Buyer's guide · 2026
Best Personal & Income Protection Insurance
Personal cover protects your income, your family, your vehicle, and the things you rely on. The right mix depends on who depends on your income and which possessions you could not easily replace.
Compare personal protection insurance
| Cover | Best for | Typical UK premium |
|---|---|---|
| Pet Insurance | Insurance for dogs, cats, and other pets covering vet bills for illness and injury. | £120–£700/yr |
| Car Insurance | Compulsory third-party liability cover and optional comprehensive protection for your car. | £350–£2,500/yr |
| Motorcycle Insurance | Insurance for motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters. | £180–£1,200/yr |
| Life Insurance (Term) | Term life insurance pays a lump sum if the policyholder dies within the specified term. | £80–£600/yr |
| Critical Illness Cover | Pays a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with a specified critical illness — typically cancer, heart attack, or stroke. | £200–£1,200/yr |
| Income Protection | Pays a regular monthly income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. | £200–£1,500/yr |
| Phone & Gadget Insurance | Covers smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other gadgets against accidental damage, theft, loss, and breakdown after the manufacturer's warranty expires.. | £30–£150/yr |
| Sports Equipment Insurance | Specialist insurance for sports equipment — bicycles, golf clubs, ski gear, water sports equipment, and musical instruments. | £40–£300/yr |
1. Pet Insurance
£120–£700/yrInsurance for dogs, cats, and other pets covering vet bills for illness and injury. Available as accident-only, time-limited, maximum benefit, or lifetime cover.
Covers
- Vet fees for illness and injury
- Emergency treatment
- Surgery and hospitalisation
- Specialist referrals
Excludes
- Pre-existing conditions
- Routine vaccinations and preventative treatment
- Pregnancy and breeding
- Elective cosmetic procedures
Available in: United Kingdom, Ireland
2. Car Insurance
£350–£2,500/yrCompulsory third-party liability cover and optional comprehensive protection for your car. Available as third party only, third party fire and theft, or comprehensive.
Covers
- Third-party liability (mandatory — injury/damage to others)
- Fire and theft (TPFT and comprehensive)
- Accidental damage to own vehicle (comprehensive)
- Personal accident benefit
Excludes
- Driving without a valid licence
- Use outside permitted purposes (e.g., using social cover for courier delivery)
- Driver under influence of alcohol or drugs
- Mechanical breakdown
Available in: United Kingdom, Ireland, Armenia, Georgia, Germany, France
3. Motorcycle Insurance
£180–£1,200/yrInsurance for motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters. Mandatory third-party cover with optional comprehensive protection.
Covers
- Third-party liability (mandatory)
- Theft (TPFT and comprehensive)
- Accidental damage (comprehensive)
- Helmet and leathers cover
Excludes
- Racing or track use
- Riding without a valid motorcycle licence
- Modifications not declared to insurer
Available in: United Kingdom, Ireland, Armenia
4. Life Insurance (Term)
£80–£600/yrTerm life insurance pays a lump sum if the policyholder dies within the specified term. Provides financial protection for dependants — mortgage repayment, income replacement, or family security.
Covers
- Lump sum death benefit
- Terminal illness benefit (typically included)
- Option: decreasing term (mortgage protection)
- Option: level term (income protection)
Excludes
- Suicide within first 12–24 months (check policy)
- Pre-existing undisclosed medical conditions
- Deaths related to illegal activities
Available in: United Kingdom, Ireland, Armenia
5. Critical Illness Cover
£200–£1,200/yrPays a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with a specified critical illness — typically cancer, heart attack, or stroke. Provides financial cushion during recovery.
Covers
- Cancer (most types)
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Multiple sclerosis
Excludes
- Conditions not on the specified list
- Pre-existing conditions
- Non-invasive cancers (check exact terms)
- Survival period requirement (typically 14 days post-diagnosis)
Available in: United Kingdom, Ireland
6. Income Protection
£200–£1,500/yrPays a regular monthly income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. Covers up to 60–70% of your gross income until you recover, retire, or the policy term ends.
Covers
- Monthly income payment (up to 60–70% of gross earnings)
- Covers any illness or injury preventing work
- Short or long-term payment periods
- Own occupation or any occupation definition
Excludes
- Pre-existing conditions (moratorium basis)
- Unemployment (redundancy) — not covered
- Self-inflicted injury
Available in: United Kingdom, Ireland
7. Phone & Gadget Insurance
£30–£150/yrCovers smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other gadgets against accidental damage, theft, loss, and breakdown after the manufacturer's warranty expires.
Covers
- Cracked screens and accidental damage
- Theft (with police report)
- Loss (check policy — not all include this)
- Breakdown after manufacturer warranty
Excludes
- Pre-existing damage
- Theft from unattended vehicles
- Cosmetic damage not affecting functionality
Available in: United Kingdom, Ireland, Armenia, Ghana, Kenya
8. Sports Equipment Insurance
£40–£300/yrSpecialist insurance for sports equipment — bicycles, golf clubs, ski gear, water sports equipment, and musical instruments. Covers theft, accidental damage, and loss at events.
Covers
- Theft — at home, in transit, or at events
- Accidental damage
- Loss at competitions or sports venues
- Worldwide cover during travel
Excludes
- Wear and tear
- Items left in unattended vehicles (check policy)
- Damage during organised racing (some policies)
Available in: United Kingdom, Ireland, Europe
Frequently asked questions
What types of personal protection insurance are there?
The main options are Pet Insurance, Car Insurance, Motorcycle Insurance, Life Insurance (Term), Critical Illness Cover, Income Protection, Phone & Gadget Insurance, Sports Equipment Insurance. Each protects against a different risk, so the right choice depends on your circumstances.
How much does personal protection insurance cost in the UK?
Typical annual premiums in this category range from £30 to £2,500 per year depending on the cover and your circumstances. Get a live quote for an accurate price.
What is the difference between lifetime and time-limited pet insurance?
Lifetime pet insurance renews cover for ongoing conditions each year — it is the most comprehensive and most expensive type. Time-limited cover pays vet fees up to a set limit per condition per year; once the limit is reached, or the year ends, that condition is excluded.
What is the minimum car insurance required in the UK?
Third-party only (TPO) is the legal minimum in the UK. It covers injury or damage you cause to others and their property, but nothing for your own vehicle. Comprehensive cover includes TPO plus damage to your own car.
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GeraSure is a comparison and referral service. Insurance products are provided by FCA-authorised or equivalent regulated insurers in each jurisdiction. GeraSure does not underwrite insurance policies and does not provide financial advice. Always read the policy wording before purchasing.