Myself
My
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British Heart Foundation BHF 2026 Fundraising
Many People Help BHF Foundation 'Raise Vital Funds' for...
Heart Attack Survivors & Loved Ones Lost
BUT ANOTHER QUESTION IS...
"Would your Own Family be 💯 100% Financially Secure IF Something Unexpected Happened?”
*Heart Disease Death every 3 mins
*500+ Parents may die every week
*1/5 Men will Die = Before Age 65
*1/8 Women Die = Before Age 65
“No-Obligation FREE Critical Illness Life Quotes >> 15 Secs | Compare Insurers | FCA regulated | UK based advisers.”
Nothing could be worse if you or a loved one are suddenly diagnosed with serious Heart & Cardiovascular Disease or another Critical Illness.
Then immediately - it's as if your families whole world can feel like it has been turned upside down, bringing along many regular health checks - with unwelcome but necessary medical life changing hospital treatments as needed.
Everyone is waiting for any positive progress, wellness updates, test results & how you are best coping.
SO a welcome and "Valuable Tax-Free Insurance Payout" here - could help to lessen either your short or long term financial burdens & stress, after any untimely heart attack; Whether you're single, a parent or the main breadwinner with dependents.
Yet on average only around 40% of the UK Population hold any type of Life Cover, Critical Illness or Income Protection Insurance cover back-up plan to help protect their family, or made a valid Will. WHY?
Well, perhaps the other 60% either don't want to have a talk about this conversation, until maybe someone close - is critically ill having had heart cardiac failure or sadly dies? Then raising that spectre of everyday finance & money matters - alongside struggling with poor health.
The Pandemic also bought this fact home deeply for many families that life is fragile and good health is often taken for granted - because it's an important topic that needs to be discussed NOT ignored.
So, it’s useful here to compare life insurance, critical illness & income protection - via Best UK Insurers Broker Deals (which can be cheaper than you think) given average UK life & health expectancy.
Typically Insurers in 2026 are still paying out around 97% claims* across all types of insurance products - to protect those who are most vulnerable.
Insurance can help provide financial stability in a difficult world - protecting your regular bills, mortgage, debts or funeral costs.
Perhaps you have some cover already OR are now considering the benefits of taking out a Lifecover, Critical Illness or Income Insurance Policy? >>
As Martin Lewis Money Saving Expert may point out - nobody lives an average life - So factor into your family finance budget whether it's healthy longer twilight years (or shorter with health issues).
Martins' rule of thumb tip here - recommends insuring at least "10 x salary or outgoings" of the main breadwinner for life or critical illness cover + insure upto 2/3rds salary for income protection.
“No-Obligation FREE Critical Illness Life Quotes >> 15 Secs | Compare Insurers | FCA regulated | UK based advisers.”
What does British Heart Foundation (BHF) do?
Founded in 1961, The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is a big UK cardiovascular research charity - funding life saving medical research related for heart & circulatory diseases and their associated risk factors.
On average they say that Heart and Circulatory diseases - typically cause around 25% of all deaths in the UK. As they point out - Cardiovascular diseases can affect anyone.
The BHF poignantly remarks that 'Far too many of us have felt the pain of losing someone we love to cardiovascular disease, the world’s biggest killer'.
The Heart Foundation comment that around 8 million people in the UK are living with cardiovascular diseases & have required heart surgery or ongoing treatments.
So, one of the British Heart Foundation main aims is to spend around £100 million a year helping fund UK scientists, with around 1000 research projects to help reduce these mortality figures.
| Cardiovascular | Coronary Artery | Heart Attack |
| Atrial Fibrillation | Heart Failure | Angina |
| Cardiac Arrest | Congenital Genetic | Cardiomyopathy |
| Stroke | Aortic Aneurysm | Vascular |
Reportedly the annual number of early deaths caused directly by heart and circulatory diseases in the UK has fortunately fallen by around 50% - since the BHF first started.
Plus the British Heart Foundation provide a valuable support helpline, heart information, hints & tips plus regularly campaign at Government level for change.
“No-Obligation FREE Critical Illness Life Quotes >> 15 Secs | Compare Insurers | FCA regulated | UK based advisers.”
British Heart Foundation Furniture & Electrical
To help fundraise towards their lifesaving research (apart from regular, one-off or BHF will donations) The BHF also runs the largest network of charity shops within the UK.
