Long- term illness is something that we pray will pass us by. But sadly, it strikes more people than we care to imagine. Government figures reveal that more than 670,000 men between 40 and 64 are absent from work for more than six months in any one year because of injury or illness. Many of these people and their families suffer financial hardship as a result, and the state offers only minimal help.

Income protection insurance, is the answer for people worried about long-term loss of income. In theory income protection, which has been around for more than 100 years, should be high on any family’s financial shopping list, but in practice it is rarely bought – primarily because of high premiums and a long list of policy exclusions.

It is vital that you take action to protect yourself and your family in the event of long term illness – state help is inadequate and difficult to obtain. Income protection insurance is one of a number of solutions to consider, but do not buy a policy without taking independent financial advise. Your financial adviser should have a handle on key issues such as claims records, speed of payments and the appropriateness of cover offered by individual providers.

Protecting Your Lifestyle

Protect your lifestyle in the event of redundancy, accident and/or illness. Choose the level of cover that's appropriate for you. Protection Insurance Policy provides up to 12 monthly benefit payments as well as back-to-day-one cover. Protection cover from Dentists' & General provides replacement income for members when unable to work through sickness or injury.

Protect your income through protection insurance if you lose your job due to unemployment or you are unable to work due to a disability, accident or sickness.