Critical illness often compounded by financial pressures - research

‘Support network’ also hit – Royal London

clock • 2 min read

Half (51%) of those who have been diagnosed with a critical illness, such as cancer, heart attack or stroke, have also faced a shortfall in their income, according to research from Royal London.

The survey of 3,004 UK adults, which was conducted for the insurer by Opinium, also found two-thirds  (65%) of those who faced a financial burden, due either to their own or a loved one's critical illness, covered their outgoings using their existing day-to-day personal finances while three in 10 (31%) dipped into their savings. Royal London group head of protection strategy Debbie Kennedy (pictured) said: "Employees who are too ill to work are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay from their employer - £89.35 per week for up to 28 weeks - but this would not be enough to cover the extra expense...

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

Kevin Carr on AI: I don't think we've even seen the tip of the iceberg

Kevin Carr on AI: I don't think we've even seen the tip of the iceberg

'The technology is evolving faster than many of us can imagine'

Kevin Carr
clock 13 May 2026 • 4 min read
Life insurance: Complexity vs cost and the confidence gap

Life insurance: Complexity vs cost and the confidence gap

Complexity and uncertainty create frustration for consumers and operational drag for advisers

Kevin Carr
clock 30 April 2026 • 4 min read
Holloway Friendly and Wiltshire Friendly to merge

Holloway Friendly and Wiltshire Friendly to merge

No job losses anticipated

Jaskeet Briah
clock 20 April 2026 • 2 min read