FAQ's

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Healthcare

1. Can I upgrade or downgrade from diagnostic only cover to treatment cover mid-way through the policy term?
   No, not midway through a policy but at renewal stage you can adjust what you are covered for. If you have made any claims, there may be related exclusions to your policy.
   
   
2. Am I applicable to have cancer treatment if my policy is diagnostic only?
   No. Some insurers offer modular cover so a diagnostic policy can have a cancer treatment bolt-on but it must be set up when the policy begins not following a diagnosis. All insurers offer a review of your policy at renewal time (usually annually) and adjustments to the policy can be made then regardless of whether your policy is modular or not and taking into account any claims and symptoms which may have occurred in the preceding year.
   
   
3. Is there a cancellation policy?
   Yes, however this depends on the policy and the insurer. Most policies will offer a full refund if the cancellation is made within 14 days of starting. If the policy is cancelled after that time, the amount returned to the policy holder may be less than the amount paid in premiums.
   
   
4. Are complementary therapies covered?
   Yes. Complementary therapies can be included for each policy holder if it’s included in the policy terms.
   
   
5. Is dental work covered?
   Yes. Dental plans can be included in the policy. Only routine dental treatment is covered. Orthodontic treatment is not normally covered.
   
   
6. Can I start a policy while pregnant/on maternity leave?
   Yes. However pregnancy and child birth related conditions are not covered by any private health insurance. A few birth complications are covered which should be checked with your insurer.
   
   
7. Are medical complications during childbirth covered?
   Most insurers cover some birth related complications as standard. Mothers will not be transferred to a private facility during child birth if complications covered by the policy occur. Please note, if you take on a policy when already pregnant, this immediate pregnancy would not be covered as it is a pre-existing condition, however, any future pregnancies would be covered.
   
   
8. Can I buy a child only policy?
   Yes.
   
   
9. Can I stay with my child whilst they are receiving treatment?
   Yes. The majority private facilities boast highly rated provisions for parents of patients.
   
   

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Income Protection

1. What is Income Protection?
   Income Protection pays a monthly amount in the event that you have an accident, sickness or redundancy to cover one or a combination of mortgage, rent, loans, bills, income and monthly commitments. It will continue to pay out until you return to work or retire. It will pay up to 65% of your gross salary as it is tax free and does not affect state benefit entitlement.
   
   
2. Is voluntary redundancy covered?
   No. Redundancy payments apply to imposed redundancy only.
   
   
3. Is there a cancellation policy?
   Yes however this depends on the policy and the insurer. Most policies will offer a full refund if the cancellation is made within 30 days of starting. If the policy is cancelled after that time, the amount returned to the policy holder may be less than the amount paid in premiums.
   
   
4. What is the Waiting Period?
   The period of time for which a policy holder waits for their benefit. It is the combination of the excess period and the Minimum Claim Period.
   

   Excess Period	1st payment made
   Back to day one	Paid on day 31 of claim back to the 1st day
   30 days	Paid on day 61 of claim back to the 30th day
   60 days	Paid on day 91 of claim back to the 60th day
   90 days	Paid on day 121 of claim back to the 90th day

5. Can I still claim while on maternity/paternity leave?
   Yes. Providing you were in active employment or active self-employment prior to being on leave and the insurer offers continuous cover and your premiums are paid during your leave. Some insurers offer to suspend premium payments and cover during this period.
   
   
6. Can I start a policy while on maternity leave?
   Yes, because you are classified as being in active employment. Your insurer may have a few stipulations which will apply to your policy.
   
   
7. I’m Self-employed, can I still claim Income Protection while claiming Statutory Maternal/Paternal Allowance?
   Yes. Providing you were in active self-employment prior to being on leave and the insurer offers continuous cover and your premiums are paid during your leave. Some insurers offer to suspend premium payments and cover during this period.
   
