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Life Insurance For Disabled Adults And People In The UK

Elaine Brookes Steve Case

Author: Steve Case - Insurance Expert

Reviewed & Fact Checked By: Elaine Brookes

Updated: 10th March 2024

life insurance for disabled adults

Insurance Hero has tried hard to find the best life cover for those with a disability in the UK.

From that list, we have shortlisted all the insurers who understand disabled people’s underwriting needs, including life insurance for disabled veterans and children.

Many mainstream insurers fail to offer the disabled a good deal or sometimes dismiss the disabled completely. Depending on your disability, you should fit in well with one of the life insurance for disabled insurers our research has identified.

They can help you find terms and cover that do not unnecessarily discriminate against you, so your monthly premium is affordable and offers real value to your family.

Without proper life insurance protection, would your loved ones be able to do the following if you weren’t around to help?

  • Continue with mortgage payments
  • Clear any outstanding debts in your name
  • Pay gas and electric bills due to inflation and other factors
  • Fund their current lifestyle
  • Buy a new home
  • Planning for funeral expenses
  • Deal with inheritance tax complications

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life insurance for disabled persons

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Getting Life Insurance When Disabled

Being disabled does not decrease the value of your life. Many disabled individuals cannot work and must rely on benefits for income.

However, this should not prevent them from qualifying for life insurance. Disabilities come in many forms and may have been present since birth or brought on by a serious accident or an illness.

These factors will affect the terms of a life insurance contract and the premiums charged for this cover. They should not prevent disabled individuals from insuring their lives.

A person with a minor disability that does not affect everyday functioning may pay standard rates or only a small amount of premium loading.

Someone with a disability that has or will probably affect major internal organs may have to pay higher premiums. Most disabled individuals fall between these two ends of the spectrum.

Before June 10, 2014, disabled individuals residing in the UK could apply for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to get financial assistance with costs associated with a disability or long-term medical condition.

This past July, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) gradually began replacing DLA for individuals ages 16 to 64, including those receiving lifetime or indefinite DLA awards.

PIP is designed to help affected individuals while they are still living. Life insurance was created to help living family members after an individual has died.

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life insurance for adults with learning disabilities

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life insurance for disabled seniors

Four factors determine life insurance premiums for disabled individuals, including seniors:

The severity of the disability, the extent to which the limitation affects daily routine, the extent to which it damages vital organs and increases the risk of other medical conditions, and the number of years by which average life expectancy is reduced due to the disability.

Each person and his or her disability are unique, so insurance providers must evaluate each life insurance for disabled application separately and very carefully.

An insurance company can only reject an application made by a disabled individual if it can prove that the noted disability will affect the applicant’s life expectancy.

Insurance providers view disabled applicants differently, resulting in a wide range of premiums. Applicants should compare the quotes they receive and, if possible, work with an insurance professional specialising in life cover for disabled individuals.

life cover for disabled

Types of Life Insurance Policies for Disabled Individuals

Type of Life InsuranceDescription
Term Life InsuranceProvides coverage for a specific period, usually 5 to 30 years. Suitable for those seeking coverage for a defined time frame.
Whole Life InsuranceOffers lifetime coverage with a fixed premium and a cash value component, making it more expensive but providing permanent protection.
Group Life InsuranceAvailable through employers or professional organizations, often without a medical exam. Coverage may be limited and tied to employment.
Over 50s PlansSpecifically designed for individuals aged 50 and above. It offers guaranteed acceptance without a medical exam but with a waiting period for full benefits.
Critical Illness CoverCan be added to a life insurance policy or purchased separately, providing a lump sum payment if diagnosed with a specific illness.
Income Protection InsuranceOffers a regular income if you’re unable to work due to illness or disability, not specifically a life insurance product but important for financial protection.

