Women breadwinners lack protection

Some 78% of working women do not hold either a critical illness policy or private medical insurance (81%).

Bright Grey also found that more women (61%) than man (57%) bring up financial matters at home. Some 44% of working women surveyed said they are predominantly responsible for making major financial choices at home - slightly lower than the 53% of working men who state they would make them.

Almost three in five (59%) of married couples say they consult each other on all financial issues.

However, 71% of working women in the UK do general day to day household budgeting including sorting home insurance compared to just 59% of working men.

Roger Edwards, proposition director at Bright Grey, said: "The financial inroads that women are making in society means that not only are earnings levelling out between the sexes, but the levels of financial responsibility in the home are becoming more equally divided. The saying ‘this is a man's world' has never been less true.

"With women taking more financial decisions, it is vital that they do not leave out having adequate financial protection for themselves and their families when making their choices.

“By buying a protection product that pays out if they are unable to work due to a serious illness or disability, women can ensure they protect both their household income and current lifestyle. It is crucial that women in the UK who are increasingly running their household finances are protected."