Life Insurance And Protection Vital For Men Due To Their Diet And Lifestyle

More factors that should encourage men to consider covering themselves with life insurance or critical illness cover have been highlighted by an expert from Leeds Metropolitan University.

According to Alan White, a professor of Men's Health, men seem to be oblivious to the risks of cancer despite the fact that they have a higher level of smoking and an increased rate of obesity than women.

Reacting to figures released by Cancer Research UK showing men to be far more at risk from cancer and its effects than women, the health expert said that more men are overweight than women.

"The way men put their weight on, around their middle, it increases the risk of fat-related cancers," he said, adding that other issues such as more alcohol, red and processed meat and less fruit and fibre mean that men are more at risk.

Such revelations highlight the importance for men to protect their financial future as well as that of any dependants by taking out critical illness insurance or income protection cover. These products can come in handy in the event of illness by paying out a lump sum or guaranteeing a source of income until retirement or recovery is made.

Income protection versus critical illness insurance
An income protection policy pays an income if you are unable to work due to ill health for a set period after a different period that you set at the start of the policy. As you can vary the term and the period before you can make a claim ( deferment period) you can reduce the monthly premium by increasing the deferment period and reducing the term of the policy giving you great flexibility to get the premiums to fit you budget. As the total amount payable on the policy reduces as the term of the policy reduces this makes the policy cheaper than a comparable critical illness policy.

Critical illness insurance pays out a lump sum if you a diagnosed with a qualifying critical illness during the term of the policy. The illnesses vary from insurance company to company but tend to cover only major illnesses, unlike income protection. As the same amount is paid out at any time during the term and the older you get the greater the chance of a claim this can make the policy expensive.

Where can I find out more about income protection cover and critical illness cover?
There are many online websites that provide detailed information on all the protection polices available in the market. Most of these will allow you to do online quotes and apply for you policy in the comfort of your own home. Alternatively you can speak to an independent financial advisor you will be able to look at your complete financial situation an advice you of the best solution to your protection needs.