World Diabetes Day 2023

World Diabetes Day happens in November every year and is a day to celebrate everyone living with diabetes and the amazing achievements in diabetes care and research.

This is a time where charities and organisations across the globe come together to raise awareness of diabetes symptoms and campaign for fair access to diabetes care for all.

Diabetes is a treatable condition that shouldn’t stop you from living your life to the fullest. With the right treatment and symptom management, diabetics can live long and happy lives.

What is World Diabetes Day?

World Diabetes Day is a global event celebrating everyone in the world living with diabetes. The very first world diabetes day was in 1991 and was arranged by IDF and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

It is one of the biggest diabetes awareness campaigns in the World, with more than 1 billion people celebrating every year.

The reason that the 14th of November is World Diabetes Day is because it is the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, one of the co-discoverers of insulin.

When is World Diabetes Day 2023?

This year, World Diabetes Day falls on Tuesday 14th of November 2023. This day is a great opportunity to help raise awareness of diabetes and the signs and symptoms to recognise which can lead to earlier diagnosis.

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What is the theme of World Diabetes Day 2023?

There has actually been an ongoing theme for World Diabetes Day since 2021 which has been ‘Access to Diabetes Care’.

Better access to diabetes care and treatment can help prevent type 2 diabetes and complications. amazing organisations such as Diabetes UK we are caught every year it’s campaign for better access to care and more awareness of early symptoms of diabetes.

The sooner diabetes is caught the less damage can be done, and many people with diabetes will live happy and healthy lives. Knowing about the risks around developing type 2 diabetes can help reduce the number of cases that are diagnosed.

How do I get involved with World Diabetes Day 2023?

There are some easy and simple ways to do your part and show your support for people living with diabetes and to encourage diabetes awareness. You can:

• The World Diabetes Day website suggests ‘exercise in blue’ – wearing an item of blue clothing while exercising to help raise awareness of type 2 diabetes
• Join the ‘Global Diabetes Walk’ which was introduced by the World Diabetes Foundation where you walk to promote the importance of exercise and healthy living in reducing diabetes risk and symptoms
• Share helpful resources with others in person, online or on your social media (using #WorldDiabetesDay and #EducationToProtect)
• Take an online diabetes education course so you are more aware of symptoms and what to watch out for
• Organise your own event to raise money for diabetes charities

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What are the most common symptoms of diabetes?

Early diagnosis can be key to helping too get the right treatments or even reverse diabetes (in the case of type 2). Being aware of which symptoms could indicate diabetes can help you spot them in yourself or others. Here are the most common symptoms of diabetes to be aware of:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination (especially at night)
• Tiredness/fatigue
• Weight loss
• Itchiness in the genital area
• Recurring yeast infections
• Blurred vision
• Fruity smelling breath
• Cuts or grazes that don’t heal

Diabetes charities and support UK

There are some amazing charities in the UK that offer support and resources to people who have diabetes, have family members with diabetes or simply have questions about the condition.

You can speak to charities and organisations such as:

Diabetes UK

Diabetes UK is the UK’s biggest and best known diabetes charity who work to raise awareness of diabetes in the UK. One of their main focuses is on diabetes prevention and helping people with diabetes live long and happy lives.

They have a range of resources and guides available for their supporters and an online forum where people living with diabetes can connect and share advice and helpful resources.

Contact details

Online – Diabetes UK – Get in touch

Telephone – 0345 123 2399 (9AM – 6PM Monday to Friday)

diabetes.co.uk

Diabetes.co.uk is an online community forum for people living with diabetes, their family members and friends and supporters or carers. It is one of the biggest online resources and forums for people living with diabetes.

Their website includes popular guides to various types of diabetes and how to recognise symptoms. There are also useful pages which include tips on reducing sugar and how to place type 2 diabetes into remission.

Contact details

Join the forum – Diabetes.co.uk Forum

Online – Get in touch

JDRF

JDRF are a global organisation who work hard to fund research into type 1 diabetes, in an effort to end this condition worldwide. their vision and mission is ‘a world without type one diabetes’.

They have some brilliant resources for type 1 diabetics on their website, including helpful information about living with type 1 diabetes and basic knowledge for people who are newly diagnosed. There’s also an online community there, where people across the world can share their knowledge and advice.

Contact details

Online support – Type 1 Diabetes Online Support Team

General enquiries – JDRF Supporter Questions

Frequently asked questions about diabetes

Can I get life insurance with diabetes?

