Millions keep ill health secret from loved ones
Home >
All >
Millions keep ill health secret from loved ones
A new study* has revealed that seven million people (13% of the population) are hiding a mental health condition from loved ones, while nearly four million (7%) are keeping quiet about a physical health problem.
Although we all have personal information we’d prefer to keep private, concealing the truth from our families can cause symptoms such as anxiety (34%), guilt (29%) and difficulties sleeping (25%), as well as have serious long-term implications.
Protect yourself and your family
Keeping important health issues secret from your family could be painful and shocking if you died or became seriously ill. What’s more, they could find themselves facing financial hardship at an extremely difficult time.
Even if you have a life insurance or critical illness policy, your claim may be rejected if, as with your family, you also don’t tell your insurer about your condition. If you’re hiding a mental or physical health condition when the policy is underwritten, there’s a significant chance you could invalidate your life insurance or critical illness policy.
How we can help
In these difficult times, a problem shared is a problem halved. By talking to us, we can help you put sufficient protection in place that will protect both you and your family against unexpected life events.
*Life Search, 2020
It is important to take professional advice before making any decision relating to your personal finances. Information within this document is based on our current understanding and can be subject to change without notice and the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. It does not provide individual tailored investment advice and is for guidance only. Some rules may vary in different parts of the UK. We cannot assume legal liability for any errors or omissions it might contain. Levels and bases of, and reliefs from, taxation are those currently applying or proposed and are subject to change; their value depends on the individual circumstances of the investor. No part of this document may be reproduced in any manner without prior permission.
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. If you withdraw from an investment in the early years, you may not get back the full amount you invested. Changes in the rates of exchange may have an adverse effect on the value or price of an investment in sterling terms if it is denominated in a foreign currency.
Information is based on our understanding of taxation legislation and regulations. Any levels and bases of, and reliefs from, taxation are subject to change.
Tax treatment is based on individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future.
Other Insights of interest
22nd July, 2026
Freeze the higher rate tax burden
While workers were raising a glass to a pay rise, the government’s decision not to…
Read full insight
14th July, 2026
Balancing family support and retirement goals – take time to reflect this summer
As we settle into the summer, many of us finally find the breathing space to…
Read full insight
9th July, 2026
Protection policies – just 42% hold one – Protection
Have you got protection in place? A survey of over 14,000 UK consumers1, has discovered…
Read full insight
2nd July, 2026
Economic Review – June 2026
Bank of England keeps rates steady as stronger Q1 growth revealed The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy…
Read full insight