Life Protection Advice in Kildare, Ireland
Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and QFA qualified. Registered with the Central Bank of Ireland as an insurance intermediary, reference C49856. Member of Brokers Ireland. Advising families and business owners on protection from Naas, Co Kildare since 2007.
Life insurance pays out a tax free lump sum if you die during the term of the policy. This lump sum can be either to clear any existing mortgage outstanding, cover bills, or cover funeral costs.
Life Protection and Insurance Options in Kildare
Why do we need Protection?
We insure items that are of value to us our home, our car, and our holidays why wouldn’t we insure ourselves and our family? You may not be able to predict what will happen In the next 20, 30, or 50 years but you can prepare for it by insuring yourself today.
Life insurance pays out a tax-free lump sum if you die during the term of the policy. This lump sum can clear any outstanding mortgage, cover bills or cover funeral costs.
A life insurance policy offers peace of mind to those you care about.
What is life protection insurance?
Life protection insurance, more commonly called life insurance or life cover, is a policy that pays out if you die or, depending on the cover you choose, if you become seriously ill or cannot work. The money is there to clear a mortgage, replace an income, cover funeral costs or keep a family in their home. In Ireland the main types are term protection, mortgage protection, serious illness cover, income protection and whole of life cover. Each one solves a different problem and most families need more than one. Gwen Clarke Financial Services arranges all of them from Naas, Co Kildare, across a range of Irish providers.
There are 3 types of life cover basis
Single Life
Cover is provided for 1 life only. Once the lump sum is paid out the policy will end
Joint Life
Cover is provided for 2 people, a claim for one of the lives will reduce the overall level of cover provided. Once the lump sum is paid out the policy will end
Dual Life
Cover is provided separately for the two lives, the two lives are covered separately, and a claim for one of the lives has no impact on the levels of cover relating to the other life. Once the lump sum has been paid out for both lives the policy will end.
Is mortgage protection required by law in Ireland?
In most cases yes it is. Under Section 126 of the Consumer Credit Act 1995, your lender is legally required to make sure mortgage protection is in place before giving you a mortgage on your home. The obligation sits with the lender rather than with you, but the practical effect is the same. No cover, no drawdown.
Section 126(2) sets out four situations where the requirement does not apply
- The lender does not consider the house to be intended as the principal residence of you or your dependants, for example a buy to let
- You belong to a class of person an insurer would not accept, or would only accept at a premium significantly higher than that payable by borrowers generally
- You are over 50 years of age at the time the loan is approved
- You have already arranged life assurance that would pay out at least the amount the mortgage protection policy would have to pay
The second one is worth reading twice. It is not limited to people who are refused outright. It also covers people who can get cover, but only at a premium significantly higher than other borrowers pay. That is a wider door than most people realise and lenders do not tend to point at it.
Two things worth knowing that most people are never told
You do not have to buy the policy your lender offers. You can shop around for a policy that suits you, and your lender cannot refuse you a mortgage because you did not buy the one they offered. This is the single most expensive thing people get wrong at drawdown, because the bank policy is put in front of you at the moment you are least inclined to argue about it.
Some lenders will insist anyway. Even where no legal requirement applies to you, a lender can still make cover a condition of the loan as a matter of their own policy. Knowing the difference between what the law requires and what your bank prefers is worth a phone call.
One more thing the law says. If the policy pays out more than the amount still owed on the mortgage, Section 126(5) says the excess is payable to the surviving borrower or to the estate of the person who died. The bank does not keep it.
The requirement and the exceptions are set out in Section 126 of the Consumer Credit Act 1995 and explained on the Citizens Information page for insurance protection on mortgages. The CCPC also publishes guidance on mortgage protection insurance. If you are drawing down soon, talk to us before you sign anything. See our page on mortgage protection.