Factors Affecting Premiums for Disabled Individuals

FactorImpact on PremiumsExplanation
Severity of DisabilityHigherMore severe disabilities may lead to higher premiums due to increased risk.
Type of DisabilityVariableCertain disabilities might affect premiums differently based on their impact on life expectancy.
Age and HealthHigherOlder individuals or those with additional health issues may face higher premiums.
Policy Type and Coverage AmountHigherLarger coverage amounts and certain policy types can increase premiums.

Benefits of Life Insurance for Disabled Individuals

BenefitDescription
Financial SecurityEnsures that dependents are financially secure in the event of the policyholder’s death.
Debt CoverageHelps cover outstanding debts, including mortgages and personal loans.
Funeral ExpensesCovers the costs associated with funeral and burial services.
Legacy PlanningAllows for the planning of an inheritance or charitable donations.

Challenges in Obtaining Life Insurance for Disabled Individuals

ChallengeDescription
QualificationSome insurers may not cover certain disabilities or may offer less favourable terms.
AffordabilityPremiums may be a little higher for disabled individuals, making it harder to find affordable coverage.
Coverage LimitsThere may be lower coverage limits available, especially for guaranteed issue policies.
Medical ExaminationsUndergoing medical exams can be a barrier for some, though some policies may waive this requirement.

Resources and Support for Disabled Individuals Seeking Life Insurance

ResourceDescription
Insurance BrokersProfessionals like Insurance Hero can help you find the best policy.
Disability Advocacy GroupsOrganisations that provide information and support for disabled individuals.
Online Comparison ToolsWebsites that allow you to compare life insurance options from different providers.
Financial AdvisorsExperts who can offer advice on financial planning, including life insurance.

Alternative Forms of Life Insurance

Disabled people who are rejected for standard life cover or cannot afford the premiums may qualify for life insurance with pre-existing medical conditions.

This also applies to life insurance for disabled seniors. This alternative life cover will not pay if the insured dies due to his or her disability. Many disabled individuals use this coverage to purchase higher life insurance limits than they can afford when buying standard life cover.

Group life insurance is another alternative for individuals who are disabled. Applicants are not required to answer medical questions, so the insurance company cannot reject most claims. With group insurance, funds are collected from several people, most of whom are in good health.

This allows the insurance company to reduce the risk of insuring people without knowledge of their health status.

Disabled people can find group life insurance coverage through their employers or professional organisations. Cover remains in effect if the insured remains employed with the company or continues memberships in the relevant professional organisation.

Key PointDescription
Insurance AvailabilityYou can secure life insurance if you have a disability, even if you’ve been declined before.
Disability ImpactThe severity of your disability and its impact on life expectancy influence your coverage.
Living CostsLiving costs for disabled individuals can be higher, but affordable life insurance options are available.
Provider AssessmentInsurance providers assess disabled applicants differently, affecting premium costs.
Parents’ ConsiderationParents may consider life insurance to provide financial protection for their children.
Disability PayoutLife insurance doesn’t pay out for disability, but critical illness cover can provide financial support.
Terminal Illness CoverTerminal illness cover is included in most life insurance policies.
Military VeteransMilitary veterans with disabilities can still secure life insurance.
Equality Act 2010The Equality Act 2010 prohibits discrimination against disabled individuals in insurance.
Comparing QuotesComparing multiple quotes is crucial to finding the right life insurance coverage.

How does the affordability of life insurance for disabled individuals compare to living costs?

The affordability of life insurance for disabled individuals is an important consideration when comparing it to their overall living costs. On average, disabled individuals incur approximately an additional £945 in monthly living expenses.

This financial burden becomes more significant when combined with the fact that many disabled individuals are unable to work and experience reductions in their government funding.

These circumstances often lead to the belief that life insurance is beyond their financial reach. However, at Insurance Hero, we are committed to helping disabled people find suitable coverage that aligns with their budgetary constraints, making life insurance more affordable than they might anticipate.

Do disabled parents need life insurance to provide financial protection for their children?

