Your Essential Guide to Navigating Critical Illness with Relevant Life Insurance
Many big organisations in the UK offer different types of insurance policies to their employees, including relevant life insurance. The policy provides a tax-efficient way for employers to give their staff members financial protection in the event of critical illness. However, smaller firms can sometimes struggle to access this type of coverage, as it’s not typically available through traditional insurance companies.
This article explains the key features of relevant life insurance with critical illness and how it works. It covers topics such as:
– What is relevant life insurance?
– How does critical illness coverage work?
– What are the features and benefits?
– What are the tax advantages?
– What are the restrictions and exclusions?
– How much does it cost?
What is Relevant Life Insurance?
Relevant life insurance is a type of policy where employers pay a set amount every month or year to cover the employee’s life and critical illness for a specified period. It is designed to provide financial security in the event of illness, disability or death. The employee pays the premiums, which are then deducted from the employee’s salary before tax. This means that the employee doesn’t have to pay any tax on the benefits received.
However, as a small business owner, providing such financial benefits to the employees is not always easy and profitable. Here is where we can help you get the best staff policy. If you are interested, you can always contact our team of expert insurance agents to help you with the best and most suitable policy for your firm.
How Does Critical Illness Cover Work?
Critical illness cover works in the same way as life insurance but with an additional element of protection for illnesses such as cancer, heart attacks or strokes. The policy pays out a lump sum to the employee if they are diagnosed with any specified critical illnesses during the policy period. The money can be used however the employee wishes, including for medical treatments, lifestyle changes or taking time off to recover.
What Are The Features and Benefits?
Relevant life insurance with critical illness cover provides a range of benefits, including:
– Tax advantages: Payments are tax-free as they are deducted from the employee’s salary before tax.
– Flexibility: Employees can choose the level of cover that suits their needs and budget.
– Peace of mind: Employees have the financial security to take time off for recovery, pay medical expenses or make lifestyle changes if they are diagnosed with a critical illness.
What Are The Tax Advantages?
The key benefit of relevant life insurance is that it provides tax advantages for both the employer and the employee. As the premiums are paid by the employer, they are not subject to national insurance contributions or income tax. This means that the employer can provide financial security to their staff without incurring additional costs.
The employee also benefits from the tax advantages of relevant life insurance, as any payments they receive are exempt from income tax. This means that they can use the money however they wish without worrying about extra taxes or deductions.
What Are The Restrictions and Exclusions?
Relevant life insurance with critical illness cover has a range of restrictions and exclusions that employers should be aware of. These include:
– Pre-existing medical conditions: The policy may exclude any pre-existing medical conditions from the cover.
– Age limits: Some policies may have an upper age limit for employees to be eligible for the policy.
What Are The Costs?
The cost of relevant life insurance with critical illness cover will depend on the level of cover and the size of the organisation. Premiums are typically calculated based on factors such as age, lifestyle and health status of the employee. The cost can vary between providers, so it is important to shop around to get the best deal. Generally, employers pay a fixed monthly.
Next Steps
Getting a profitable, relevant life insurance cover for critical illness as a company director is a great way to protect your employees. It is also important to make sure you understand the restrictions and exclusions of the policy before taking out a cover.
At advice4directors.co.uk, we always help sole traders, business owners, company directors, and other business professionals get the right insurance cover for their businesses. We understand that every business is different so we can provide you with tailored advice based on your specific needs. Get in touch with us today, and one of our expert advisers will be happy to help.
FAQs
What exactly is relevant life insurance and who is it suitable for?
Relevant life insurance is a policy where employers, such as those running a limited company, pay a set monthly or yearly premium to offer their employees life and critical illness cover for a predetermined period. It’s designed to provide financial protection to individual employees in the event of serious illness, disability, or death. This kind of policy is suitable for small to large businesses looking to enhance their employee relationship and benefits without incurring extra costs, as the premiums are an allowable business expense.
How does the critical illness cover in a relevant life insurance policy work, and what does it encompass?
Critical illness cover operates alongside the life cover in a relevant life insurance policy, offering an extra layer of protection. It works by paying out a tax-free lump sum benefit to the employee if they are diagnosed with a specified critical illness, such as cancer or a heart attack, during the policy term. This financial buffer can assist in covering medical treatments, facilitating lifestyle changes, or supporting the individual during a period of recovery, thus potentially extending their life expectancy.
Can you detail the tax benefits associated with a relevant life insurance policy for both the employer and the employee?
Certainly! From an employer’s standpoint, the premiums are considered a business expense; hence, they are not subject to national insurance contributions or income tax. This presents a tax-efficient nature of managing business protection and fostering the benefit of employees. Employees also benefit significantly as the payments received are exempt from income tax, allowing them to fully utilise the sum without any deductions, promoting a sense of financial security and well-being.
Are there any restrictions or exclusions to be aware of when considering a relevant life policy with critical illness cover?
Yes, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. The policy generally excludes pre-existing medical conditions from the cover. Additionally, some policies impose an upper age limit to be eligible for the policy. It is advised to thoroughly understand these aspects and consult with a legal expert or financial adviser before settling on a policy to ensure it aligns with the employee’s needs and the business goals.
How is the premium for a relevant life insurance with critical illness cover determined?
The premiums are primarily determined based on various factors such as the age, lifestyle, and health status of the employee. Additionally, the level of cover opted, and the size of the organisation play a pivotal role in the premium calculation. Employers have a choice of life cover options, and it is recommended to explore different business life insurance options and possibly engage a financial adviser to secure a deal that is both advantageous and cost-effective.