YES – It is absolutely possible to get great life insurance with diabetes, in fact some insurers can offer specialist policies for diabetics!

The key to finding the best cover is knowing where to look and which insurers will offer the fairest pricing. This is where it can be helpful to speak to a diabetes life insurance expert wit the right background and expertise.

Our team are proud to have more than 20 years worth of expertise in diabetes life insurance and know exactly which providers will offer great benefits and the best pricing.

Helpful diabetes resources and guides

Here is a list of our TOP insurance guides for people living with diabetes.

• DIABETES HEALTH INSURANCE
• DIABETES TRAVEL INSURANCE
• CRITICAL ILLNESS COVER AND DIABETES
• BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS GUIDE
• DIABETES LIFE INSURANCE
• TYPE 2 DIABETES LIFE INSURANCE
• FACTS ABOUT DIABETES

Purple Tuesday 2023 – Improving Customer Service For People With Disabilities 365 Days A Year

Purple Tuesday is a global movement dedicated to improving the experience of disabled customers across the World. The first Tuesday in every November is the time when businesses can come together and promise to make changes that can have a real and lasting impact over the next 12 months.

The aim of Purple Tuesday is to promote awareness and understanding of all types of disabilities and work towards better accessibility and practices within workplaces and businesses. We can all do our bit, whether as a business or an individual, to provide better support and understand for people with disabilities.

Having a disability shouldn’t have to stop you from getting the life insurance you need, and our team of skilled experts work hard to make sure all our customers are treated fairly.

What is Purple Tuesday?

Purple Tuesday is an ongoing movement that is dedicated to disability awareness and inclusivity. Purple Tuesday points out on their website that:

• 1.3billion people in the World have some form of disability (17% of the World’s population)
• 80% of disabilities are ‘hidden disabilities’ such as autism (which is where the amazing work of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower does a brilliant job)
• 75% of people with disabilities have chosen not to use a business due to poor customer service or accessibility

Purple Tuesday encourages businesses to make one public commitment every year to work harder to improve the experience of their customers with disabilities. This can include things like awareness training, accessibility testing for websites or courses to improve customer service.

When is Purple Tuesday?

Purple Tuesday is a movement that works year round to support people with disabilities in receiving fair treatment. Purple Tuesday uses the first Tuesday of November every year as a international day of celebration that promotes inclusivity for all.

In 2022, more than 23million people Worldwide celebrated Purple Tuesday, with celebrations in countries including the United Kingdom, America, UAE (United Arab Emirates), Pakistan and Malaysia.

How to get involved on Purple Tuesday 2023

There are some great ways to get involved for this year’s Purple Tuesday celebrations. Businesses can go to the Purple Tuesday website and:

• Register your business to take part (make a commitment to improving accessibility and practices)
• Register as an individual and celebrate online using the hashtag #PurpleTuesday
• Complete the online disabled customer survey to help be a voice for change
• Visit the London celebrations for Purple Tuesday 2023
• Use the FREE online resources to help you to promote disability awareness

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How does iam|INSURED provide the best service for customers with disabilities?

We’re proud of how hard we fight for the best outcomes for every one of our customers. Having a disability shouldn’t mean that life insurance is out of reach and often you will still be able to get covered with the right advice.

Our team have more than 20 years worth of expertise and have helped thousands of customers with a range of different disabilities to find the perfect cover to protect their loved ones.

We also understand that many of our customers may have had poor experiences or even faced discrimination in the past due to their disabilities. This is why we have worked tirelessly this year to redesign our online quotes tool, so anyone who wants to can get their quotes online quickly and easily without needing to speak to one of our team members.

To get an online quote all you will need to do is:

• Fill in some personal details about yourself (name, date of birth etc.) and the type of cover you need e.g. family life insurance or mortgage life insurance
• Complete a medical questionnaire (give as much detail as possible so we can find you the BEST quotes)
• Our team will then search the market for the best possible quotes for the cover you need
• Your quotes will be sent directly to you via email and you can choose whether to buy a policy based on the quotes you have received
• Let us know if you want to go ahead and we will activate your policy and get all the relevant documents and details sent over to you
• We can then set up a FREE trust for you to help you avoid tax charges and probate for your life insurance pay out – See our ultimate trusts guide for more information

International Stress Awareness Week 2023

Every year there is a week at the start of November dedicated to highlighting the dangers of stress and the impact that stress can have on both our physical and mental health.