Life insurance can provide crucial financial protection for children, and this is no different for disabled parents.

While being a parent comes with various responsibilities and concerns, ensuring the well-being of your children is always of utmost importance.

In the case of disabled parents, life insurance becomes even more essential to guarantee their children’s financial security in the event of any unforeseen circumstances.

Disabled parents often face unique challenges, both physically and financially. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully consider the specific needs and requirements when arranging life insurance coverage.

While term life insurance is commonly sought after, the duration of coverage may vary depending on individual circumstances. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the children are adequately supported until they become financially stable.

Remember, life insurance plays a vital role in safeguarding the financial well-being of your children, especially as a disabled parent. You can protect and support your children by exploring suitable coverage options and seeking professional advice.

What is the best life insurance option for disabled seniors aged 50-85?

For disabled seniors aged between 50-85, the best life insurance option may be an over 50 plan. This type of plan offers guaranteed acceptance to all UK residents within this age range without requiring medical questions or disclosing your disability.

With an over 50 plan, you can arrange coverage up to £20,000, depending on your age and circumstances. This makes it ideal for covering funeral costs and potentially leaving an inheritance.

It’s important to note that most over 50 plans have a 12-24-month waiting timeframe. During this time, coverage for death by natural causes may not be available.

However, other types of deaths may still be covered. To determine if this type of cover is the right option for you, please get in touch with our team today.

How does the Equality Act 2010 protect disabled individuals concerning life insurance?

The Equality Act 2010 protects disabled individuals regarding life insurance by prohibiting insurers from engaging in discriminatory practices solely based on someone’s disability status.

This legislation, which replaced the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, defines a disability as a long-term and substantial physical or mental condition that significantly impacts an individual’s daily life.

With the enactment of the Equality Act 2010, insurers are legally bound to treat disabled individuals equally and cannot unfairly discriminate against them when offering life insurance coverage.

Case Study: Life Insurance for Disabled Adults – A Beacon of Hope for the Thompson Family

Meet John Thompson, a 42-year-old man living in Birmingham, UK. John has been living with a physical disability since a car accident 15 years ago that left him with limited mobility in his legs.

Despite the challenges, John has always been a provider for his family, working as a social media manager from home.

The Need for Life Insurance

John’s disability never stopped him from thinking about the future. With a loving wife, Emily, and two young children, he knew that securing their financial future was paramount.

After researching various insurance options, John discovered that life insurance for disabled adults was available and offered several benefits tailored to his unique situation.

The Benefits of Life Insurance for Disabled Adults

  1. Financial Security: John’s life insurance policy ensures that his family will have financial stability if something happens to him. This includes covering mortgage payments, education costs, and daily living expenses.
  2. Tailored Coverage: Through Insurance Hero, John found a policy that considered his disability, offering specific benefits like disability income protection and critical illness coverage. Knowing that his unique needs were addressed, these additions provided peace of mind.
  3. Estate Planning: John’s policy also included estate planning options, allowing him to leave a legacy for his children and ensure that his assets were distributed according to his wishes.
  4. Emotional Comfort: Knowing that his family would be cared for provided John and Emily with emotional comfort. It strengthened their sense of security and allowed them to focus on enjoying their time together.

The Impact on the Thompson Family

John’s decision to take out life insurance has had a profound impact on his family. Emily, who works part-time as a nurse, expressed relief knowing that their financial future was secure.

The children, aware of their father’s condition, also felt a sense of reassurance.

Conclusion

John Thompson’s story illustrates the importance and benefits of life insurance for disabled adults in the UK.

John’s life insurance policy has become a beacon of hope for his family by addressing his unique needs and providing financial security.

This case study serves as a testament to the benefits of life insurance in providing peace of mind, financial stability, and tailored coverage for those living with disabilities.

It emphasises the need for comprehensive research and consultation with insurance professionals to find the right policy that aligns with individual needs and circumstances.

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