PROTECTION ADVICE
Accident, Sickness & Unemployment Cover
Accident, Sickness & Unemployment Cover (ASU) is designed to provide a regular monthly benefit if you’re unable to work due to accident, sickness or involuntary unemployment, subject to the policy terms, conditions and any applicable exclusions. We’ll explain how it works, what it could help protect and whether it may be appropriate for your circumstances.
Based in Dorset, providing mortgage and protection advice to clients across the UK by telephone, video and face-to-face appointments.
Advising Clients UK-Wide
Telephone, Video & Face-to-Face
PROTECTION PLANNING
Building your protection plan
Choosing the right protection starts with understanding the financial risks you want to prepare for and how different types of cover may work together.
Consider Your Financial Commitments
Review your regular household expenses and the income your family relies on each month.
Understand The Available Cover
We'll explain how Accident, Sickness & Unemployment Cover works and how it compares with other protection options.
Choose Appropriate Protection
If suitable, we'll help you select cover that reflects your circumstances, budget and financial priorities.
Review As Life Changes
Your protection can be reviewed whenever your job, income or family circumstances change.
UNDERSTANDING THE BENEFITS
Why Consider Accident, Sickness & Unemployment Cover?
Your income supports much more than your mortgage or rent. Everyday household bills, food, utilities, childcare and other regular commitments can all become more difficult to manage if you're unable to work. Accident, Sickness & Unemployment Cover is designed to help provide short-term financial support during periods when you're unable to earn your usual income, subject to the policy terms, conditions and any applicable exclusions.
Help With Everyday Living Costs
Regular monthly benefits may help you continue meeting essential household expenses while you're unable to work, helping reduce financial pressure during difficult periods.
Financial Reassurance
Knowing you may have financial support in place can provide greater reassurance while you focus on recovering or finding new employment.
Protection Against Different Risks
Depending on the policy selected, cover may be available for accident, sickness, involuntary unemployment or a combination of these events.
Suitable For Different Households
Whether you own your home or rent, Accident, Sickness & Unemployment Cover may help support the financial commitments that matter most to you.
Short-Term Financial Support
Benefits are generally designed to provide temporary financial assistance while you recover or return to work, subject to the policy terms and benefit period.
Part Of A Wider Protection Plan
Accident, Sickness & Unemployment Cover may complement other protection arrangements depending on your circumstances, employment and financial priorities.
HOW IT WORKS
How Accident, Sickness & Unemployment Cover Works
Accident, Sickness & Unemployment Cover is designed to provide short-term financial support if you're unable to work due to accident, sickness or involuntary unemployment, subject to the policy terms, conditions and any applicable exclusions.
Choose Your Cover
Select the level and type of cover that reflects your circumstances, subject to the options available from the insurer.
Your Policy Starts
Once accepted by the insurer and the policy is in force, cover begins in accordance with the policy terms and conditions.
If You're Unable To Work
If you're unable to work due to a covered event, you can make a claim which the insurer will assess against the policy terms.
Waiting Period
Most policies include a waiting or deferred period before benefit payments begin. The length varies by policy.
Monthly Benefit
If your claim is accepted, the policy may provide regular monthly payments for the agreed benefit period.
Return To Work
Benefit payments normally stop when you return to work, reach the maximum benefit period or the claim otherwise ends under the policy terms.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR OPTIONS
How Accident, Sickness & Unemployment Cover Fits Into A Wider Protection Plan
No single protection policy is designed to cover every financial risk. Accident, Sickness & Unemployment Cover can provide short-term monthly support following a covered event, while other types of protection may respond in different ways.
Understanding the role of each product can help you consider how they may work alongside one another, depending on your circumstances, existing benefits, priorities and budget.
SHORT-TERM MONTHLY SUPPORT
Accident, Sickness & Unemployment Cover
Accident, Sickness & Unemployment Cover is designed to provide a regular monthly benefit if you are unable to work because of a covered accident, sickness or involuntary unemployment event.
Benefits are usually payable for a defined maximum period and remain subject to waiting periods, eligibility criteria, exclusions, claim requirements and the other terms of the policy.
LONGER-TERM INCOME SUPPORT
Income Protection
Income Protection is designed to replace part of your income if illness or injury prevents you from working. It may provide support for a longer period than ASU, depending on the policy selected.
Explore Income ProtectionMORTGAGE-SPECIFIC SUPPORT
Mortgage Payment Protection Insurance
Mortgage Payment Protection Insurance is designed specifically around monthly mortgage repayments if accident, sickness or, depending on the policy, unemployment prevents you from working.
Explore Mortgage Payment ProtectionLUMP-SUM SUPPORT
Critical Illness Cover
Critical Illness Cover is designed to pay a lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of the specified critical illnesses covered by the policy, subject to its terms and conditions.
Explore Critical Illness CoverKEEPING YOUR COVER UP TO DATE
When Should You Review Your Cover?
Your employment, income and household commitments can all change over time. Reviewing your Accident, Sickness & Unemployment Cover can help you understand whether the policy still reflects your current circumstances, existing benefits and financial priorities.
LIFE AND WORK CAN CHANGE
Your Protection Should Still Reflect Your Circumstances
Accident, Sickness & Unemployment Cover is often arranged around a particular job, income level or set of household commitments. If those circumstances change, the level or type of cover you have may need reviewing.