International Stress Awareness Week is a great opportunity for people around the World to assess the impact of stress on their lives and what we can all do to reduce the stigma around stress.

Stress can have a huge impact on our overall health, so it is important to prioritise self-care and our mental health where we can. Applying for policies like life insurance can feel stressful or difficult if you’ve never done this before, which is why our experts work hard to make the process smooth and hassle free.

When is International Stress Awareness Week 2023?

International Stress Awareness Week occurs during the first week of November every year. Due to the way that the dates have fallen, this year’s International Stress Awareness Week is 30^th October – 3^rd November 2023. November 2nd is also National Stress Awareness Day in the UK which is dedicated to fighting stress and promoting the importance of mental health and wellbeing.

During this week, we can encourage stress awareness activities and training within our schools, colleges, and workplaces. Some suggested ways to get involved this year include:

• Practicing mindfulness or meditation to reduce our own stress levels
• Learn more about the causes of stress to reduce these triggers for ourselves and others
• Use social media platforms to share and boost posts explain where to find tips and resources to help with stress
• Host a stress reduction workshop or event at work or school
• Volunteer to help a mental health charity or fundraise for them

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What is International Stress Awareness Week 2023?

International Stress Awareness Week is a week in which people across the World help raise awareness of stress as a valid health issue and one that needs more support and understanding.

Common stress symptoms include:

• Anger or irritability
• Being tearful
• Feeling worried, anxious or hopeless
• Difficulty with decision making
• Racing thoughts
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Stomach issues
• Stress induced headaches
• Muscle pain
• Rashes (stress induced)
• Dizziness or fainting
• Nausea

We all occasionally will feel stress in our lives but ongoing stress can be very distressing so it is important to know how to manage our stress and where we can reach out to for support.

Many organisations use Stress Awareness Week as a time to assess if they are offering enough support to their employees suffering with stress and if there are additional resources that they could be offering.

How can we reduce our stress levels?

To reduce our levels of stress it can be helpful to understand what triggers stress. There are some common factors that many people will find stressful – though if you find specific ones stressful will vary from person to person.

Common causes of stress:

• Genetics
• Our experiences
• Relationship problems
• Big life changes (e.g. moving house or changing jobs)
• Loss of a loved one
• Worries about money
• Workplace stress
• Health problems (you or someone you care about)
• Pregnancy
• Loneliness or isolation

Being able to identify these triggers can help us to avoid them or work out a plan to minimise their impact on our mental health. The NHS suggests these tips for dealing with stress to help things feel more manageable and less overwhelming.

• Try using self help techniques: The NHS offers self-help CBT advice* online to help you think of new ways to deal with stress
• Think of what you are thankful for every day (positive thoughts)
• Speak to someone and reach out if you are struggling, people are often more understanding and supportive than we think they are going to be
• Try and break down big tasks into smaller tasks so they don’t feel as overwhelming
• Plan ahead where possible so you feel prepared for the tasks you need to do
• Exercise can do wonders for mental health and feeling better physically will very often improve our mental health too

*NHS – Get your free Mind plan

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Stress and mental health support UK

If you are finding it difficult to manage your stress levels, it can be helpful to reach out for some extra support and guidance. Luckily, there are some brilliant mental health charities working in the UK to support people in dealing with stress such as:

• Mind
• Mental Health UK
• YoungMinds

Does life insurance cover stress?

YES – Stress generally isn’t a life threating condition and so shouldn’t cause any major issues for you if you want to buy life insurance.

Life insurance can be a good way to help relieve some stress around finances, as it gives you peace of mind that your family would be supported in the event of your death. Stress life insurance policies are widely available and usually nowhere near as expensive as you might think.

How to buy stress life insurance?

Stress can come in many forms and will affect every person differently. Your situation may be very different to someone else’s, so It’s important not to worry and make sure that you get the right advice.

The best and easiest way to find a life insurance policy if you have stress is to speak to a life insurance specialist with a good understanding of mental health and how this can impact life insurance applications.

Lupus Awareness Month 2023 UK

October is a time when the UK comes together to raise awareness about a disease that affects many lives but often remains hidden in the shadows – Lupus.

Lupus Awareness Month is a great opportunity for the UK to educate the public, support those living with lupus, and encourage research into this complex autoimmune condition.

Together, we can support those living with lupus, encourage early diagnosis, and drive research efforts to improve the lives of those affected by this autoimmune condition.

