What IP insurers can learn from I, Daniel Blake

clock • 8 min read

Melissa Collett discusses the lessons that income protection insurers can learn from 'I, Daniel Blake's' narrative of the state benefits system and how to treat customers at point of claim.

Like many people, I went to see I, Daniel Blake with some trepidation. I knew the film was about a man who became too ill to work, but was unsuccessful at claiming sickness benefit (nowadays called Employment Support Allowance). The film would depict him fighting the system, and director, Ken Loach, who is famous for his gritty realism, would spare no punches in depicting the man's battle against the state and the bleakness of his future. It would not be an uplifting evening in the cinema. But I found myself feeling surprisingly positive afterwards. Although the man's situation goes f...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on Individual Protection

Decline in new sales for most protection lines: Swiss Re Term & Health Watch

Decline in new sales for most protection lines: Swiss Re Term & Health Watch

L&G overtakes Aviva in term assurance sales

Jaskeet Briah
clock 21 May 2026 • 3 min read
Mental Health Awareness Week is not just for clients

Mental Health Awareness Week is not just for clients

Mental health resources and opinion

Cameron Roberts
clock 15 May 2026 • 4 min read
Third of LV= customers accessing mental health support aged 26-35

Third of LV= customers accessing mental health support aged 26-35

Anxiety primary reason for access

Jaskeet Briah
clock 14 May 2026 • 1 min read