Consumers are being urged to consider life cover as the protection gap continues to grow leaving millions at risk, according to one insurer.

Nearly half of the UK population do not have any form of life cover and Co-operative Insurance (CIS) believes this is because people have the attitude that it will never happen to them.

However, statistics show one in three people will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during our lives.

"Although people may think that a serious illness or injury will never happen to them, for what could amount to the price of a pint of milk a day, a CIS critical illness or income protection policy will give families peace of mind and a tax free lump sum if the worst should happen," said Fiona Jackson, head of protection at Co-operative Insurance.

CIS recommend that people should have at least £150,000 worth of cover in place for each dependent.