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What is Lupus?

Lupus, technically known as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), is an autoimmune disease. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues in the body, leading to inflammation and a range of symptoms. These can include:

• Joint pain
• Fatigue
• Skin rashes
• Damage to organs (e.g. kidneys and heart) – in severe cases

SLE is the most common form of lupus, but there are also 3 other forms of lupus that you can be diagnosed with:

• Discoid (Cutaneous) Lupus Erythematosus (DLE)
• Drug-induced Lupus (DIL)
• Neonatal Lupus

When is Lupus Awareness Month in the UK?

Lupus Awareness Month happens in October every year and gives us a great opportunity to talk more about lupus and how it affects people in the UK.

Lupus UK suggest some easy ways to raise awareness for lupus like:

• Having open conversations and encouraging discussions about lupus in your office, school college and even your own home!
• Wear Purple for Lupus – wear purple clothing to raise money and awareness
• 31 mile challenge – Lupus UK have challenged people to travel 31 miles during the month of October to raise awareness for lupus. This can be done by walking, running, cycling – or basically any way you would like.
• You can host a Lunch4Lupus event and invite guests to make a donation to Lupus UK
• Adopt a Hospital – You can order a display stand from Lupus UK to donate to your local hospital which contains bookmarks full of information about lupus and Lupus UK.
• Lupus UK have some brilliant online resources available that you can download to help with your fundraising efforts.

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Why is Lupus awareness so important?

Lupus is a condition that isn’t talked about enough and this month is a good opportunity to raise awareness of what lupus is and how we can help. Raising awareness allows us to:

• Help people understand what the symptoms of lupus are to encourage earlier diagnosis. An earlier start to treatment can help minimise any long term damage to the body and improve quality of life.
• Help to reduce stigma and misunderstanding around lupus and create a more supportive environment for lupus patients
• Fundraising can help in building vital funds to further advance lupus research into better treatments and potential cures
• Better understanding by healthcare professionals can help to improve care and outcomes for lupus patients and other patients with autoimmune disorders

Who are Lupus UK?

Lupus UK is a dedicated UK charity that works tirelessly to support individuals affected by lupus and promote awareness and understanding of this autoimmune disease. The charity offers a range of crucial services, including information resources, support networks, and advocacy for those living with lupus.

Lupus UK is the main charity in this country that works to help lupus patients and plays a pivotal role in funding research initiatives aimed at improving the diagnosis, treatment, and management of lupus.

You can contact Lupus UK for support, guidance and resources if you or someone you know has been diagnosed with lupus.

Lupus UK Contact Details

You can speak to one of Lupus UK’s Contacts (Volunteers) who can help offer emotional support and point you in the direction of helpful resources.

They aren’t medical professionals but are usually people who have lupus themselves or have a family member with the condition.

You can request support from a Contact here: Lupus UK – Lupus UK Contacts

Can I get life insurance with lupus?

Life insurance is a great way to provide your family with some extra financial security if anything happened to you in the future.

If you have lupus, you might be worried this will make getting life insurance difficult or overly expensive. Thankfully this isn’t the case, as while lupus can have a big impact on your life it’s not generally considered life threatening.

There are a few extra things to think about though, so it can be worth speaking to a lupus life insurance expert to make sure you get the right policy and the best price.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month October 2023

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – a time to learn how to better recognise the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and to support those fighting the brave battle against it.

Around 1 in 7 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lifetime – a shockingly high figure. With so many people in the UK affected, it is important to do what we can to help.

There are some brilliant charities in the UK who use this month as a chance to raise awareness and spread important information about how to recognise breast cancer as early as possible.

What month is for breast cancer awareness 2023?

In October every year, breast cancer charities come together to raise awareness of the main signs of breast cancer (and those that are often missed or dismissed).

This October, the main focus is on secondary breast cancer. This is where the cancer has started in the breast and then moved to another area in the body and is sadly usually not curable. There have been some great advancements in medicine though and more and more people are now living longer following this diagnosis.

Is October pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

Pink is the main colour associated with breast cancer awareness and breast cancer charities. The pink ribbon is often sold to raise money to help fight against breast cancer and fund research into curing this awful disease.

The ribbons are worn to show solidarity with the people fighting against breast cancer every day and those who have lost their lives.

What is Wear it Pink day?

Wear It Pink Day happens on the 20^th October every year and is a fun way to raise money for breast cancer charities.