The British Heart Foundation runs 700+ shops around the UK - which include both large furniture and electrical shops plus ebay online sales.
These British Heart Foundation home and fashion stores - BHF Retail division they say makes up roughly £30 million every year towards their annual fund raising goal.
Your ongoing support helps British Heart Foundation fund that research that saves peoples lives; One of their mottos' is - 'Donate today to help keep us beating'.
Although a charity with many volunteers, it's also a key local employer & there are BHF shops probably in your area.
“No-Obligation FREE Critical Illness Life Quotes >> 15 Secs | Compare Insurers | FCA regulated | UK based advisers.”
Heart Causes & Biological FAQ:
*On average every 5 mins = someone is admitted to hospital with a Heart Attack
*Every 3 mins someone dies of Heart Disease.
Grim statistics + There are more than 40,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the UK annually - with a survival rate of less than 1 in 10.
Men also have a shorter life expectancy than women. WHY these stats?
Well, as humans amazingly our bodies are composed of around 30 trillion cells.
- Males = 36 trillion cells
- Females = 28 trillion cells
- 330 Billion cells die & replaced daily = normal human cell cycle process
- Men carry 1 'X' & 1 'Y' chromosome
- Women however carry 2 'X' chromosomes
Hormonal differences between the 2 genders can also play a big life expectancy role here.
For men, their occupations, behavioural patterns & testosterone can all weaken their heart muscles and supress their natural immune systems.
Alternatively for women, their oestrogen helps provide cardiovascular protection & also may help to reduce more harmful cholesterol levels.
As such, women may live on average upto 5 years longer than men. This is also born out for being diagnosed with heart disease for male genders the risks are far higher; But UK female coronary cases deaths are also twice as high than getting breast cancer.
So we are therefore very complex biological creatures living on the earth - like most animals. Our bodies, genes DNA & health will logically therefore breakdown & go wrong over time.
Scientists have found 5 key factors that increase those major heart related risks:
“No-Obligation FREE Critical Illness Life Quotes >> 15 Secs | Compare Insurers | FCA regulated | UK based advisers.”
What’s Critical Illness Insurance?
Critical Illness Cover is a specific insurance policy type that pays out a 💯 ‘100% Tax-Free’ sum once diagnosed and as specified by that UK Insurers plan during the policy term.
It can help protect you & your family etc; should you suffer a critical illness & become seriously ill - so unable to earn a living, potentially threatening your finances & lifestyle.
Note: in 2026 most UK Critical Illness Insurance policies now cover many of these serious conditions (rather than only a few types) - that any average man or woman are more likely to get diagnosed with & especially within their working lifetime;
- Heart Disease
- Cancer
- Stroke
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Major Organ Failure
- Parkinson's
- Tumours
UK Critical Illness Policies can vary from 40 to 100+ conditions. Likewise, their costs can vary from cheaper basic to more comprehensive.
Note: Insurers policies may all vary as to their severity payouts upon any cardiovascular critical illness diagnosis.
Heart related issues - typically insured via a UK Critical Illness insurance policy may include a payout on claims for;
- Angioplasty
- Aorta Graft Surgery
- Cardiac Arrest
- Cardiomyopathy
- Coronary Artery by-pass & surgery to divide the breastbone
- Heart Attack / failure - of specified severity
- Heartbeat Abnormalities
- Open Heart Surgery
- Permanent Pacemaker Insertion
- Total Permanent Disability
Given these heart & cardiovascular related condition examples above - Insurers may then payout their critical illness claims as follows:-
Less Serious = Lower / Partial payouts vs More Advanced Serious = Higher / Full payouts:
So for example; if the critical illness policy was for £100,000 - then the Insurers could either make an initial part-payout on a less serious diagnosis say £25,000 OR for a more advanced serious claim the full £100,000 plan payout.
Dependant upon the Insurers plans - some may allow multiple critical illness related claims. Check critical illness policy T&C's | Best broker critical illness plan advice >
Also, some Insurers may offer valuable Global Treatment rider benefits often a broker-only package added feature.
That could mean you're seen immediately via 2'nd medical opinions for diagnosis, then cancer treatments privately abroad. Plus may bring along a family member or loved to help you (services paid for by the Insurers).
