his finances.

Neil's experience shows that Permanent Health Insurance can provide financial support during a difficult time, giving you the peace of mind to focus on your health.

The Deferred Period

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The Deferred Period is a crucial factor to consider when it comes to your policy's cost and coverage. The longer your deferred period, the lower your premiums will be.

A deferred period is the amount of time you have to wait before your policy kicks in. This means that if you need to make a claim, you'll have to wait a certain amount of time before your policy will start paying out.

The length of your deferred period can significantly impact your policy's cost. For example, a deferred period of 13 weeks can save you £17.61 per month compared to a 4-week deferred period.

Here's a breakdown of the costs associated with different deferred periods with insurer Aviva:

As you can see, the longer your deferred period, the lower your premiums will be. However, it's essential to remember that you'll have to wait longer before your policy kicks in.

Factors Affecting Coverage

Having a pre-existing condition can affect your Permanent Health Insurance coverage, but it's not impossible to get a policy. Insurers may adjust your cover accordingly, deciding to cover the condition on standard terms, cover it for a higher premium, or exclude it from the policy altogether.

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Smoking can also impact your coverage, with most insurers asking for higher premiums due to the increased health risks associated with smoking. For example, a smoker might pay £64.54 per month compared to £45.36 for a non-smoker.

Your age and occupation can also influence your coverage. If you have a high-paying job, you may want to consider a higher level of cover to ensure you can maintain your lifestyle if you're unable to work.

Factors to Consider

If you're considering Permanent Health Insurance, there are several factors to think about. These can impact the cost of your cover, so it's essential to understand them.

The deferred period is the length of time you'd be willing to wait out before your payments begin. This can range from 1 day to up to 2 years (104 weeks).

Your policy cease age is also crucial. This refers to your age at the end of the policy, and you should align this with your expected retirement age. For example, if you plan to retire at 60 or 65.

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The level of cover, also known as "sum assured", is another important factor. This is the amount an insurer will pay out in a successful claim, and you can cover between 50% and 70% of your earnings.

You'll also need to choose between short-term or long-term protection. Short-term cover pays out for a maximum of 1, 2 or 5 years per claim, while long-term insurance typically pays out until your retirement age.

Indexation is another option to consider. This means your benefit amount will align with any changes in inflation, so the value of your policy won't depreciate over time.

Here are some key factors to consider:

It's worth noting that we recommend long-term cover if your budget allows, as it ensures you can cover your outgoings if you happen to never work again due to accident or sickness.

Types of Coverage

Permanent health insurance offers several types of coverage to protect individuals from unforeseen medical expenses.

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Some policies provide comprehensive coverage, including hospital stays, surgical procedures, and diagnostic tests.

Others offer partial coverage, which can help supplement income lost due to illness or injury.

Critical illness coverage is also available, which provides a lump sum payment in the event of a serious medical condition.

This type of coverage can help individuals pay for treatment, lost income, and other expenses associated with a critical illness.

Some policies also include additional benefits, such as rehabilitation and recovery support.

Premiums and Claims

Making a claim is a relatively straightforward process, but it's essential to understand the steps involved. You need time off work due to accident or sickness.

If you're unable to work, let your insurer know that you may be out of work longer than your deferred period. This is crucial, as it will help them process your claim more efficiently.

To make a claim, you'll need to provide a completed claims form and evidence of your condition. This can be done online, making the process even easier.

Credit: youtube.com, How insurance premiums and deductibles work

Once your deferred period has passed, you can begin receiving payments. These payments will continue until you either return to work, reach the policy cease age, or retire.

Here's a summary of the claim process:

  • Notify your insurer if you're out of work longer than your deferred period
  • Provide a completed claims form and evidence of your condition
  • Wait for confirmation of your claim from the insurer
  • Begin receiving payments once your deferred period has passed

What Doesn't Cover

Permanent Health Insurance has some standard exclusions that apply to everyone, regardless of age, previous health, or smoker status. These exclusions can have a big impact on what you're covered for.

If you're involved in criminal activity, your policy won't pay out for any resulting illnesses or injuries. This is a clear-cut exclusion, and it's essential to understand it before purchasing a policy.

Foreign travel can also be a risk, especially if you're heading to areas with high terrorism risk or political instability. If the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has advised against visiting a particular country, your policy won't cover you if something goes wrong.

Some policies may also exclude claims related to illegal or illicit drug use, substance abuse, or alcohol misuse. This is another important exclusion to be aware of, especially if you have a history of substance abuse.

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Here are some specific exclusions to be aware of:

Salary Protection/Income Protection

If you can't work due to illness or health issues, having salary protection in place can be a huge relief. With this cover, you'll have up to 75% of your income still paid to you, although it is taxable.

This type of insurance will cover you until typically retirement age, providing financial stability during a difficult time.

The Premium Type

Choosing the right premium type is a crucial decision when setting up a Permanent Health Insurance policy.

There are three types of premiums to consider: Reviewable, Age-banded, and Guaranteed.

Reviewable premiums can be reviewed by the insurer, potentially leading to price increases.

Age-banded premiums increase with age, but can only rise by a preset amount stated on the policy.

Guaranteed premiums remain fixed for the policy's lifetime, offering stability and predictability.

Manual workers might find age-banded premiums more suitable, despite the price increases with age.

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Neil, a Drewberry client, opted for a different premium type when purchasing British Friendly Permanent Health Insurance Cover.

Here's a summary of the premium types:

Assessing Risk and Need

The risk of becoming too sick to work is higher than you might think, with 2.83 million people out of work due to long-term sickness in April 2024.

It's a reality that could happen to anyone, making it essential to assess your individual risk and need for protection.

If you become too sick to work, you could face financial struggles, which is why having a plan in place is crucial.

In the UK, 2.83 million people were out of work due to long-term sickness in April 2024.

Assessing your risk and need can help you prepare for the unexpected and ensure your financial security.

This is especially important if you have dependents who rely on your income.

Compare Top UK Insurers

At MIC, we work with a diverse panel of insurers, allowing us to offer you the best coverage options at competitive rates. This means you can choose from a wide range of policies that suit your needs.

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We're not just Permanent Health Insurance providers; we're your partners in personal protection, ensuring that your hard work and dedication are always safeguarded. This is why it's essential to choose a reputable insurer that understands your unique needs.

To help you make an informed decision, let's take a look at some of the top UK insurers we work with. Here are a few of our key partners:

By choosing a reputable insurer, you can have peace of mind knowing that your Permanent Health Insurance policy is in good hands. Our team is committed to helping you find the right cover for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does health insurance last forever?

No, health insurance does not last forever, but it may be extended in certain situations, such as retirement. Coverage typically ends when employment ends or at the end of a specified period.

Is phi the same as income protection?

Yes, Permanent Health Insurance (PHI) is another name for Income Protection, offering the same benefits of a regular replacement income in case of illness or injury.

Alan Donnelly

Writer

Alan Donnelly is a seasoned writer with a unique voice and perspective. With a keen interest in finance and economics, Alan has established himself as a go-to expert in the field of derivatives, particularly in the realm of interest rate derivatives. Through his in-depth research and analysis, Alan has crafted engaging articles that break down complex financial concepts into accessible and informative content.

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