On October 20^th, you can wear pink clothes, accessories and more to your workplace or school/college to raise awareness for breast cancer. The main charity associated with this fundraising day is Breast Cancer Now who can also supply useful resources to help you with your fundraising mission.

More information – Breast Cancer Now – Wear It Pink

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Frequently asked questions about breast cancer

What to do if you think you have breast cancer

If you notice any changes to your breasts, chest or pecs you should see your doctor or GP immediately. Your doctor will then examine you to see if you need further tests or treatments.

If you have a policy like private health insurance, you may be able to access specialist support during diagnosis and treatment through your insurance provider. Some of the best health insurance providers with cancer cover include:

Our Health Insurance Partners .

Private health insurance can be a great way to protect yourself and your health if you have a family history of breast cancer with top quality private cancer care. The benefits on offer include things like cover for at home chemotherapy, monitoring, faster diagnosis and more.

Are there breast cancer support groups in the UK?

It will be a scary time for anyone if they are diagnosed with breast cancer but luckily there are many great charities and services in the UK that can provide resources and support. This include support for the person who has been diagnosed as well as supporting their family members and loved ones during this difficult time.

You can contact organisations like:

Top UK Breast Cancer Charities

Any one of these charities will be able to offer support and resources that may be useful for someone fighting cancer or their family members. They will usually also have contact details on their websites for if you wanted to speak to someone directly for extra advice.

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Can I buy life insurance with breast cancer?

Being diagnosed breast cancer can make you re-evaluate what’s important and how best to protect the people that you love. Life insurance is a great way to provide financial security for the people you care about the most. A life insurance policy will pay out a cash lump sum in the event of your death, which your family can use for important expenses like funeral costs and mortgage repayments.

If you currently have breast cancer, your choice of cover may be more limited but there can still be some great options to protect your loved ones. You may also be worried about playing life insurance if you’ve had cancer in the past or you have a strong family history of cancer.

The best thing to do is to speak to a breast cancer life insurance specialist for free and friendly advice. Our skilled team of advisors have over 20 years of expertise I know which providers and policies will work best in this situation.

National Cholesterol Month 2023

It’s National Cholesterol Month 2023… so it’s time to take action and talk about how to reduce our cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is a growing problem in the UK and it’s easily preventable with the right lifestyle choices.

Our hearts are the centre of our entire bodies – we literally couldn’t live without them! This is why it’s so important to take proper care of our heart health.

Easy ways to improve your heart health include being more active, improving your diet and checking with a doctor if you’re worried.

What month is cholesterol awareness month?

National Cholesterol Awareness Month happens in October every year in the UK. This is a time when charities and other health organisations come together to raise awareness of the dangers of high cholesterol and ways to improve your overall heart health.

This month is a great opportunity to reassess our health and make some lifestyle changes. Lowering your levels can make you fitter – and can help lower the price of some of the main UK insurance policies like life insurance, critical illness cover or income protection insurance.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is found in everyone’s bodies and is needed for cell function, but too much can lead to a build-up of fatty deposits in your blood vessels. This can increase your risk of bigger problems such as a heart disease and stroke.

Remember – certain types of cholesterol are harmless (helpful even!) in lower levels. Higher levels are manageable and sometimes reversible (in less severe cases).

Here are the two main forms you can find in the body:

• Low density lipoprotein (LDL) – which is known as the “bad” form of cholesterol
• High density lipoprotein (HDL) – which is known as “good” cholesterol, which helps to carry cholesterol to your liver and absorb the “bad” form from your blood

It’s quick and easy to test your levels if you’re worried. Simply contact a doctor or healthcare professional and get tested with either a blood test or finger prick test. These tested check the level of cholesterol in your blood.

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What are the risks of high cholesterol?

Most people with high cholesterol will be generally healthy, but there are still other risks to think about. A build up in your arteries can put you at a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases and other medical conditions such as:

• Heart conditions
• Coronary heart disease
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Blood clots
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Frequently asked questions about cholesterol

How do I improve my cholesterol levels?

Don’t worry if your cholesterol is on the higher side, there are ways to manage and reduce high your levels.