This would be alongside any tax-free payout received = meaning potentially double peace of mind here. Check critical illness policy T&C's | Best broker critical illness plan advice >
Critical Illness ‘Tax Free Sum’ could help to pay …….
- Mortgage
- Private Medical Treatment
- Loans, Debts or Credit cards
- Adjust your Home & Lifestyle
- Holiday of a Lifetime
- OR Rainy Day Fund once recovered
“No-Obligation FREE Critical Illness Life Quotes >> 15 Secs | Compare Insurers | FCA regulated | UK based advisers.”
*Does Martin Lewis recommend Critical Illness Cover?
Martin Lewis the Money Saving Expert comments that Critical Illness cover is a plan designed to pay out a lump sum '100% tax free', if you do get a serious illness or major disability and therefore can't work.
Most Critical Illness Insurance plans MSE then states will typically cover you for some life-threatening conditions such as a heart attack, stroke and cancer types.
Martin Lewis on Critical Illness Cover however says be aware of any policy T&C's....Why? Well, he raises this point only because he says that some people think these critical illness plans may cover all and every illness.
He has a point here therefore - because he says it is not a ‘catch all illness’ plan ie; comparing payouts on critical illness vs income protection insurance.
This could be also due to the varying and wide range of different benefits offered by those UK insurers - trying to compare exactly like for like & by a non-medical lay person?
Martin has also said buyer beware here - As many people believe that terminal illness insurance (often a free early death claim payout rider benefit of a typical lifecover policy) is the same as having critical illness insurance; Which it isn't.
MSE does point out many critical illness policies do also include some cover for your children.
“No-Obligation FREE Critical Illness Life Quotes >> 15 Secs | Compare Insurers | FCA regulated | UK based advisers.”
MSE: How much Protection Insurance?
The MoneySavingExpert also says that as many critical illness cover plans are often tied in with life insurance, MSE does 💯'100% Recommend Life Insurance', especially if you have any dependants.
SO their MSE rule of thumb here is to insure at least *10 x annual salary for life insurance (excluding mortgages, loans & debts).
Martin Lewis says consider insuring upto *2/3rds annual salary for income protection insurance.
OR if calculating Critical Illness cover maybe *10 x annual outgoings over the number of years / months required. eg;
- Amount needed for monthly outgoings - £2,000pm
- Number of months/years you need it to cover - 120 (10 years)
- Total amount of critical illness cover needed - £240,000
On his various podcasts, TV shows like This Morning & other blogs he often emotionally but as a matter of fact points out (having lost his own mother very young) - Thinking about how your family may cope financially if you were to die or seriously ill isn't a very cheerful topic, BUT it is an Important One.
MSE points out that it's a cheap financial lifeline - but the ultimate choice is always yours if the cost's worth it.
So Martin Lewis agrees that protection insurance is important if anyone is reliant on your Income & would struggle financially without you around ie; any dependants with an insurable interest.
But Martin also says generally those best insurance deals here are often via a broker - either with or without advice.
Therefore as brokers, we note that as those chances of getting a Critical Illness are quite high during the term of a policy, generally it is often over 4 x times the price of a life cover alone.
They point out as these plans do ask you various up-front questions + that most protection insurance applications will take account many of these following details when underwriting & deciding upon the terms offered :-
- Gender ( male / female ) no longer directly affects insurance prices
- Family & Personal Medical health history past & present
- Smoker & Alcohol status
- BMI & Fitness
- Risky Pastimes & Lifestyle Status
- Financials ie; Salary, Cover & Reasons
“No-Obligation FREE Critical Illness Life Quotes >> 15 Secs | Compare Insurers | FCA regulated | UK based advisers.”
Martin Lewis also suggests being the Money Expert "NEVER BLINDLY BUY DIRECT" expensive offers either via a Bank or One Insurer ie; Shop around or use a Broker.
Lastly, MoneySavingExpert also said generally remember, not all insurers plans are featured on insurance comparison sites. As brokers, we would also agree here - so let us help you shop around for your best broker deals.
In terms of the large range of Life & Critical Illness Insurance products available, Money Saving Expert re Illness Martin Lewis' team are fully impartial with all their best buy reviews. As you maybe aware, neither Martin nor MSE never endorse products.
Heart Disease & Family Impact
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Someone's Life may change in just a Few Seconds.....
