Income protection.
Keep life running if you can't work.
Your ability to earn is often your most valuable asset. Income protection can replace part of your income if illness or injury stops you working.
What is income protection?
Income protection is an insurance policy that pays you a regular monthly amount if you're unable to work because of illness or injury. Payments start after an agreed waiting period — known as the deferred period — and continue until you return to work, the policy ends, or you reach the end of the payment term.
Unlike many other types of cover, it can usually pay out more than once over the life of the policy, so it's there for you whenever you need it.
How income protection can help.
Features vary between insurers. We'll explain exactly what each option includes.
Monthly benefit
A regular payment designed to replace a proportion of your earnings and keep your household bills covered.
Choose your waiting period
Match the deferred period to your sick pay or savings — a longer wait usually means a lower premium.
Claim more than once
Most policies can pay out multiple times, for different illnesses or injuries, during the policy term.
Short or long term
Choose a limited payment period per claim, or cover that can pay right up to your chosen retirement age.
Back-to-work support
Many insurers offer rehabilitation services to help you return to work when you're ready.
Mental health included
Most policies cover a range of conditions, including stress and mental health, subject to terms.
Who it's for.
- Employed people whose sick pay is limited
- Self-employed people and contractors
- Anyone with a mortgage, rent or regular bills to pay
- Main or sole earners in a household
Things to consider
- Benefits are usually capped at a percentage of your earnings.
- The definition of incapacity — such as 'own occupation' — affects when a policy will pay.
- Some occupations attract higher premiums or restricted terms.
That's exactly why advice matters — we'll talk you through the detail.
Get a personalised income protection quote
Free, no-obligation and tailored to your circumstances.
Getting covered is easy.
Getting the right protection shouldn't be complicated. Here's how we help.
Talk to us
Tell us about you, your family or your business in a free, relaxed conversation — by phone, video or in person.
Get a clear recommendation
We research the options and explain what we recommend, why, and what it costs — in plain English.
Cover in place, and beyond
We handle the paperwork, keep your cover under review and are here to support you if you ever need to claim.
Income Protection FAQs
How much income can I protect?
Insurers typically allow you to cover a proportion of your gross earnings, up to set limits. We'll help you work out what you actually need to cover essential costs.
What is a deferred period?
It's the time you must be off work before payments start — commonly anywhere from a few weeks to a year. It's often lined up with when your employer's sick pay ends or your savings would run out.
I'm self-employed. Can I get income protection?
Yes. Income protection can be especially valuable for the self-employed, who generally don't receive sick pay. Insurers will usually look at your profits or drawings to assess your cover.
Is income protection the same as critical illness cover?
No. Critical illness cover pays a single lump sum on diagnosis of a specified condition. Income protection pays a monthly income if you can't work for any covered reason. Many people benefit from a combination of both.
Let's talk about income protection.
Book a free, no-obligation consultation. We'll explain your options clearly and help you choose with confidence.
Free initial consultation · No obligation · Friendly, plain-English advice
The information on this page is for general guidance and isn't personal advice. All cover is subject to the insurer's terms, conditions, exclusions and underwriting. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may change.