Insurance & Protection

What is it?

A Critical Illness plan is designed to pay out a lump sum on the diagnosis of certain specified illnesses. It is often ‘bolted on’ to a life assurance policy as an additional benefit but can also be a standalone plan.

Who is it for?

This type of plan is designed for those individuals or families whom want a lump sum if they are diagnosed with a critical illness. As an example of where this lump sum could be used is to repay a loan, mortgage, or perhaps pay for time off work. The lump sum could even be used to pay for any necessary alterations to your home.

The quality of cover and the illnesses covered can vary significantly between different providers. Our specialist team can help you find the most suitable one that best meets your requirements.

What is it?

An Income Protection plan is designed to pay out a regular income in the event you are unable to work due to an accident or illness. These types of plans continue to pay out an income as long as you are unable to return to work up until the end date of the policy (typically your normal retirement age).

This type of plan is quite often seen as the foundation of any financial planning as it is likely that other plans will have to be given up if you do not have sufficient income coming into the household.

Who is it for?

This type of plan is designed for anyone who is working (employed or self employed). It’s worth pointing out that even if your employer provides sick pay, it is unlikely to last for longer than twelve months and so ongoing protection is essential. Plans can be adapted to fit in with any existing protection you might have. Our specialist team can help you find the one most suitable for your requirements.

Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is designed to help cover the cost of private medical treatment for eligible conditions, allowing access to private healthcare facilities and, in many cases, reducing waiting times for diagnosis and treatment.

Policies vary significantly between insurers, with different levels of cover, exclusions, excesses and optional benefits available. Choosing the right policy depends on your individual needs, budget and medical requirements.

How Private Medical Insurance Works

A Private Medical Insurance policy may provide cover for eligible private medical treatment, including:

• Consultations with specialists.
• Diagnostic tests and scans.
• Surgical procedures.
• Hospital accommodation.
• Certain outpatient treatments.
• Cancer care, subject to policy terms.
• Physiotherapy and other therapies where included.

Cover is always subject to the insurer’s terms, conditions and underwriting.

Types of Underwriting

When arranging Private Medical Insurance, insurers may offer different underwriting methods, including:

Full Medical Underwriting

You provide details of your medical history when applying, allowing the insurer to confirm what will and will not be covered from the outset.

Moratorium Underwriting

No detailed medical information is required initially. Instead, pre-existing medical conditions are generally excluded for a specified period unless the policy terms allow them to become eligible for cover.

We will explain the differences so you can make an informed decision.

Benefits of Private Medical Insurance

Depending on the policy selected, benefits may include:

• Faster access to eligible treatment.
• Choice of hospitals and specialists.
• Private hospital accommodation.
• Flexible appointment times.
• Access to approved consultants and treatment facilities.
• Optional additional benefits depending on the insurer.

Why Choose Us?

We take the time to understand your healthcare priorities before recommending suitable cover.

We will:

• Explain the different types of policies available.
• Compare suitable products from insurers where appropriate.
• Clearly explain policy exclusions and limitations.
• Help you understand premiums, excesses and underwriting options.
• Support you throughout the application process.

Important Information

Private Medical Insurance policies contain terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations. Not all medical conditions or treatments will be covered.

Eligibility for cover, premiums and policy terms are determined by the insurer and may be affected by factors including age, medical history and lifestyle.

What is it?

If you have a mortgage, your lender will insist that your property (and their security) is protected by buildings insurance. It usually pays out if your property is destroyed by fire, floods or subsidence (although you will need to check if you live on a flood plain, for example). Damage to fixed fittings such as baths and kitchens are often included, as well as sheds, greenhouses and garages.

If you purchase a leasehold property (such as a flat in a block of flats) the freeholder may have arranged buildings insurance for the whole block, in which case you may not need your own buildings policy.

What isn’t covered?

Your cover is based on what your home would cost to rebuild. You can check whether you have enough buildings insurance through the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) website. It has an online tool to help you calculate the sum you should insure your building(s) for, in case your home has to be entirely rebuilt.

As always feel free to contact us so we can make sure you have the right cover that fits your needs.

Landlords Insurance protects landlords who are renting their property out to tenants from the associated risks.

Landlords Contents cover is available separately without the need for Buildings cover for properties where the buildings are insured as part of a managed service agreement.