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Questions about Bupa Income Protection Cover

What is Bupa Income Protection Cover? Hide

Bupa Income Protection Cover aims to provide a regular monthly income if you’re unable to work because of ill health and this results in loss of earnings. Even if you’re not in paid work, you are still be eligible to claim if you find yourself unable to carry out three of six specified activities of daily living.

Who can apply? Hide

Anyone aged between18-59 years who lives in the UK and Channel Isles can apply. (For the purposes of Bupa Income Protection, Channel Isles means Guernsey and Jersey only.)

Will I need to have a medical? Hide

No, it’s not always necessary to have a medical. However, we will need to ask some questions about:

• your age, sex and medical history
• whether you smoke
• your current state of health
• your occupation

How much cover should I apply for? Hide

As a starting point, think about:

• how long you want your cover to last – perhaps until you retire or have repaid your mortgage
• what regular monthly bills and outgoings you have
• your level of income
• how long your mortgage term is and how many years remain on this term
• if you have a partner or children, consider how much your family would need to survive financially if you were incapacitated and unable to work.

Taking all of these factors into account should give you a rough idea of how much cover to apply for. Remember, you can apply for as much or as little cover as you need and can afford, within certain limits, but please discuss your financial circumstances with your financial adviser.

Can I apply for cover even though I'm not in paid employment? Hide

Yes, but the maximum benefit available will be considered at our sole discretion and our decision will be based on the financial evidence we may ask you to supply.

Can I cover my mortgage payments? Hide

Yes, you can cover your mortgage payments with mortgage outlay cover. We would cover your share of the mortgage payments up to a maximum of 140 percent of the payment and up to a maximum of £1,500 per month. Please note that this cover does not apply to business mortgages.

Can I make changes to my policy? Hide

Yes, you can make certain changes to your membership without providing further medical evidence. Reasons for changing your level of cover could include:

• promotion at your current place of work or a new job with a higher salary
• you get married or become a civil partner
• you have a child, adopt a child or become the legal guardian of a child
• you take out a larger mortgage due to moving house or undertaking home improvements
• you become solely responsible for a previously joint mortgage following a separation
   

In these circumstances we will provide the increase but restrictions apply please refer to your membership handbook for full terms and conditions.

Can I cash in my plan if I don't make a claim? Hide

No, your plan has no surrender value at any time.

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Questions about making a claim

How do I make a claim? Hide

To make a claim you should contact our Claims Department at:
Bupa Health Assurance Limited, The Core, 40 St. Thomas Street, Bristol BS1 6JX.
Alternatively, you can call us on 0845 600 3122

When will my benefit payments start? Hide

Payments start one month after the end of the deferred period and are paid monthly in arrears from then on, provided that you’re still incapacitated.

How long will my benefit payments last? Hide

If you’re incapacitated, we’ll continue to pay benefits until you are no longer incapacitated or until the expiry date as given on your registration certificate.

Do I need to continue to pay premiums if I make a claim? Hide

Yes, you should continue to pay your premiums until we accept your claim. However, premiums will be waived when benefit is payable.

Is my benefit taxable? Hide

No, not under current legislation and Inland Revenue practice but it may be taxable in the future if the legislation or practice changes.

What's not covered? Hide

We will not pay benefit when incapacity is arises from:

• riot, civil commotion, insurrection or war
• where a claim is excluded by a special condition which will be noted on your registration certificate
   

Please refer to your membership handbook for further information on what’s not covered.

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