Do I Need Critical Illness, Life Insurance AND Income Protection?

For complete protection, all three are recommended: Life insurance protects your family if you die. Critical illness pays a lump sum for serious conditions like cancer or heart attack. Income protection replaces your salary if any illness stops you working. Together they cover death, serious illness, and any period unable to work. Prioritise based on your circumstances and budget.

Do I need all three types of protection?

Ideally yes. Life insurance protects your family if you die. Critical illness provides a lump sum for serious conditions. Income protection replaces income during any illness. Together they cover all scenarios.

Which is most important?

Priority often: 1) Life insurance (if dependents), 2) Income protection (covers most illness scenarios), 3) Critical illness (large lump sum for serious conditions). But needs vary by circumstance.

How much does all three cost?

A healthy 35-year-old might pay £80-150/month for: life insurance (£300k), critical illness (£100k), and income protection (60% of salary). Costs vary significantly by age and health.

Can I buy all three together?

Some providers offer package deals. You can also buy life+CI combined with separate income protection. An adviser can help structure the most cost-effective solution.

Quick Answer

How Do CI, Life Insurance & IP Work Together?

Last reviewed: December 2025

Reviewed by Jay Sabine – CeMAP Qualified – 29 years experience

Complete protection: Life = death benefit. CI = lump sum for serious illness. IP = monthly income during any illness. All three cover different scenarios.

The three main types of protection insurance each serve different purposes. Understanding how they work together helps you build comprehensive coverage for your family.

Key Points

1Life insurance: pays on death
2Critical illness: lump sum for serious conditions
3Income protection: replaces income during illness
4Together = complete protection
5Prioritise based on budget
6Most families benefit from all three

Eligibility Criteria

Each has separate eligibility
Health declaration for all
Age limits apply
Pre-existing conditions may be excluded

Typical Timeframe

Life insurance pays on death. CI pays within weeks of diagnosis. IP pays after chosen waiting period and continues until recovery.

Next Steps

1Assess which risks matter most
2Calculate cover amounts needed
3Get quotes for all three
4Consider bundled options
5Speak to protection adviser

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How Do CI, Life Insurance & IP Work Together?

Key Points

Eligibility Criteria

Typical Timeframe

Next Steps

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