4.3 million women are the main breadwinners in their households, earning substantially more than their male partners, yet few have any protection policies in place, LV= has said.
Research from the provider has found on average, female breadwinners earn £14,000 a year more than men; with the proportion of women in their 20s and 30s earning more than their partners rising from 26% to 41% over the last three decades.
However, two fifths (40%) of households are now so reliant on the female breadwinner's income that their partner would not be able to provide sufficient financial support if she were unable to work.
Many female breadwinners have no safety net in place should anything go wrong, with over half (53%) lacking life cover, 80% lacking critical illness cover and 89% lacking income protection cover, the research highlighted.
Mark Jones, LV=head of protection said: "This research certainly throws up some interesting findings and it's fantastic to see antiquated stereotypes being challenged. However, it is worrying that so few have any financial safeguards in place for protecting their lifestyle as it can put them in a precarious position.
"Whether it's the man or the woman that is the higher earner, the responsibility of having others relying on your salary means it's important to consider what would happen if you were unexpectedly unable to work due to illness, accident or unemployment? We would encourage people to ensure they have a backup plan which could offer them financial support, especially if they have children.
"We would urge all couples, be they married or cohabiting, with or without children, to make sure they have appropriate plan to provide sufficient financial security and protect their lifestyles whatever may happen."