Term protection, mortgage protection and whole of life compared
These three get confused constantly, and people often pay for the wrong one for twenty years. Here is the difference in plain English.
| Term protection | Mortgage protection | Guaranteed whole of life | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it pays | A lump sum if you die within the term | A lump sum that clears the mortgage if you die within the term | A lump sum whenever you die |
| How long it lasts | A fixed number of years that you choose | The length of your mortgage | Your whole life, as long as premiums are paid |
| Does the cover amount change | No. It stays level | It falls in line with the mortgage balance on a reducing term policy | No. It stays level |
| Who gets the money | Your estate or the people you nominate | The lender first. Under Section 126(5) any excess goes to the surviving borrower or to the estate | Your estate or the people you nominate |
| Typically used for | Replacing income and protecting children while they are dependent | Meeting the Section 126 requirement and keeping the family home | Funeral costs, leaving a legacy, or funding an inheritance tax bill |
| Required by law | No | Effectively yes on a principal private residence, subject to the exceptions above | No |
| Cost | Lower than whole of life for the same cover | Usually the cheapest of the three | The most expensive, because it is certain to pay out |
The common mistake is assuming mortgage protection is enough. It is not designed to be. It clears the debt and then it stops. It leaves your family with a house and no income, which is why most people who have only mortgage protection are underinsured without realising it.
Read more about term protection, mortgage protection and guaranteed whole of life cover.
Need Pensions Kildare, Ireland?
Pensions Kildare are an important aspect of financial planning, particularly in Kildare, Ireland where the aging population continues to grow. With a range of pension options available, including private and state pensions, it can be difficult to navigate the complex system and make informed decisions. In this context, understanding the nuances of pension schemes and planning for retirement is crucial for individuals and families in Kildare. Pension Advisors & Experts at Gwen Clarke Financial Services are here to help!
Gwen Clarke Financial Services Ltd's team of experts offers a wide range of services, including investments, pensions, corporate pensions, mortgages, and life protection. We understand that each of our clients has unique financial needs, which is why we tailor our services to meet your specific requirements. Our goal is to help you achieve your financial goals by providing you with personalised advice and guidance every step of the way. Whether you're looking to invest for the future, secure a mortgage, or protect your loved ones, we can help. Contact us today to learn more about GCFS.IE services and how we can assist you in your Pension and in securing your financial future!
Life Protection Services Kildare, Ireland
Term Protection
Mortgage Protection
Serious Illness Cover
Income Protection
Guaranteed Whole of Life
Pension Guaranteed Term Protection
Business Protection Insurance
What income protection actually pays
Income protection replaces part of your salary if illness or injury stops you working. It is the most misunderstood policy in the category and, for most working people, the one they are most likely to actually claim on.
| What people ask | The answer |
|---|---|
| How much can I insure | Typically up to 75% of your gross earnings, less any State Illness Benefit you would receive. Insurers set this limit so that you are never better off claiming than working. |
| When does it start paying | After a waiting period that you choose when you take the policy out, commonly 13 or 26 weeks. A longer wait means a lower premium. |
| How long does it pay | Until you are able to return to work, or until the end of the policy term, usually your chosen retirement age. |
| Is there tax relief on the premiums | Yes, provided the scheme is Revenue approved. Relief is at your marginal rate of income tax, either 20% or 40%, and is limited to 10% of your total income for the tax year. There is no relief on USC or PRSI. If your employer does not deduct the premium from your gross pay, claim it yourself through myAccount under Health and Income Continuance. |
| Is the payout taxed | Yes. The administrator of the scheme deducts PAYE and USC before the money reaches you. Relief going in, tax coming out. |
| Does it cover redundancy | No. Income protection covers illness and injury only. It does not cover losing your job. |
If you are self employed this matters more, not less. Class S PRSI does not entitle you to State Illness Benefit, so there is no floor underneath you at all. A great many self employed people in Naas and across Kildare are carrying that risk without knowing it. There is also an option most people never hear about. If you are self employed you can elect to have the benefit treated as part of your trading income, but you have to tell Revenue within six months of taking the policy out, on Form PH (5). Miss that window and the option is gone.
