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Many UK Women Are Not Sufficiently Protecting Their Futures

Elaine Brookes Steve Case

Author: Steve Case - Insurance Expert

Reviewed & Fact Checked By: Elaine Brookes

Updated: 17th September 2024

women not securing life insurance

The 21st-century woman is more financially independent and enjoys more freedoms than her predecessors.

In most households, women are responsible for financial decisions. Unfortunately, they may be thinking more about other priorities than about themselves. Scottish Provident discovered that millions of professional women are not safeguarding their futures.

Women Lacking Critical Illness Cover

According to the insurance provider, 85 per cent of women do not have critical illness insurance. More than 55 per cent stated that they could not afford this cover. Having children could change their attitudes toward this protection, said more than two-fifths of them.

According to Moneyfacts finance expert Sylvia Waycott, women know their worth. This makes it even more surprising that so many women have not fully protected their financial futures.

Being a Smart Life Insurance Shopper

Women want the best prices when shopping for critical illness and life cover. Gender-neutral pricing was enacted at the end of 2012 with the introduction of the EU Gender Directive. This increased the premiums for life policies and some other products for women.

However, critical illness policies for women may be slightly less expensive than they were last year.

Planning comes naturally to many women, so focusing on tomorrow and today and following life insurance news is usually not an issue. Finances usually require a combination of short and long-term approaches.

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By law, women must be treated the same as men when dealing with insurance coverage. Premiums are based on age, health status, occupation, smoking status, lifestyle, and other factors.

Women should compare critical illness and life premiums from several carriers and read policy terms and conditions to identify differences in coverage for the same products.

womens life assurance

Value-added features should also be considered because these are often useful benefits. This ensures that women receive the best deals for the cover they want.

Comparison websites allow consumers to compare cover from leading insurers and get free quotes without visiting each insurance company’s website individually.

Cover may not be as expensive as some women assume, and some providers allow monthly payments.

A lump sum benefit provided by a life insurance for retired women policy is not subject to income or capital gains tax. When structured as a trust, is also exempt from inheritance tax. Joint cover is available for married women, and critical illness cover can be added to a life policy for increased protection.

Items To Take Note Of

The type and amount of life cover vary based on the woman’s personal circumstances. The least expensive cover may not be the best cover for the prospective insured. Once the policy is bound, the female is covered for the term listed in the policy, but if premiums are not paid, the cover will be cancelled.

To prevent a lapse in cover, an existing policy should not be cancelled until a replacement policy has gone into effect.

Women or single mums who have questions about the different types of life cover, critical illness cover, policy provisions, or any other aspects of this insurance should contact an insurance professional. Life and family critical illness insurance are investments in the financial future of loved ones, so they should be made wisely.

An intelligent investment in critical illness cover allows a woman to maintain her lifestyle once severe illness strikes, and a good insurance investment provides for beneficiaries adequately.

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