Heart Research UK recommends these top tips to reduce cholesterol and keep your heart at its best:

• Eat high fibre foods to reduce the risk of heart disease and keep cholesterol levels low. This includes getting your 5-a-day (fruit and veg) plus healthy alternatives to the foods you love such as wholegrain bread, rice or pasta.
• Believe it or not, a healthy bowl of porridge in the morning can help with your cholesterol levels. Porridge oats contain beta-glucan which is a form of soluble fibre known to help lower cholesterol.
• Swap out the saturated fats for health forms of fat (unsaturated) like oily fish, olive oil and avocados to increase your ‘good cholesterol’ levels.
• Exercise more and stay fit and active to keep your heart healthy and at it’s absolute best.

If your doctor has diagnosed you as having high cholesterol, they can prescribe medication to treat it like:

• Aspirin
• Atorvastatin
• Ezetimibe
• Niacin
• Rosuvastatin
• Simvastatin
• Statins

Are there support groups for high cholesterol?

There are some brilliant charities working to promote heart health in the UK. If you need extra support or want to look through some useful resources, you can speak to:

• Heart UK
• British Heart Foundation
• Heart Research UK

All of these charities do great work to provide helpful information and FREE support for people who are worried about their heart health and need more help and information.

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Can I buy life insurance with high cholesterol?

YES – most of the time high cholesterol won’t cause any major problems when buying a policy like life insurance. You shouldn’t have cholesterol excluded as a reason to claim which means your cover will be the same as it would for someone with no medical conditions.

There’s also some easy ways to save money on your life insurance – with the added bonus of improving your general health.

1. Reduce your cholesterol readings – make some lifestyle changes and exercise more to help reduce your cholesterol levels and this should lead to a lower price.
2. Quit smoking – this will help anyone no matter what their cholesterol levels are. Smokers (or vapers) will generally pay more for life insurance because of the associated risks. You can save significantly once you are classed as a non-smoker (after 12 months of quitting).
3. Talk to an expert – the best and easiest way to save money on high cholesterol life insurance is to speak to a life insurance specialist. An expert will have the right knowledge and experience to find a policy that includes all the features you need at a fair price.

Celebrating World Mental Health Day 2023

October 10^th is an opportunity for people around the World to celebrate World Mental Health Day 2023 and raise awareness and have important conversations about mental health and wellbeing. Every year on this date, mental health charities work hard to highlight the importance of looking after our mental health and supporting others as best we can.

This year’s theme ‘Mental health is a universal human right’ hits hard during a time when many people are struggling mentally due to the current cost of living crisis and the after effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

As a business working within the financial services industry, we see the impact of poor mental health every day and believe it is so important to support the people who are struggling most and point them to the right resources. Financial concerns are becoming one of the biggest reasons for poor mental health in the UK, making policies like income protection insurance even more important for helping with financial stability.

We’re calling for insurance providers to continue working towards better outcomes for people with mental health conditions – everyone has the right to a great policy regardless of their mental (or physical) health.

What is the theme of World Mental Health Day 2023?

Every year a theme is chosen for World Mental Health Day and for 2023 that theme is ‘Mental health is a universal human right’.

Put simply, this means that everyone in the World is entitled to the respect and support they need to prioritise their mental health. There are some easy ways that we can all do better in helping the people around us to feel more comfortable in talking about their mental health:

1. Talk about our own mental health and lead by example (offer a ‘safe space’)
2. Be open and encouraging when people want to discuss their mental health
3. Encourage others (in work, at home, at school etc.) to learn more about mental health and how they can help others

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What is the link between financial worries and mental health?

Sadly, money worries have become one of the main driving forces behind deteriorating mental health in the UK. Insurance and mental health experts are calling for better mental health support and resources to be available in workplaces and places of education throughout the country.

It should be a priority for employers to offer services to help their staff who are experiencing mental health issues (or to know the correct resources to signpost to).

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Recent financial research suggests:

• Half of 18-24 year olds worry about their finances due to the ongoing economic crisis (with 70% more concerned than they were last year)
• Stress and anxiety due to financial issues is the leading concern among staff members (around 30% across all generations)
• Debt has replaced work as the highest cause of stress for employees (Gen X)
• 55% of Gen Z do not feel confident in managing their finances with 75% reporting their desire to have received better financial education while in school

There are some brilliant UK charities and support services offering help and education around mental health, financial management and emotional wellbeing.

• MoneyPeopleOnline – FREE financial advice resource
• Mental Health and Money Advice Service – a FREE impartial service run by leading UK charity Mental Health UK
• MoneySavingExpert.com – FREE financial advice resource
• Mind UK – Charity
• YoungMinds – Charity
• Chasing the Stigma – Charity
• Mental Health Foundation – Charity
• Samaritans – Charity

How can I support myself if I need time off work because of mental health?

