Question 1

What is protection insurance?

Accepted Answer

Protection insurance is designed to provide a financial benefit after a defined event, such as death, a covered critical illness or incapacity that prevents work. Different policies cover different events and needs.

Question 2

How do I know which type I need?

Accepted Answer

Begin with the financial effect you want to manage: loss of income, a mortgage, family commitments, a key person, ownership succession or employee benefits. An Everlife adviser can assess your demands and needs and explain the relevant options within Everlife's approved scope.

Question 3

Can one policy cover every risk?

Accepted Answer

No. Life, critical illness, income, key person, shareholder and group policies address different events and can have different owners, beneficiaries and terms.

Question 4

Is protection insurance an investment?

Accepted Answer

Pure-protection policies are intended to insure risk rather than build savings. Many have no cash-in value.

Question 5

Is acceptance guaranteed?

Accepted Answer

No. The insurer may accept an application on standard terms, offer different terms, apply permitted exclusions, postpone or decline.

Question 6

What information will an insurer ask for?

Accepted Answer

It can include age, occupation, finances, smoking, health, lifestyle and the cover requested. Business policies may also require accounts, ownership and valuation information.

Question 7

Will I need a medical examination?

Accepted Answer

Not always. An insurer may begin with questions and request a report, screening or other evidence depending on the application.

Question 8

Why should I not put health details in the website contact form?

Accepted Answer

Health data is sensitive and should be collected only when necessary through a controlled process that explains who will receive it and why. The first form needs only enough information to route your enquiry.

Question 9

When does cover start?

Accepted Answer

Only when the insurer confirms cover under its terms. Submitting a form, receiving a quote, booking a call or completing an application does not by itself mean cover is in force.

Question 10

What affects the premium?

Accepted Answer

Factors can include age, cover amount, term, health, smoking, occupation, lifestyle, product options and insurer pricing. Group schemes use additional membership and scheme factors.

Question 11

Are premiums fixed?

Accepted Answer

Some are guaranteed for the selected term, while others are reviewable or age-related.

Question 12

Is a payout guaranteed?

Accepted Answer

No. The insurer assesses whether the insured event, policy definition and other conditions are met. Accurate application information and continued compliance with policy terms matter.

Question 13

What information is needed for a claim?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the policy and event. The insurer may require claim forms, medical or occupational evidence, financial evidence, identity or death documentation and other information relevant to the terms.

Question 14

How long does a claim take?

Accepted Answer

There is no universal time. It depends on the event, evidence, policy and insurer assessment. Do not rely on an estimate unless it is current, evidenced and clearly qualified.

Question 15

Can I change a policy after it starts?

Accepted Answer

Some policies allow changes under defined options or after specified life events. Other changes need new underwriting or a new policy.

Question 16

Can I cancel?

Accepted Answer

Consumers commonly have a 30-day cancellation right for pure-protection contracts, subject to the applicable start point and legal or product exceptions. You will receive policy-specific information. Later cancellation normally ends cover and may not create a refund or cash value.

Question 17

Should I cancel existing cover before new cover starts?

Accepted Answer

Usually no. Ending existing cover before replacement cover is accepted and in force can leave a gap. Any replacement should be considered carefully, including new exclusions, premiums, contestability and loss of existing terms.

Question 18

What is the difference between Relevant Life and Key Person Insurance?

Accepted Answer

Relevant Life is employer-funded individual life cover intended to benefit eligible beneficiaries connected with an employee. Key Person cover is normally owned for the business's benefit and addresses its financial exposure.

Question 19

Does Shareholder Protection transfer shares?

Accepted Answer

No. It can provide funding after a valid claim. A separate legal agreement deals with share-purchase rights and mechanics.

Question 20

Can insurance guarantee business continuity?

Accepted Answer

No. It can provide capital, but continuity also depends on people, operations, customers, contracts, legal arrangements and decisions after the event.

Question 21

Is Group Protection one policy?

Accepted Answer

No. Group Life, Group Income Protection and Group Critical Illness are separate product types with different benefits and rules.

Question 22

Is a Relevant Life policy always tax-free?

Accepted Answer

No blanket statement is safe. Treatment depends on qualifying conditions, structure and circumstances. Employer and employee tax advice may be required.

Question 23

Are business-protection premiums deductible?

Accepted Answer

Not automatically. Purpose, ownership and facts matter. The company's tax adviser or accountant should confirm the treatment.

Question 24

Why might a policy be written in trust?

Accepted Answer

A trust can help define who may receive a valid benefit and how it is administered. It can have legal and tax consequences and must be completed and maintained correctly.

Question 25

How do I make a complaint?

Accepted Answer

You can complain by email, telephone, post or accessible form. See our Complaints page for the responsible firm, process and external escalation information that applies.

Question 26

Can I ask for communication support?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tell us what would make the process easier, such as more time, written follow-up, a preferred channel, an accessible format or appropriate involvement of a trusted person.

Straight answers to common protection questions.

Understanding protection

Applications and underwriting

Costs

Claims

Changes and cancellation

Business protection

Tax and trusts

How Everlife works

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