4 June 2026
Most of us insure the things we value.
The car. The phone. The home. The pet who somehow has a better healthcare plan than we do.
But protecting the people who rely on us – and the lifestyle we’ve worked hard to build – often slips down the list. It’s easy to see why. Life is busy. Plus, nobody enjoys thinking about worst-case scenarios. Still, the reality is simple. The bills do not stop when, or if, life changes.
The mortgage or rent still needs paying. Everyday costs keep coming. And if others depend on you, they may need financial support at the very moment they’re also dealing with worry, grief or uncertainty.
That’s where protection insurance comes in. The right cover can give you and your loved ones financial breathing space if illness, injury or death turns life upside down.
A safety net you can rely on
Most people agree that protection matters. But the reality tells a different story.
- Less than one in six British adults have income protection in place (Shepherds Friendly, 2024).
- Nearly half of Brits (44%) would struggle to cover essentials within a month of losing their income unexpectedly (YouGov, 2025).
- Four in ten homeowners have never considered or reviewed protection. And nearly one in three people with cover have never reassessed it (LifeSearch & HomeOwners Alliance, 2025).
That’s a gap worth paying attention to. Because when something unexpected happens, a strong financial safety net could make all the difference.
Cover that fits your life
Protection isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right cover depends on your income, your commitments, and the people who rely on you.
- Life insurance can pay out a lump sum if you die or are diagnosed with a terminal illness during the policy term.
- Critical illness cover can pay out if you’re diagnosed with a serious illness covered by the policy.
- Income protection can provide regular payments if you can’t work due to injury or illness during the policy term.
Each type of cover does something slightly different. Together, they could help protect your lifestyle – whether you’re recovering, adjusting, or supporting those around you.
All protection insurance is subject to eligibility and underwriting. Limitations and exclusions will apply. Most life insurance plans don’t pay out unless you make a valid claim. If you stop paying the premiums, your cover will end. And over time, inflation could reduce the value of your cover.
Why getting it right matters
When people first think about protection insurance, they often start with life insurance. That makes sense – it’s familiar and feels the most straightforward.
But it’s only part of the picture, and there may be other gaps worth considering.
For example:
- what would happen if you became seriously ill but survived?
- how long could you manage financially if you couldn’t work?
- would your savings cover the bills for months – or even years?
- would your family’s lifestyle need to change?
This is where tailored advice can be helpful. It helps to join the dots.
Through Skipton’s partnership with LifeSearch, you can speak to experienced advisers who take the time to understand your needs. They can recommend cover from a range of insurers, shaped around your life rather than a list of products.
And importantly, this advice is fee-free.
Comparison sites can be useful for checking prices. But without expert input, it’s easy to buy cover online that leaves important gaps behind. For example, they may not look at your full personal circumstances or how different types of cover can work together.
Small steps that make a big difference
A few simple actions can go a long way when it comes to protection cover and planning ahead:
Speak to an adviser
A proper conversation can help you understand what cover suits your life, your budget and your responsibilities – including things you might not spot on your own.
Review your needs over time
As life changes, your protection insurance should too. What suited you five years ago may not suit you today – that’s why it’s worth reviewing your cover regularly.
Check what you already have
Things like workplace benefits, pensions and sick pay may already provide you with some support. The key is understanding what they actually cover.
Make or update your Will
Insurance can provide financial support. A Will helps make your wishes clear.
Complete an expression of wish form
This can help your pension or other benefits go to the people you intend.
Will writing services are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
A simple step towards more security
Protection insurance is easy to push into the ‘I’ll sort it later’ pile. But the need for it often arrives when life is already busy enough.
Taking action now gives you time to understand your options, choose suitable cover, and feel confident that your loved ones will be supported if they ever need it.
And when it’s cover that’s tailored to you – when it reflects your needs, your goals, and your reality – it becomes a reassuring part of your wider financial plan.
Skipton Building Society chooses to introduce its customers to LifeSearch Partners Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA Registration Number: 656479. All calls to LifeSearch may be recorded for monitoring and data purposes.