Tax relief on income protection premiums is set out by Revenue under permanent health benefit contributions, and the CCPC publishes consumer guidance on income protection insurance. See our page on income protection.
How protection advice works with Gwen Clarke in Naas
There is no charge for the first short conversation and no obligation at the end of it whatsoever. It is a chance for us to just chat about what you want. When it comes to fees we will always let you know before we would ever invoice you.
Step 1. Introductory call. You tell us what you are trying to protect. A mortgage, an income, a family, a business. Fifteen minutes on the phone or in the office in Naas.
Step 2. Working out what you need. We look at what you already have, what your household actually costs to run and what would happen to it if you were not there. The number falls out of that, rather than being guessed at.
Step 3. Comparing the market. We are brokers. We compare across the Irish providers rather than selling one company's product and underwriting decisions vary widely between them. That variation is often the whole difference between cover and no cover.
Step 4. Application and underwriting. You complete an application and answer the medical questions. Some applications need a GP as in Doctors report or a medical test. We tell you upfront what is likely so that nothing comes as a surprise.
Step 5. Cover starts. We confirm when the policy is in force and where it is a mortgage protection policy, when it has been assigned to your lender.
Step 6. Review. Cover set up once and never looked at again is the most common problem we see. If you extend your mortgage, change job, have a child or your health changes, the policy needs to keep up your new circumstances.
The one thing we will always say twice, at least. Answer the medical questions fully and honestly. Non disclosure, meaning something left out of an application, is the most common reason a protection claim is declined. A condition you disclose may cost you a slightly higher premium. A condition you do not disclose may cost your family the entire claim.
Protection advice across Naas, Newbridge, Kilcullen and Kildare town
At Gwen Clarke Financial Services our office is based at 2 Rathasker Square on the Kilcullen Road in Naas, a few minutes from the town centre. We arrange life cover, mortgage protection, serious illness cover and income protection for clients across Kildare, including Newbridge, Kilcullen, Kildare town, Sallins, Clane and Johnstown and for clients throughout Ireland who prefer to meet by video call. Most people come to us at drawdown, when a lender has asked for cover and the clock is running. Being twenty minutes away tends to help at that point.
Gwen Clarke Financial Services Ltd
2 Rathasker Square, Kilcullen Road, Naas, Co Kildare, W91 W290
Office Landline: 045 916080
Email: mortgages@gcfs.ie
Gwen Clarke Financial Services Ltd's team of experts offers a wide range of services, including investments, pensions, corporate pensions, mortgages and life protection. We understand that each of our clients has unique financial needs, which is why we tailor our services to meet your specific requirements. Our goal is to help you achieve your financial goals by providing you with personalised advice and guidance every step of the way. Whether you're looking to invest for the future, secure a mortgage, or protect your loved ones, we can help. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist you in your Life Insurance & Protection Options and in securing your financial future!
Frequently asked questions about life cover
Do I have to buy mortgage protection from my bank?
No, not at all. Your lender must make sure cover is in place before releasing the mortgage, but it does not have to be their policy. You are free to shop around, and your lender cannot refuse you a mortgage because you chose to arrange cover elsewhere. They must accept any policy that meets the standard set out in Section 126 of the Consumer Credit Act 1995. In practice, the bank policy is put in front of you at the busiest and most stressful point of the whole purchase, which is exactly why so many people sign it without comparing. Premiums for identical cover can differ noticeably between providers, and over a twenty five or thirty year term that difference adds up. It costs nothing to check before you commit. It is good practice.
Is the life insurance payout really tax free?
