Risk Clinic: FIB on critical illness

clock • 4 min read

I have a client making a claim on a critical illness (CI) policy. The provider is suggesting they take a lump sum payment rather than the family income benefit (FIB) they originally bought. I realise there are various arguments for each side, but what would be the one that swings it toward FIB?

  Alan Lakey   Highclere Financial Services   Critical illness cover within a family income benefit plan is relatively uncommon. Few providers offer it and even fewer advisers recommend it. So within this scenario, choosing FIB suggests that the matter was considered carefully by both adviser and client, and that the plan was selected precisely because an income was more desirable than a capital sum. Of course, circumstances may have changed and commuting to a lump sum may now be advantageous, particularly if a mortgage or debt exists that cannot otherwise be repaid. Ho...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Protection

 'The protection gap will not close itself, and now there are no excuses'

'The protection gap will not close itself, and now there are no excuses'

'Let’s work together'

Paul Yates
clock 21 July 2026 • 3 min read
Price comparison impacting consumer understanding

Price comparison impacting consumer understanding

BIBA, ABI and Fairer Finance

Cameron Roberts
clock 25 June 2026 • 2 min read
Guardian launches two critical illness products

Guardian launches two critical illness products

Focus on cost and quality

Cameron Roberts
clock 08 June 2026 • 2 min read