Nearly a quarter of high earners have no protection cover, Vitality research finds
Vitality research suggests a six-figure salary does not guarantee financial security if illness or injury stops someone working.
Nearly one in four people earning six figures in the UK has no protection cover at all, according to research from the insurer Vitality. The study found 24% of high earners have no protection in place, even though they might be expected to have the most to lose.
Vitality also found that 40% of high earners say they would not feel financially prepared if illness forced them to stop work, and 52% say their lifestyle would be hard to maintain if their income suddenly fell. Around 41% of those earning over £100,000 said they have income protection.
Vitality says the findings point to a gap between high earnings and financial resilience, and challenge the idea that a big salary automatically means security.
Based on reporting by COVER Magazine (30 October 2026). Information only, not advice.
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