One in five believe healthy living removes need for protection – Vitality
Justin Garbutt said: “Looking after our health is important and taking positive steps to live well can help reduce the risk of illness. But it cannot remove that risk altogether.”
One in five people believe living a healthy research from Vitality revealed.
The findings also revealed that 57% of respondents primarily maintain a healthy lifestyle for immediate benefits, including improved mood, increased energy and appearance.
However, almost two-thirds (62%) believe the impact of healthy living on the risk of long-term illness is underestimated.
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A third (33%) said the prospect of living more years in good health would encourage them to improve their health and wellbeing, while 32% cited reducing their risk of serious illness later in life.
Despite this awareness, the research found that 55% of respondents held none of the protection products listed in the survey.
Just 13% had income protection, 13% held critical illness cover and 4% had serious illness cover.
Justin Garbutt, chief growth officer at Vitality, said: “Looking after our health is important and taking positive steps to live well can help reduce the risk of illness. But it cannot remove that risk altogether.
“That’s why health and financial protection should go hand in hand.
“Healthy habits can help reduce risk in the first place, while protection provides a financial safety net if illness or injury does happen.
“Advisers have an important role in helping clients think about both.”
