What information will the insurer need for a claim?
Usually the policy number, proof of identity and evidence of the event you are claiming for. For a life claim that means a death certificate and, depending on who is claiming, the trust deed or grant of probate. For illness claims it means medical reports, which the insurer requests from your doctors with your consent. Income protection claims also need proof of earnings.
Life claims
Death certificate, policy details, identification for the claimant, and either the trust deed (if in trust) or the grant of probate (if paid to the estate).
Critical illness claims
A specialist's confirmation of the diagnosis, and consent for the insurer to obtain your medical records so it can check the condition against the policy definition.
Income protection claims
Medical evidence that you cannot work under the policy definition, details of your job, and proof of earnings such as payslips, P60s or tax returns, because benefit is linked to income.
This article is general information about UK protection insurance, not personalised financial advice. Policy terms vary between insurers and products, so always check your own policy documents.
Last updated 27 October 2026