   
8. Can payments be deferred/suspended while I’m on Maternity/Paternity Leave?
   Yes. If this is part of your policy agreement. It will mean you will not be able to make a claim during this period. Some insurers have a Continuous Payment premium policy which means you will continue to pay throughout any leave and will of course therefore continue to be covered.
   
   
9. If I do not return to work after having my baby does my policy continue?
   Yes. This is regarded as a change of profession. As a house person you can maintain a policy. Your premiums may go down but your cover level is likely to reduce too. Check your policy with your insurer.
   
   

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Life Insurance

1. What is Life Insurance?
   Life Insurance is a policy into which you pay monthly premiums. If you die during the policy term, monetary payments will be made to a specific individual or group of individuals. You choose the amount of money (cover) you need and the length of time you want to be insured for.
   
   
2. What different types of Life Insurance are there?
   
   1. Term Assurance - pays a benefit if you die within a specified term, can be a single or joint policy but there is no payout if you survive the term.
      1. Level Term Assurance (LTA) – the cover amount remains the same throughout the policy term and is usually arranged to cover an interest only mortgage or to provide protection for your family members' future.
      2. Decreasing Term Assurance (DTA) sometimes called Mortgage Term Assurance – the sum assured reduces each year decreasing to nil at the end of the term and is usually arranged to cover a repayment mortgage.
   2. Whole of Life – pays benefit upon death, usually for one life only.
   Your premiums are guaranteed to stay the same for all types of life assurance unless you alter your policy.
   
   
3. Who can apply for Life Insurance?
   UK residents of at least 17 years old (at the time of applying). If the policy holder is 17 years old, the plan must be written in trust until they reach 18.
   
   
4. How much Life Insurance do I need?
   It depends on your individual circumstances. You may want to think about leaving a lump sum to your dependants, help clear an outstanding mortgage or debt on your death. It may be useful to speak to one of our advisers on 0808 168 1262 and talk through you and your family’s future needs and the options available to you.
   
   
5. Can I add Critical Illness Cover?
   Yes, Critical Illness Cover can be added when applying for Life Insurance.
   
   
6. What's the difference between Critical Illness Cover and Terminal Illness Cover?
   Critical Illness Cover pays out your chosen amount of cover if you're diagnosed with one of the specified conditions covered during the length of your policy. The specified list of conditions varies from insurer to insurer. Critical Illness Cover can be added to your life insurance policy, but is likely to increase your premiums as we are seven times more likely to be diagnosed with a critical illness than we are to pass away. Typically, critical illnesses include conditions like cancer, heart attack and stroke, amongst others
   Terminal Illness Cover pays out your chosen amount of cover upon diagnosis (rather than on death) of a terminal illness and have a life expectancy of 12 months or less. Terminal Illness is not usually available in the final 12 or 18 months of the contract. Terminal Illness Cover is included in all life insurance policies as standard.
   
   
7. Can I make changes to my policy?
   Yes – although this depends on each policy and varies from insurer to insurer. Most policies are now relatively flexible and will allow you to:
   1. Change the term
   2. Increase or decrease the amount of cover
   3. Remove a life from a joint policy if cover is no longer required for that person
   4. Change the frequency of your premium between annually and monthly
   Most also offer 'Joint life separation' allowing for joint policies to be split into two new single policies if a couple divorce, dissolve their registered civil partnership or change a joint mortgage into one name.
   
   
8. What's the difference between Life Insurance plans and Over 50s Life Insurance plans?
   Life Insurance policies pay a cash sum to specified individuals if you die during your chosen period of cover, which is a maximum of 50 years.
   An Over 50s Life Insurance policy will pay a sum to specified individuals upon death unless death occurs within the first year or two (known as the waiting period, the length of which is agreed with your insurer as part of your policy terms and conditions).
   The main differences between the two types of policy are the age criteria and eligibility. You can apply for life assurance from age 18; whereas an Over 50s plan is for those over the age of 50 only. Life Insurance is underwritten so applicants will be asked questions about their medical history, occupation and lifestyle. You are guaranteed to be accepted for Over 50s Life Insurance Plans as there are no medical questions.
   
