Life insurance policies that protect the less tangible but essential parts of your life – such as income or mortgage – can provide an invaluable safety net should the worst strike, whether that’s serious illness, unemployment or even death.
Since the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic more and more people recognise the need for safeguards against sickness and job instability, and as a result personal protection insurance has become increasingly popular. But which policy is right for you?
This is an insurance policy that offers coverage for a set period of your choosing, whether that’s one year or several decades. If you die during this term then the policy will pay a lump sum to your dependents. The cost of premiums is linked to factors such as age, health and the length of the term, and it’s possible to set up a joint policy with a partner. There are several types of term life insurance available:
Decreasing Term Life Insurance
Your level of coverage lessens as the term of the policy progresses, reducing the payout. It’s good for covering debts such as a repayment mortgage as the balance of the latter reduces over time.
Level Term Life Insurance
The level of coverage is fixed, so the payout remains the same regardless of when you die within the term.
This is a life insurance policy that only ends when you die – unlike term life insurance which runs for a fixed period. Once you die your loved ones will receive a lump sum payout. It’s a more expensive form of life insurance, but premiums will depend on factors such as level of coverage, health, age and lifestyle. You can get joint or single policies. The main types of whole life insurance include:
Balanced Cover
Your premiums are the same throughout the policy, with a fixed cash payout when you die.
Maximum Cover
Your premiums are likely to increase with age as your insurer needs to review the risk associated with coverage.
This is a type of insurance that provides a lump sum payout if you are diagnosed with or undergo surgery for a specified critical illness (as long as you survive for a certain period afterwards – typically 10-14 days). It can help minimise the financial impact of serious illness by helping with things like the cost of treatment, household and childcare costs and a loss of income if you take time off work to recover. Children’s critical illness cover can also be included.
Policies come in fixed terms, the length of which can be based on how long you’ll have demands on your income, such as a mortgage. Like term life insurance you can opt for level cover – where there is fixed lump sum payout and fixed premiums – or decreasing cover where the value of your cover decreases each month.
This type of insurance offers financial support should you lose income because you’re unable to work due to sickness or an accident. It ensures you get regular payments to replace part of your income, until you can return to work or you retire.
A policy covers a set term, and when a claim is made there is usually a waiting (deferral) period before payments start – between four weeks to a year. The longer the deferral period you choose, the lower your monthly premiums will be.
The cost of insurance premiums is also affected by age, health and medical history, occupation, the percentage of income you want covered and the illnesses/conditions covered.
Premiums can come in the form of standard premiums, which can increase over time, or a guaranteed premium which remains fixed for the term of the policy.
Mortgage payments are one of the biggest outgoings for many people, so it’s important to put a plan in place if you lose your source of income.
Should you become unemployed or unable to work due to sickness or an accident then this type of policy will cover the cost of your mortgage payments each month. You can also find policies pay out 125% of your mortgage so you can cover other household costs too. Most policies will offer payouts for up to two years, but some offer less.
The payments are usually triggered after there’s a set period of unemployment – generally 30-60 days – after which you’ll receive a set monthly payment. You can purchase ‘back-to-day-one’ policies that cover you from the date of unemployment, although these will be more expensive. Premiums are based on age, income, job and mortgage repayments. You can find mortgage protection policies for accident and sickness, unemployment or combined. Mortgage protection policies may not cover pre-existing health conditions.
This is an insurance policy that covers liability for inheritance tax when one person makes a gift to another person during their lifetime.
Large gifts can be considered potentially exempt from IHT if the giver survives seven years after making them.
A gift inter vivos policy protects against this possibility by covering any tax bill due should you die within seven years of making the gift.
Moving abroad may affect your life insurance cover. We therefore strongly recommend that you inform your life insurance provider about your plans to move abroad to ensure continuity of cover remains in place.
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As British expats embark on exciting journeys abroad, ensuring their well-being and financial security becomes paramount. One crucial aspect of expat life is securing appropriate insurance coverage that provides protection and peace of mind.
This FAQ aims to address common questions and concerns regarding insurance for British expats. Whether you are relocating permanently, working temporarily, or enjoying retirement overseas, understanding the types of insurance available and how they can safeguard you and your family is essential.
From health insurance to property protection, this FAQ will provide valuable insights and guidance to help British expats make informed decisions and navigate the insurance landscape with confidence.
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you understand the benefits of insurance and make informed decisions about your financial future:
As a British expat, it's crucial to have the following insurance coverage:
Health Insurance: Its always advisable to supplement the state healthcare system or simply have private health insurance for comprehensive coverage.
Home Insurance: Whether you rent or own a property, home insurance provides protection against risks like fire, theft, and damage to your belongings.
Car Insurance: If you own a vehicle, it is a legal requirement to have car insurance that meets the minimum coverage requirements.
Travel Insurance: For trips outside your home country, travel insurance covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost baggage.
While your UK health insurance may offer some coverage abroad, it's generally advisable to have additional private health insurance. This ensures you have access to comprehensive healthcare services and benefits tailored to your new country of residence.
Private health insurance provides access to a network of private medical facilities and practitioners. It offers benefits such as shorter waiting times, choice of doctors, and additional services not covered by the state healthcare system. It's important to carefully review the coverage, including hospitalization, outpatient care, prescriptions, and emergency services, to ensure it meets your specific needs.
Life insurance is a personal choice, but it can be beneficial to have as a British expat. Life insurance provides financial security for your loved ones in the event of your passing. It ensures they are protected and can maintain their standard of living. Consider factors such as your financial responsibilities, dependents, and long-term goals when deciding on life insurance coverage.
Finding the right insurance provider involves research and careful consideration. Seek recommendations from fellow expats, consult local insurance brokers, or conduct online searches for insurance providers specializing in expat coverage. Consider factors such as reputation, customer reviews, coverage options, cost, and customer service when making your decision. Fiduciary Wealth Management is a licensed insurance broker.
While it's possible to continue using your UK insurance for property and possessions abroad, it's advisable to review the terms and conditions. Some UK policies may not provide coverage outside the UK or have limited coverage abroad. It's recommended to consult with your insurance provider to understand the extent of coverage and consider obtaining local home insurance to ensure adequate protection.
Remember, it's important to consult with insurance professionals or experts to assess your specific needs and ensure you have the right insurance coverage for your circumstances. Taking proactive steps to secure appropriate insurance coverage will provide peace of mind and protect you from potential risks and financial burdens.
If you have any further questions or need personalized guidance regarding insurance requirements, feel free to contact our team at Fiduciary Wealth Management. We specialize in providing insurance solutions tailored to your needs and will be happy to assist you in finding the right coverage for your unique circumstances. Safeguard your future and enjoy your expat journey with the confidence that comes from having the right insurance protection.
Remember, it's important to consult with insurance professionals or experts to assess your specific needs and ensure you have the right insurance coverage for your circumstances. Taking proactive steps to secure appropriate insurance coverage will provide peace of mind and protect you from potential risks and financial burdens.
If you have any further questions or need personalized guidance regarding insurance requirements, feel free to contact our team at Fiduciary Wealth Management. We specialize in providing insurance solutions tailored to your needs and will be happy to assist you in finding the right coverage for your unique circumstances. Safeguard your future and enjoy your expat journey with the confidence that comes from having the right insurance protection.
Speak directly to a financial adviser about your insurance requirements as an expat abroad.
Please contact us on Tel: +44 207 998 0570 or email enquiries@fwm.gi
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