Consumers lack understanding of protection products: MetLife

One in five haven’t heard of income protection

John Brazier
clock • 2 min read

New research from MetLife UK has found the extent to which consumers do not understand protection products, despite many requiring cover.

The survey of 2,000 UK adults found that around one in five (19%) of people had never heard of income protection, while a similar percentage (20%) may have heard of the product but did not know what it covered. Levels of critical illness cover comprehension similar, with 16% of respondents having never heard of it and 18% unsure of what it covers. Knowledge of life and health insurance is more widespread according to the survey results, with only 7% and 9% respectively unaware of the products, but understanding of what the policies cover is incomplete, at 12% and 14% for life and heal...

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

Two thirds of adults face barriers to securing life cover

Two thirds of adults face barriers to securing life cover

UnderwriteMe research findings

Jaskeet Briah
clock 09 April 2026 • 2 min read
Unpaid carers spend four working days per week supporting elderly relatives

Unpaid carers spend four working days per week supporting elderly relatives

10 hours per week spent on bureaucratic tasks

Jaskeet Briah
clock 08 April 2026 • 2 min read
Probate cases taking nearly two years rise by 131%

Probate cases taking nearly two years rise by 131%

Increased risk of interest accruing on IHT

Jaskeet Briah
clock 07 April 2026 • 2 min read