Mostly, but the word tax free needs a little care. The proceeds of a life policy are not subject to income tax. Whether they are subject to Capital Acquisitions Tax depends on who receives the money and their relationship to you. A payment to a spouse or civil partner is generally exempt. A payment to a child or to anyone else forms part of what they inherit and may be taxable above their threshold. Where a policy is written under trust or set up as a Revenue approved Section 72 policy specifically to meet an inheritance tax bill, the treatment is different again. For a straightforward mortgage protection policy this rarely arises. For a larger estate it matters a great deal, and it is worth an hour with an adviser rather than an assumption.
What is the difference between serious illness cover and income protection?
Serious illness cover pays a single lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of the specific conditions listed in your policy. Income protection pays a monthly income if illness or injury stops you working, regardless of what the illness is, and keeps paying until you go back to work or the policy ends. The distinction that catches people out is the list. Serious illness cover only pays for what is named in the policy document, and it pays once. Income protection is far broader in what triggers it, but it pays a stream rather than a windfall. They solve different problems and plenty of people benefit from both. If you can only have one and you rely on your salary, income protection is usually the one that does more work.
Can I get mortgage protection if I have had cancer?
In many cases yes you can and the rules are in the middle of changing in your favour. Since December 2023 a voluntary code of practice has applied, under which insurers disregard a past cancer diagnosis where active treatment finished more than seven years ago or more than five years ago if you were diagnosed before the age of eighteen, for cover of up to five hundred thousand euro. That is still the position today. In July 2026 the Oireachtas passed the Insurance (Disregard of Certain Medical History and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026, known as the Right to be Forgotten legislation, which replaces that voluntary code with a statutory right. Under the new rules the period drops to five years since the end of active treatment and five years in complete remission, whatever age you were diagnosed, and the ceiling rises to six hundred and fifty thousand euro for cover on your principal private residence. The legislation has passed but has not been commenced yet, so the voluntary code still governs applications made right now. Two points worth knowing either way. Continuing to take preventative medication after active treatment has ended does not by itself put you outside the new rules. And falling outside the disregard is not the same as being refused, it simply means the application is underwritten in the normal way. Underwriting also differs significantly between Irish providers, so a case loaded or declined by one office can be accepted at standard rates by another. Do not assume the answer is no because one bank said so. Talk to us and we will tell you where you stand today and what changes when the new rules commence.
What happens if I do not tell the insurer about a health condition?
The claim can be declined totally. Non disclosure is the most common reason protection claims fail in Ireland and it usually happens by accident rather than by design. Someone forgets a consultation from years ago or decides a condition is too minor to mention or does not want to push the premium up. The insurer only examines the application closely at the point of claim, which is the worst possible moment for a gap to appear. Disclosing a condition might mean a higher premium or an exclusion, and occasionally a decline. Not disclosing it can mean your family receives nothing after years of paying for cover. Tell us everything at the start. It is our job to find a provider who will take it.
These FAQs are for general information only and do not constitute personal financial advice. Suitability depends on your own circumstances.
Reviewed by Gwen Clarke, CFP, QFA
Principal, Gwen Clarke Financial Services Ltd
Gwen is a Certified Financial Planner and a Qualified Financial Adviser. She founded Gwen Clarke Financial Services in 2007 and has over 25 years of experience in financial services. Her work focuses on making sure families understand what their cover actually does before they pay for it. Gwen Clarke Financial Services Ltd is registered with the Central Bank of Ireland as an insurance intermediary under the European Union (Insurance Distribution) Regulations 2018, reference C49856, and is a member of Brokers Ireland. You can check the firm on the Central Bank register.
Last reviewed 17 July 2026.
Important information
Warning. If you do not keep up your payments you may lose your cover.
Warning. Policies pay out only for the events and conditions set out in the policy document. Exclusions apply. Serious illness cover pays only for the specific illnesses named in your policy and defined in the way that policy defines them.
Warning. Cover is subject to underwriting and to full and accurate medical disclosure. Failure to disclose relevant information may result in a claim being declined.
This page is for general information only and does not constitute personal financial advice. Suitability depends on your own circumstances. Gwen Clarke Financial Services Ltd is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Always seek independent advice before acting.