Personal Protection/Family Protection

    Make sure your family is protected if the unexpected happens

    Nobody likes to think about worst-case scenarios — but having the right cover in place means your family wouldn't face financial hardship on top of an already difficult time.

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    Family protection is a broad term covering life insurance, critical illness cover, income protection and other policies designed to provide financial security for your loved ones. We'll match you with a specialist adviser who reviews your circumstances and finds the right combination of cover.

    Why family protection matters

    If anyone depends on your income — a partner, children, or other family members — the right protection ensures they're looked after financially if you're unable to work or pass away. The right cover can replace income, pay off debts, or provide a lump sum when it's needed most.

    Types of family protection

    • Life insurance — pays out a lump sum or regular income if you pass away during the policy term.
    • Critical illness cover — provides a tax-free lump sum if you're diagnosed with a specified serious illness.
    • Income protection — replaces a portion of your income if you're unable to work due to illness or injury.
    • Family income benefit — pays a regular tax-free income to your family until the end of the policy term.

    Why speak to an adviser?

    Protection needs are personal. An adviser can review your circumstances, explain the options available, and help you find cover that fits your budget and needs. They can also identify gaps in any existing cover you may have.

    What you might need to hand

    • Details of your income, debts and monthly outgoings
    • Number and ages of dependants
    • Any existing employer benefits or protection policies
    • Information about your health and family medical history

    Frequently asked questions

    What is family protection?

    Family protection is a broad term covering life insurance, critical illness cover, income protection and other policies designed to provide financial security for your loved ones if something unexpected happens.

    Do I need family protection?

    If anyone depends on your income — a partner, children, or other family members — protection can help ensure they're looked after financially if you're unable to work or pass away.

    How much cover do I need?

    This depends on your circumstances — outstanding debts, living costs, number of dependants, existing savings, and any employer benefits. An adviser can help you work out what's appropriate.

    Is family protection expensive?

    Many people are surprised by how affordable protection can be. Costs depend on your age, health, the type and level of cover. An adviser can compare a broad panel of providers to find suitable options.

    Can I protect my family as a single parent?

    Yes — single parents often have the greatest need for cover, as there's no second income to fall back on. Your adviser will help you find the most appropriate and affordable combination of policies.

    Related guides

    Do insurers actually pay out?

    The most common reason people give for not taking cover is a belief that claims get refused. The industry publishes the figures, and they say otherwise.

    97.9%

    of individual protection claims were paid

    Across life, critical illness and income protection.

    258,000

    individual claims paid in the year

    £5.15bn

    paid on individual policies

    Life, critical illness and income protection combined.

    £19,300

    average individual claim

    Up 2% on the previous year.

    Source: Association of British Insurers, 2025 claims, published 2026. Industry-wide figures; an individual claim depends on the policy terms and the information given when it was taken out.

    Ready to protect what matters?

    It takes about 60 seconds. Tell us what you need and we'll match you with the right specialist.

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    GAGet An Adviser

    Based in Stockport, introducing people across the UK to FCA-authorised mortgage and protection advisers. No cost to you, and no obligation.

    Get An Adviser
    Stockport, Greater Manchester
    Based in Stockport · advising across the UK

    Who we are & how we’re regulated

    Get An Adviser is a trading name of IQ Financial Services Ltd, which is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We do not provide advice, recommend products or arrange contracts. We operate solely as an introduction service.

    Mortgage enquiries are introduced to The Finance Seer Ltd. The Finance Seer Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Firm Reference Number 1017243. We take no referral fee for mortgage introductions.

    Protection enquiries are introduced to Lewis Maxwell, an adviser at The Finance Seer Ltd. He is remunerated by commission or fee from the product provider, so we have a financial interest in protection enquiries and disclose it here.

    Our introduction is free and we take no referral fee. The Finance Seer Ltd charges a fee for mortgage advice. Your adviser will explain the amount and when it becomes payable, and agree it with you, before you decide whether to proceed — there is no charge for the initial conversation.

    IQ Financial Services Ltd is registered in England and Wales, company number 17283569.

    All content on this site is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice. We do not assess suitability or recommend products. Check the FCA register

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