The process of covering your health for all eventualities is filled with pitfalls for the unwary.
Some policies also cover extras such as osteopathy or dental fees.
Policies differ greatly - so shop around and read the fine print. It is similar to critical illness insurance - but pays a monthly sum. If you lose your job or become disabled the government will not cover your mortgage for the first nine months. Only six percent of employers offer full income protection insurance and few give full pay once you have been off sick for more than six months. Without it, many people find their savings eaten up by care bills.