There are several insurance policies that can be useful for people who are struggling with their mental health or are worried about their financial situation.

Income protection insurance – if you needed time off work due to your mental health, income protection insurance would work to replace your usual income. This can remove some additional stress by ensuring you can still pay your bills no matter how much time off you need.

Health insurance – Private health insurance can help you to cover the cost of private medical treatment if you experienced issues with your mental health. Many insurers will included (or have the option to add) specific mental health support benefits such as counselling.

Critical illness cover – Mental health and physical health are known to be closely linked. If you are diagnosed with a serious condition, you may find your mental health takes a hit as well. In this situation, critical illness cover can provide a cash lump sum which supports you financially so you don’t also need to worry about things such as affording mortgage or rent payments.

Life insurance – if you are worried about how your loved ones would cope financially in the event of your death, life insurance can provide some peace of mind. These policies pay out a cash lump sum to help with things like funeral expenses – which can be extremely costly.

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Helpful mental health insurance guides

If you’re worried that your mental health might affect your chances of getting the insurance you need, here’s some of our useful guides to help answer all of your questions.

• Mental health life insurance
• Does life insurance pay out for suicide?
• Mental health travel insurance
• Guide to mental health conditions and life cover

Useful resources

Here are some additional resources that many be helpful.

NHS – Where to get urgent help for mental health

NHS – Mental health services

The best winter sun holidays for 2023

As we’re finally moving out of summer and into rainy autumn, it’s easy to find our minds drifting to sunnier destinations. You might be after the perfect family friendly trip, a fun filled beach holiday or an adults only resort and there’s lots of options out there to choose from.

There’s some brilliant winter sun holiday destinations out there for anyone dreaming of the perfect winter getaway. All you need to do is choose the ideal holiday spot for your winter break and make sure you’ve got everything sorted with plenty of time to spare.

You might think it’s not worth getting travel insurance this far out from your trip – but you never know what might happen. From cancelled flights to a serious illness, there’s lots of things that could go wrong and if you can’t go on your trip you could lose out. Travel insurance is designed to protect against the unexpected, giving you peace of mind to relax and enjoy your trip.

Where to go for Winter Sun in 2023

In previous years, many winter travellers have opted for long haul trips to destinations like Australia or New Zealand. This year many UK holiday makers are planning on sticking a little closer to home and it’s easy to see why.

European holidays are:

• Quicker to get to (shorter flight times)
• Usually cheap and cheerful (especially in the winter months)
• Offer something for the whole family

After talking with our brilliant travel insurance partners, we can tell you exactly which countries are the go-to choices for this year’s top winter sun holiday deals:

1. Spain – Spain is the UK’s most popular holiday destination each year, with sunny beaches and lower prices. This year Spain has come out on top as the favourite destination for cheap winter sun holidays.
2. The Canary Islands – Another popular go-to destination for UK travellers, especially for those over 50. With some fun activities and decent weather, it’s a good choice for people seeking a relaxing winter holiday in the sun.
3. Australia – Australia still makes the list, with many people choosing to go on a longer adventure abroad. Longer flights mean this isn’t going to be everyone’s first choice but is usually a solid option for those with a bigger budget.
4. USA – America is a popular destination and it’s a big country with a lot of options available. You might choose to have Christmas in New York this year or spend New Years skiing in Colorado.
5. Norway – If you want beautiful views, Norway’s Northern Lights shouldn’t be missed. Not your typical warm and sunny holiday, but definitely one you would remember for years to come.

What about winter sports holidays?

If a poolside break isn’t appealing to you, there’s plenty of other options for a winter holiday. Many people decide adventure is more for them and opt for hiking through the French Alps or snowboarding in the Canadian Rockies.

Whatever type of holiday you choose, don’t forget to think about everything you need before you go. This includes making sure your passport is up to date, all the essentials are packed – and of course that your travel insurance is sorted.

Travel insurance for winter sports is really popular, as there are a lot of things to consider with winter sports holidays. Winter sports travel insurance policies will cover you for:

• Piste closure
• Ski packs that can’t be used (due to injury or illness)
• Lost or stolen ski equipment
• Emergency medical treatment
• Delayed or cancelled flights
• And more….

Do I need travel insurance for my winter sun holiday?

Travel insurance is a good idea no matter what time of year you’re planning on getting away. There are many things that could go wrong either before or after your trip begins, so it’s best to put cover in places as soon as you book.