A review does not automatically mean replacing your policy. Existing benefits, exclusions, underwriting, cost and any changes in health should all be considered before making a recommendation.
You Have Changed Jobs
A new employer, role or contract may change your income, sick pay, redundancy terms or other workplace benefits.
You Have Become Self-Employed
Self-employment can affect eligibility, unemployment cover and the evidence required when making a claim.
Your Household Income Has Changed
A rise or fall in household income may alter the level of monthly support you would want to consider.
Your Commitments Have Increased
Higher rent, mortgage payments, childcare or other regular costs can change the financial impact of being unable to work.
You Have Bought Or Moved Home
Moving home often changes monthly outgoings and can be a sensible time to review your wider protection arrangements.
It Has Been Several Years
If your cover has not been reviewed for some time, a conversation can help confirm whether it still reflects your needs.
WHY CHOOSE CONRAD FINANCIAL SERVICES?
Advice That's Focused On Your Circumstances
The most appropriate protection depends on your employment, income, household commitments, existing benefits and personal priorities. We take the time to understand your circumstances, explain the available options clearly and recommend cover that is appropriate for your needs.
Personalised Protection Advice
Recommendations are based on your circumstances, financial commitments, employment and existing protection.
Clear, Straightforward Explanations
We explain how the cover works, what it may protect and the limitations you need to understand.
Regulated Advice
Conrad Financial Services is an Appointed Representative of Mortgage Intelligence Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Support As Things Change
We can help you review your protection when your employment, income, household or financial commitments change.
CLIENT EXPERIENCE
★★★★★
Clear Advice Without Any Pressure
“Everything was explained clearly and in a way that was easy to understand. We never felt pressured, and the advice focused on the cover that made sense for our circumstances and budget. The whole process felt professional and reassuring.”
WHY CHOOSE CONRAD FINANCIAL SERVICES?
Advice That's Focused On Your Circumstances
The most appropriate protection depends on your employment, income, household commitments, existing benefits and personal priorities. We take the time to understand your circumstances, explain the available options clearly and recommend cover that is appropriate for your needs.
Personalised Protection Advice
Recommendations are based on your circumstances, financial commitments, employment and existing protection.
Clear, Straightforward Explanations
We explain how the cover works, what it may protect and the limitations you need to understand.
Regulated Advice
Conrad Financial Services is an Appointed Representative of Mortgage Intelligence Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Support As Things Change
We can help you review your protection when your employment, income, household or financial commitments change.
CLIENT EXPERIENCE
★★★★★
Clear Advice Without Any Pressure
“Everything was explained clearly and in a way that was easy to understand. We never felt pressured, and the advice focused on the cover that made sense for our circumstances and budget. The whole process felt professional and reassuring.”
ACCIDENT, SICKNESS & UNEMPLOYMENT KNOWLEDGE HUB
Featured Accident, Sickness & Unemployment Guides
Accident, Sickness & Unemployment Cover can involve several important decisions, including the risks covered, waiting period, monthly benefit and maximum benefit period. Explore our guides to understand how this type of cover works, how it compares with other protection options and the factors to consider before arranging or reviewing a policy.
ASU Cover
Accident and sickness cover or income protection?
Compare accident and sickness cover with income protection, including benefit periods, claim definitions, waiting periods and the risks each may address.
Read Guide
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Unemployment insurance: exclusions and eligibility considerations
Explore common unemployment insurance exclusions, eligibility checks, evidence requirements and circumstances that may affect whether a claim can be made.
Read GuideACCIDENT, SICKNESS, & UNEMPLOYMENT COVER FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Accident, Sickness & Unemployment Cover
Accident, Sickness & Unemployment Cover can seem complicated, particularly when comparing policy options, waiting periods and the events that may be covered. Understanding how the benefit works and the limitations that may apply can help you make more informed decisions. Below are answers to some of the questions we’re most commonly asked. If you’d like advice tailored to your circumstances, we’re here to help.
Need clarity?
Need Help With Your Protection?
Not sure which type of protection may be right for you? Book an initial conversation and we’ll help you understand your options.
What is Accident, Sickness & Unemployment Cover?
What does ASU cover?
How is ASU different from Income Protection?
How is ASU different from Mortgage Payment Protection Insurance?
Does ASU cover redundancy?
Is there a waiting period before payments begin?
How long will ASU pay out for?
How much monthly benefit can I choose?
Can self-employed people get ASU cover?
What exclusions may apply?
Can I have ASU alongside other protection?
Can I change or replace an existing ASU policy?
What happens when I return to work?
How do I know whether ASU is suitable for me?
LET'S START THE CONVERSATION
Ready To Protect What Matters Most?
Whether you’re protecting your family, your income or your mortgage, we’re here to help you understand your options. We’ll explain everything clearly, answer your questions and recommend protection that’s appropriate for your circumstances.
- Personal, tailored protection advice
- Telephone, video and face-to-face appointments
- Dorset based, supporting clients across the UK
- Usually respond within one working day
READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?
Let’s Talk About Your Mortgage & Protection Plans.
Whether you’re buying your first home, moving house, remortgaging, self-employed, a company director or looking to protect your family, we’re here to help you make confident decisions.