A Personal Reflection on Brain Injury – And How Protection Can Help

This Action for Brain Injury Week (19th-25th May 2025), I’m sharing a story close to my heart - my brother’s life-changing motorbike accident at just 25. Now 67, he has lived with the consequences for over four decades: paralysis in one arm, spinal damage, brain injury and severe short-term memory loss. For most of his life, our family cared for him at home, but now he lives in assisted accommodation. His accident didn’t just alter his future, it reshaped ours too.

Every 90 seconds, someone in the UK is admitted to hospital with a brain injury (UKABIF). Many survivors face long-term disabilities, requiring care, rehabilitation, and financial support. Yet, so few people are prepared for the devastating financial impact such an event can have.

Could Your Family Cope Financially?

When an accident like this happens, income may stop, but bills don’t. Care costs, home adaptations, and lost earnings can create immense pressure. That’s why protection insurance is vital, but it’s crucial to ensure your policy matches your specific needs, as cover can vary significantly between providers. Here are key policies that could help:

Critical Illness Cover

• Pays a lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a serious condition, including traumatic brain injury.

• Could cover medical costs, home adjustments, or replace lost income.

• Statistic: Around 1 in 5 critical illness claims are for neurological conditions, including brain injuries (Association of British Insurers, 2023).

Income Protection

• Provides a monthly income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury.

• Essential for long-term recovery, ensuring you can still pay the mortgage and living costs.

Life Insurance with Serious Illness Cover

• It combines life coverage with financial support if you suffer a major injury or illness.

• Statistic: Over 350,000 people in the UK are admitted to hospital with brain injuries annually (Headway UK).

Personal Accident Cover

• Offers a payout for specific injuries (e.g., paralysis, loss of limbs).

• It can be added to life or income protection policies for extra security.

Why Act Now?

No one expects tragedy - my brother certainly didn’t. But planning ahead ensures that if the worst happens, finances are one less worry. As a protection adviser, I’ve seen how the right cover can give families breathing space to focus on recovery, not bills.

Improving Life After Brain Injury

Recovery and adaptation after a brain injury can feel overwhelming, but support is available. If you or a loved one has been affected, Headway - the brain injury association provides invaluable resources, advice and community support. This Action for Brain Injury Week, why not reach out? Visit www.headway.org.uk to learn more about their services and how they can help.

This Action for Brain Injury Week, I urge you to think: If an accident left you unable to work or in need of care, would you be financially protected? If you’re unsure, let’s talk. Because no family should face this alone. We're here to guide you every step of the way - get in touch today.

Lorraine

Protection Adviser, Greenshoots Financial

(Statistics sourced from UKABIF, Headway UK & ABI 2023.)