You’ve probably heard about the gender pay gap. You may even have heard about the gender pension gap. But did you know there is also a gender protection gap?

Women are typically less likely than men to have insurance that protects them financially against the risk of being unable to work due to illness or injury. In fact, just 11% of female workers have, or are applying for, income protection insurance in the UK, versus 16% of men, according to research¹. Women are also more likely to cancel an insurance policy because they can no longer afford it. 

And, according to Scottish Widows², even women who do have protection insurance are covered for up to 20% less than their male counterparts. 

Where does the gap come from?  

There are a few reasons why women might be less likely to take out protection insurance, Scottish Widows found: 

• Women typically have less self-confidence when making financial decisions, with 31% of females saying they were confused by financial matters, vs 20% of males 

• 22% of women without protection said they don’t understand financial protection or don’t know enough to get the right cover 

• 22% of females without protection felt it was too expensive. 

Closing the gap 

If a lack of confidence or knowledge is preventing you from taking out protection insurance, or you are unsure whether or not you can afford it, please talk to us. We’re here to help our clients, both men and women, to access suitable, affordable protection insurance and increase their financial resilience. 

¹The Exeter, ²Scottish Widows, 2024 

The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated. Financial protection policies typically have no cash in value at any time and cover will cease at

‍