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

Protection insurance — such as income protection, life cover or critical illness insurance — can help individuals and families stay financially resilient when life takes an unexpected turn. But across the UK, women are significantly less likely than men to have this kind of cover in place.

A growing gap in cover

According to research from The Exeter¹, just 11% of female workers in the UK have, or are applying for, income protection — compared to 16% of men. And it’s not just take-up that differs. Scottish Widows² found that women who do have protection insurance are typically covered for up to 20% less than their male counterparts.

This disparity matters. If illness or injury prevents someone from working, having the right protection in place can make a critical difference — helping cover bills, support dependants or maintain financial independence. Without it, the financial strain can be considerable.

What’s behind the gender protection gap?

There’s no single reason for the difference in protection levels, but Scottish Widows research** highlights a few key contributors:

• Lower financial confidence:
  31% of women said they find financial matters confusing, compared with 20% of men. This lack of confidence can make it harder to navigate insurance options or feel certain about what’s needed.
• Gaps in understanding:
  22% of women without protection said they didn’t understand financial protection well enough to take out the right cover. That sense of uncertainty can lead to inaction — or opting out altogether.
• Cost concerns:
  Another 22% of women cited affordability as the reason they didn’t have protection. Budget pressures, particularly in single-income households or during career breaks, can make insurance feel out of reach — even if the risks are real.

Women are also more likely than men to cancel an insurance policy because they feel they can no longer afford it, adding to the long-term protection gap.

Why this matters

Protection isn’t just for high earners or people with dependants. It’s for anyone whose ability to earn supports their lifestyle, responsibilities or future goals.

For women, protection may be especially important during key life stages — such as raising children, managing a household solo, or returning to work after a break. Without appropriate cover, a health issue or time off work could mean dipping into savings, delaying other plans, or relying on others for financial support.

The right insurance can help maintain independence, support loved ones, and keep long-term goals on track.

Bridging the gap

If confidence, knowledge or affordability are holding someone back from putting protection in place, financial advice can make a real difference.

An adviser can:

• Explain what types of cover are available and how they work
• Help you understand what level of cover is right for your situation
• Identify cost-effective options that fit your budget
• Review existing policies to check for gaps or overlaps

And just as importantly, they can help build confidence — offering guidance in plain language, without pressure or jargon.

Protection that supports your goals

Closing the gender protection gap starts with awareness — and continues with action. By taking time to understand your risks, review your options, and get the right support, you can take a meaningful step toward financial resilience.

Protection isn’t about expecting the worst. It’s about being ready — and feeling confident that your plans won’t be derailed by the unexpected.

We’re here to help

If you’re unsure whether your current protection is right for your needs — or if you want to explore your options — we’re here to support you. Our advisers can help you find affordable, appropriate cover that supports your goals, responsibilities and peace of mind.

Get in touch to take the next step.

References:

¹Exeter: https://the-exeter.com/news/a-gender-savings-gap/
²Scottish Widows: https://adviser.scottishwidows.co.uk/expertise/protection-centre/protection-insights/female-protection-gap.html#