OFF BEAT: U.K. poll shows more people insure pets, phones than self

If people in the United Kingdom really are concerned about falling victim to a serious injury or illness, they sure have a funny way of showing it.

A recent study by London-based Friends Life Group P.L.C. found that while 45% of U.K. employees worry about incurring a life-changing illness or injury, only 12% of them have purchased critical illness insurance designed to protect them from the financial hardships related to their condition, according to reports by several news websites, including The Money Pages and Workplace Savings and Benefits.

By contrast, 21% of employees reported having insurance policies for their pets.

Additionally, while 26% of U.K. employees said financial security was their top worry, they were more likely to have purchased insurance for their smartphone than for their personal income, according to news reports.