A policy paid into for years can end through just a few lapses of attention. This article gathers the things not to do in one place, so the cover you have built up is still with you on the day you need it.

1. Concealing or misstating health information when you apply

This is the number one source of problem contracts, because the law allows the insurer to void the contract within a defined period if it finds that a material fact was concealed. Prevention is simple: answer every question on the application truthfully, and never let anyone persuade you to answer incompletely, whatever the reason.

2. Letting premiums fall past the grace period without contacting anyone

Forgetting happens; going silent is the real problem. Once the grace period passes, a policy with no cash value lapses immediately. The defence is to set up automatic payment — and if money is genuinely tight, contact the insurer before going quiet, because options exist that use the policy's own value to keep the cover alive.

3. Borrowing against the policy and letting the interest compound unattended

The right to borrow against the policy's value is useful, but interest runs continuously. If the total debt grows beyond the remaining surrender value, the policy lapses automatically. If you borrow, have a repayment plan, and compare the debt against the value at least once a year.

4. Not keeping your contact details current with the insurer

Moving house, changing your phone number or email without telling the insurer closes the channel through which they would warn you about overdue premiums, important documents or changed conditions. Many policies have lapsed because the reminder letters were piling up at an old address. It takes five minutes to update whenever something changes.

5. Signing documents you have not read, or leaving everything to someone else

However much you trust someone, always read policy documents yourself before signing — the application, a change-of-contract form, or a surrender request. There have been cases where a policyholder only later discovered that what they signed cancelled part of their cover. Reading before signing is the best protection there is.

6. Cancelling the old policy before the new one is ready

Wanting to change plan or insurer is perfectly reasonable, but the order matters enormously. The new policy must be approved and past its waiting period before you deal with the old one. Otherwise you create a gap with no cover at all — and if your health changes in the meantime, applying again becomes immediately harder.

In short

Almost every point here is prevented by simple habits: answer truthfully, pay automatically, read before signing, keep your details current, and take advice before any big decision. A policy is a long-term contract. Look after it a little, and it will look after you on the day that matters most.