Health & Life Insurance | UK Armed Forces - Why It Matters for Military Personnel

When you’re serving in the UK Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) provides a strong safety net, including subsidised accommodation, medical care, and a 4x salary Death in Service benefit. But the day you leave the military, those protections are no longer valid.

Health and Life Insurance is designed to fill that hole. It provides personal protection tailored to the needs of service leavers, helping to cover scenarios like injury, illness, or even death, which could otherwise place significant financial strain on you or your family.

Common Misconceptions Among Leavers

It’s very common for service personnel not to prioritise insurance during active duty or while transitioning back into civilian life. The complex medical discharge process can take up a lot of time; the MoD offers strong in-service benefits, and many assume those protections continue post-discharge.

Key insurance products gives you the civilian equivalent of your in-service benefits, ensuring you’re not left exposed.

The Real-Life Wake-Up Call: Adam’s Story

In 2016, Adam received devastating news:

“You have a growth at the top of your right testicle, and we’ve booked you in next week to have your testicle removed.”

At age 35, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He hadn’t expected it. His case highlights the emotional toll of critical illness, but more importantly, it shows the financial consequences of delayed cover.

“I had a £40,000.00 critical illness payout… but I could have had better quality cover.”

Today, Adam can no longer get full cancer cover, due to it being a pre-existing condition. His premiums are 110% higher, and exclusions apply.

“THERE IS NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT… I was too busy squaring everyone else away that I didn’t take my own advice.”

What Happens to Your Insurance & Protection After Leaving the Armed Forces

While serving in the Armed Forces, you’ll benefit from:

Free personal accident cover via AFCS
Full sick pay
4x salary Death in Service
Access to doctors and dentists on camp

Once you transition to civilian life, these are no longer valid.

“Almost half of UK businesses do not provide anything beyond the minimum state benefit of Statutory Sick Pay.”

That means many veterans unknowingly step into civilian life without sufficient protection in place.

Benefit	While Serving	After Discharge
Death in Service	4x salary (automatic)	None – requires private cover
Sick Pay	Full pay	Often SSP only
Medical/Dental Access	Free access via MoD	Dependent on NHS/private options
Accident Compensation	AFCS cover	Not applicable – personal cover needed
Critical Illness Cover	Not provided	Must be arranged personally

Key Insurance Products You Should Consider Post-Service

There are a selection of policies that can offer you protection post-service. Each addresses specific vulnerabilities veterans face after discharge.

Life Cover

Pays a lump sum to loved ones if you die during the policy term. It’s essential for those with mortgages, children, or other dependents.

Critical Illness Cover

Payout if you’re diagnosed with a serious illness. Helps fund treatment or replace lost income.

“Critical illness cover could make a big difference if you’re diagnosed with a life-changing illness.”

Income Protection

Provides a monthly tax-free income if you can’t work due to illness or injury.

“This can be a lifeline, particularly on civilian street.”

Private Medical Insurance (PMI)

Fast access to diagnosis and treatment, reducing NHS wait times.

“You may be able to skip NHS waiting lists, have a choice of hospital and treatment types.”

Each product is tailored to the respective individual based on age, job risk, health, and budget, creating a layered safety net that mirrors MoD cover in civilian life.

Why Delaying Health & Life Insurance is Risky

Waiting to buy cover seems harmless, but every year you delay, the cost rises and your eligibility declines.

Age When Cover Is Taken	Monthly Premium (Est.)	Cancer Exclusion?
30	£15–£25	No
40	£30–£45	Possible
50	£50–£90+	Likely

“I now have no cover for cancer as it was pre-existing.”

The earlier you act, the more options you have and the cheaper they are.

How The InsureLife Group Can Help

At Veterans Welfare Group, we’ve seen how financial protection changes lives. That’s why we connect veterans with expert, FCA-authorised partners like The Insure Life Group.

The InsureLife Group offer a free, no-obligation consultation, speaking in plain English to remove the stigma and jargon around financial protection. Their ethos is to build long-term relationships, not quick transactions.

They provide Advice and Recommendation, meaning they take time to understand each client’s needs through completing a detailed Financial Needs Assessment. This allows them to tailor advice, recommend the best options, and review existing plans to ensure they still meet requirements.

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