   
9. Can I cancel my policy if I no longer need it?
   Yes, you can cancel your policy. There is no charge for cancelling your policy, however any premiums paid will not be returned to you unless you cancel within the first 30 days.
   
   
10. What is the application process for Life Insurance?
    Applying for Life Insurance is straightforward but it can take some time to complete. Our advisors can help you at every stage from quotes to completion. You can apply online or on the phone. We can guide you through the forms or look through forms you have completed yourself – whatever’s easiest for you, we’re here to help you.
    
    
11. How does Family Income Benefit work?
    Family Income Benefit pays out a tax free monthly income for the remaining years left on the policy following death or diagnosis of a critical illness (depending on the level of cover selected). The benefit is index-linked to keep pace with inflation.

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Over 50's Life Insurance

1. What is a Guaranteed Over 50 Life Insurance Plan?
   This type of plan is an easy way to leave a fixed cash sum for your family after you've gone, either as a gift or to help towards funeral expenses. Premiums start at just £10 a month, it’s one of the lowest cost life insurance plans on the market.
   
   
2. How does it work?
   These plans are whole of life policy - you choose a fixed monthly premium and keep paying until the age of 90. The premiums then cease but the cover continues. When you die, a fixed cash sum will be paid out.
   
   
3. What is the waiting period?
   The period of time to wait until a claim can be made. If the policy holder dies prior to the completion of waiting period then no benefit will be paid. Most insurers will return the premiums paid since the start of the policy.
   
   
4. Do I need to have a medical?
   No. There are no health questions to answer and no medical to complete. If you're aged between 50 and 80 you're guaranteed to be accepted.
   
   
5. How much does it cost?
   You choose how much you want to spend. Premiums range from £10-£50 per month. You should choose an amount you are comfortable paying for your whole life or until the age of 90; see number 2 above. If you stop paying your premiums, your plan will be cancelled and you will not receive any benefit or return of premiums paid.
   
   
6. Will my premiums and cover ever change?
   No. Your premiums and level of cover will not change regardless of how long you live or your state of health. However, depending on how long you live, the total of the premiums you pay may be more than the cash sum paid out to you. Some providers will allow you to inflation proof your cover and premiums will increase if you choose this option.
   
   
7. Does the Plan have a cash-in value?
   No. These plans have no cash-in value. If you cancel your plan or stop paying your premiums, your policy will end and you will not be paid any benefit or return of premiums paid.
   
   
8. When does the plan pay the benefit?
   When you have completed the waiting period of your policy (normally one or two years) and all the premiums have been paid, the agreed fixed cash sum will be paid upon your death. If you die within the waiting period most insurers will return the premiums paid.
   If you die within the waiting period some insurers will pay out a proportion of the premiums already paid.
   Some insurers will pay out your full benefit if you were to die in an accident during the waiting period. You should check the full terms and conditions of your policy for details.
   
   
9. What about tax?
   The benefit paid out on your death will form part of your estate, so may be subject to inheritance taxes enforced at the time of your death, unless you write your policy to trust. Tax legislation may change in the future so we advise you seek advice on this matter.
   
   
10. Is there a cancellation policy?
    Yes. Most insurers give you 30 days to cancel your policy and they will repay to you any premiums paid.
    
    
11. What happens if I stop paying my premiums?
    If you stop paying your premiums, your benefit will not be paid upon your death and no premiums already paid will be refunded.
    
    
12. What's the difference between Life Insurance plans and Over 50s Life Insurance plans?
    Life Insurance policies pay a cash sum to specified individuals if you die during your chosen period of cover, which is a maximum of 50 years.
    An Over 50s Life Insurance policy will pay a sum to specified individuals upon death unless death occurs within the first year or two (known as the waiting period, the length of which is agreed with your insurer as part of your policy terms and conditions).
    You are guaranteed to be accepted for Over 50s Life Insurance Plans as there are no medical questions.