What does this mean?

This number shows, out of 100 couples like you (of your age, gender and smoker status), how many may be affected by any of the following:

A condition that stops either of you from working for 1 month or more

A serious illness or injury that stops either of you from working before either of you retire

Either of you die before retirement

We use industry data to calculate your results

How will this impact you?

If your family lost your income and needed to make adjustments to their lifestyle because of illness, injury or death, it could lead to financial difficulties.

What can you do about it?

Tightening your belt only goes so far. Your family could benefit from a lump sum payment or regular income if you take out protection insurance. Income protection, critical illness cover and life insurance can help to alleviate the financial impact of illness, injury or death.

What does this mean?

This number shows, out of 100 couples like you, (of your age, gender and smoker status) how many may be unable to work for 1 month or more before they retire because of an illness or injury that stops them from working.

How will this impact you?

Unless you have significant savings, you’re likely to feel the impact of lost earnings very quickly. Legal & General’s latest research reveals UK employees could be on the breadline in just 24 days.

Many of us ‘rent’ our current lifestyle, paying for it each month through our earnings. If that regular salary was taken away, it may not just be your home you lose, but your entire lifestyle.

What can you do about it?

You may be entitled to sick pay through your employer which can really help you and your family cope financially through the early stages of being unable to work.

There are also some state benefits that you may be able to claim if you become long term sick or disabled and unable to work. However, state benefits are unlikely to cover all your outgoings, especially if you have a family to provide for. One alternative is to take out a form of insurance called Income Protection. This is designed to pay out a monthly amount if you are unable to work due to illness or injury that results in a loss of earnings while you are covered by the plan. Speak to your financial adviser for more details.

What does this mean?

This number shows, out of 100 couples like you (of your age, gender and smoker status) how many may suffer from either having a serious or critical illness that stops them from working before they retire.

How will this impact you?

Being diagnosed with a serious illness can be life changing. On top of the emotional upheaval is the added pressure of coping financially if you or your partner needs to take time away from work. Sadly, the bills don't stop, just because you’re unwell. In fact, some illnesses may incur costs you hadn’t expected, such as adaptations to your home or specialist private medical care.

What can you do about it?

Our wonderful NHS will cover your essential medical needs and employer and state benefits can help up to a point, but when it comes to making day to day life easier, or having more than basic financial back up, that’s down to you and your family.

Critical illness cover provides a one-off lump sum to help you financially when you’re diagnosed with a covered condition. Speak to your financial adviser about how it could help you.

What does this mean?

This number shows, out of 100 couples like you (of your age, gender and smoker status) how many may experience one of them dying before they retire.

How will this impact you?

Losing a loved one can turn your world upside down. When you or your family are dealing with all the emotional turmoil, they really don’t want the added financial worry. But losing a regular income from the family finances can cause real problems, especially if your family rely on that income to pay the mortgage and bills.

What can you do about it?

Life insurance is designed to pay a lump sum or regular amount if you or your partner dies or in some cases diagnosed with a terminal illness. It can help you or your loved ones pay off the mortgage, provide a pot of money that can be drawn on to pay bills, help towards school or university fees and create some financial breathing space for the future.

There are several options when it comes to deciding on the type of life insurance that's

best for you and your family. Speak to your financial adviser for more information.