Protection at different stages of your life

Protecting what matters usually involves having to balance the cost of protection with the risks you face. Everyone is different, but there are certain types of insurance or protection that might be more suited to specific life stages.

Here are some examples:

Mike is a 30-year-old college lecturer, living with his partner Jess. They recently bought their first flat with a bit of help from Jess's parents, and are expecting their first child.

He wants to have peace of mind that his new family will be safe and protected from whatever life throws at them.

Mike and Jess have taken out life insurance, which was a requirement of the mortgage they took out on their flat. As a precaution, Mike also has income protection and critical illness cover, which could help their growing family if he is made redundant or becomes ill.

As well as insurance, both Mike and Jess have made a will, and they each pay into retirement savings plans.

John and Gloria are both in their 60s, with John still working full-time and Gloria part-time. They have two daughters and a son, all of whom have left home and started families of their own. They have four grandchildren.

John hasn't always been in the best of health, but his private healthcare has reassured him that he and Gloria would always be well cared for. They both have life cover, which will protect either of them if the other passes away.

John has calculated that his retirement savings - along with their insurance policies - will allow both of them to retire comfortably at 65. They both have a will.

Nina is in her 40s, works full-time and has two school age children. She recently separated from her partner and has moved into a new house close to her work.

Nina's rents her home, so buildings insurance is the landlord's responsibility. However, she has contents insurance, including specific cover for a few items of jewellery that had belonged to her mother.

She is planning a special holiday this year for her and the children, so has been shopping around for travel insurance as it's not provided through her bank account.

She has been paying into a retirement savings plan, which her workplace contributes to, but she plans to increase her payments into the plan from now on. 

She's also recently reviewed her life cover arrangements with her ex-partner to ensure the children's future continues to be protected.

These are examples to get you thinking about what protection you may need for you and your loved ones. It's a good idea to do your own research and if you're unsure of what's right for you, ask for professional help or advice.

Check out some of our protection solutions and see which ones are right for you. Find out more.