Travel insurance helps to protect you financially, so you don’t end up stuck with huge bills to pay if your flight is delayed or you need medical treatment while away. It can be frustrating or confusing to find the right travel insurance especially if you have medical conditions which is why we’re here to help!

Here’s our top tips for getting the right travel insurance for your winter sun holiday:

1. Shop around for the best price – decide how much cover you need and then see which providers are offering the best prices
2. Make sure to declare any medical conditions you have – if you don’t you risk the insurer not paying out if you need to claim
3. Talk to a travel insurance expert – an expert can help you search through all your options to find the best policy to protect your holiday.

If you need some more help and advice about your next travel insurance policy, you can get an online quote or talk to a travel insurance expert on 0800 954 0178 (Opening hours – Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm | Saturday 9am – 1pm).

Top travel insurance guides

For more of our top travel insurance tips and all the information you might need, check out more of our handy travel insurance guides.

• Travel insurance with medical conditions
• Medical conditions travel insurance (conditions A – Z)
• Martin Lewis travel insurance pre-existing conditions

Useful resources

Gov.uk – Foreign travel advice

Gov.uk – Travel abroad

Office for National Statistics – Leisure and tourism

HSBC Life announce critical illness cover for Type 2 diabetes

Our trusted insurance partner HSBC Life has announced new rules around critical illness cover which should make things much easier for people living with type 2 diabetes.

HSBC Life previously wouldn’t offer critical illness cover to people with type 2 diabetes as a general rule. Following a lot of research and development, HSBC has decided to start offering critical illness insurance to applicants with well managed type 2 diabetes symptoms.

This is a great step forward in making critical illness insurance more accessible, especially with diabetes being a very treatable and manageable medical condition.

Who is HSBC Life?

Most people in the UK will know of HSBC because they are one of the biggest banks on the UK high street. Not everyone will be aware that HSBC also sell insurance products under the name HSBC Life.

They primarily specialise in life insurance but also sell policies like income protection and critical illness insurance. They have a great claims record – paying out 99% of their life insurance claims in 2021 and 95.5% of their critical illness claims.

How is HSBC Life supporting customers with type 2 diabetes?

HSBC Life is now using enhanced processes to better assess applications from people with type 2 diabetes. This involves a nurse screening that is processed digitally, allowing for faster (even instant) decisions from HSBC Life about whether they will offer cover.

This means many people with type 2 diabetes will be able to get cover easily without the hassle of a GP report or extra medical questions. This innovative approach makes things much simpler and fairer for people living with diabetes in the UK.

Jen Carhart, Head of Underwriting and Claims at HSBC Life (UK) Ltd, has said:

“To be able to realize this without further burden on the NHS and continue to build on digital innovation is a testament to how the world of Underwriting is evolving to support customers and their needs.”

More and more people are being diagnosed each year, with an estimated 4.3 million people currently living with type 2 diabetes in the UK. This is a staggering amount which accounts for around 9% of the overall population of the UK.

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Can I buy critical illness cover with Type 2 diabetes?

In previous years, it was difficult (impossible with HSBC) to find critical illness cover for diabetes due to the associated health risks. Insurers simply didn’t want to take the chance on offering cover due to the various complications that can come from diabetes. Thankfully more insurers now provide this option to make things fairer.

The insurance landscape is now changing for the better with HSBC Life helping to pave the way. To be eligible for a critical illness cover policy with HSBC Life you must:

• Have well managed diabetes symptoms
• Be a non smoker
• Have good levels of cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure

These requirements are strict at the moment, but hopefully this is a first step for HSBC (and other providers) with more inclusive cover becoming available in the future.

Critical illness insurance is an extremely useful policy, paying out a cash lump sum in the event of being diagnosed with a serious illness. These policies can act as lifelines providing much needed financial support with expenses like:

• Private hospital fees or second medical opinions
• Travel expenses when travelling to hospitals/specialists
• Medication costs
• Cost of making necessary adjustments to your home
• Mortgage or rent payments
• General cost of living e.g. utility bills

Useful guides

If you have diabetes and have questions about insurance would work for you, you can read more of our helpful insurance guides.

• Life insurance for diabetics
• Life insurance for diabetics (Type 1)
• Life insurance for diabetics (Type 2)
• Guide to critical illness cover for diabetes
• Diabetes income protection
• Travel insurance for diabetics