So as a Parent, whether a couple or just single parenting Mum or Dad - The bigger picture here is the reality also on the overall impact upon your family unit, children and loved ones.
Because nearly 27,000 Parents die each year in the UK - That's over 500 per week - whether that's from heart disease, another critical illness like cancer & stroke, or have an accident.
This means sadly leaving around 46,000 dependent & bereaved children all under ages 17. It has sadly happened in my own family group & probably yours?
That is One Parent every 20 minutes or 1 Child Per Typical School Class size – may all lose a parent before they even grow up...(as Martin Lewis The Finance Guru also sadly experienced as a teenager when his Mum died).
Or in some cases, your own children suddenly having to help out and be responsible young carers for their parents - whilst they may recover from a heart attack.
Yet despite these over-whelming real life daily UK stats - on average only around 40% of the UK Population may hold any type of life insurance, critical illness or income protection cover back-up plan to really help protect themselves financially & their family.
In other words, many others live and believe daily "It WON'T happen to me Attitude in Life" - Even in todays uncertain world OR are we just a nation of procrastinators?
“No-Obligation FREE Critical Illness Life Quotes >> 15 Secs | Compare Insurers | FCA regulated | UK based advisers.”
Mental Health and Heart Disease
Apart from that person directly suffering from heart disease - it is common to struggle with your mental health during this period when you have any serious illness or perhaps care for someone with heart issues.
This then also leaves the surviving partner to cope with many personal & difficult financial decisions to make - alongside help looking after their children & loved ones.
Any children who may have lost their parents to a heart attack can fortunately access specialized bereavement support, including counseling and peer groups;
This is now available via various organizations like Child Bereavement UK, Grief Encounter or Winston's Wish.
2026 BHF London to Brighton Cycle Ride & Charity Events
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So the best way for many people to respond to this stress & adversity - is to throw themselves into a physical challenge, enjoy & pull together to help out themselves or those less fortunate and be part of a solution.
The BHF UK have many countrywide annual events & backed by your local BHF shops - with British Heart Foundation T shirts, BHF back sign ideas, British Heart Foundation sponsorship form via their fundraising ideas pages etc;
You can find some of many BHF fund-raising via their website find a race events around the UK's towns & cities - like London to Brighton Bike Ride, Full & 1/2 Marathons or Bournemouth Pier to Pier.
Or perhaps you don't want to help fund raise that way - so just prefer to help donate via a BHF furniture or house clearance.
“No-Obligation FREE Critical Illness Life Quotes >> 15 Secs | Compare Insurers | FCA regulated | UK based advisers.”
BHF + Heart Disease, Critical Illness Life Cover
Million's of people have taken part in various fund raising events or donations - since the BHF Heart Foundation began.
Helping those taking part also remember & celebrate their loved ones all lost to Heart Disease + ongoing Survivors.
Yet despite those harrowing stats that *On average every 5 mins = someone is admitted to hospital with a Heart Attack > STILL Less than 40% of the UK population have any form of protection insurance.
So, given those odds - a suitable "insurance back-up plan" to help protect your finances & family could help out as a valuable life changer.
Note: On average critical illness insurance & income protection is often at least 4 or more x the price of life insurance cover - because of those higher chance risks of making a claim.
In conclusion: If you are therefore looking at getting some family protection then - How much insurance do you actually need?
Well, as Life Insurance Brokers in an ideal world - we may suggest this simple formula to help cover your main bases & all given your affordable budget.
- LUMP SUM > Repay any mortgage & debts, cover funeral costs
- INCOME > Help cover your monthly bills
- LUMP SUM > Back up for holidays, education, emergencies
Sorting out your ideal protection insurance cover may sometimes seem a difficult task, so don’t do it alone.
It’s always a good idea to get professional advice from an expert if looking at serious critical illness cover, income protection, medical insurance or life insurances – we’re here to help.
'British Heart Foundation BHF' & Insurance Article by Martyn Spencer Financial Adviser (2026)
For reassurance re health for men & women - we review many of the best brands selling Life Insurance in United Kingdom (inc NI)
“No-Obligation FREE Critical Illness Life Quotes >> 15 Secs | Compare Insurers | FCA regulated | UK based advisers.”
'There is...ONLY 1 YOU' 
