What income protection actually does.
Income protection pays you a regular monthly income if you cannot work due to illness or injury. Cover usually continues until you return to work, the policy ends, or you reach retirement. It is the closest thing most people have to a personal safety net.
Statutory Sick Pay is around £116 per week and lasts up to 28 weeks. That will not cover a mortgage, let alone a life. Income protection is what closes that gap.
The decisions that shape your policy.
Deferred Period
How long you wait after stopping work before the policy starts paying. Common options are 4, 13, 26, and 52 weeks. Longer waits mean lower premiums.
Benefit Amount
Usually up to 60% to 70% of your gross income, paid tax free.
Benefit Period
Short term (1, 2, or 5 years) or full term to retirement. Full term is far more valuable for serious cases.
Definition of Incapacity
Own occupation is the strongest. Suited occupation and any occupation pay less broadly. We always push for own occupation where possible.
Particularly important if you are self-employed.
There is no employer sick pay scheme when you work for yourself. If you cannot work, the income simply stops.
Income protection is the only realistic way to protect against that, and we will structure it properly around how you actually earn.
Four steps to a working policy.
Needs review
We work out how much income to replace, how long the deferred period should be, and how long the benefit needs to run.
Market search
We compare the whole UK market to find the right insurer for your occupation, health, and budget.
Application
We handle the medical underwriting and lender liaison from start to finish.
Annual review
We check the cover still matches your income and your life every year.
Income Protection FAQs.
How much income can I cover?
Usually up to 60% to 70% of your gross income, paid tax free. The exact figure depends on the insurer and your earnings.
What is own occupation cover?
Own occupation pays out if you cannot do your own specific job. It is the strongest definition and the one we recommend where available.
What is a deferred period?
The waiting period before the policy starts paying out. Common options are 4, 13, 26, and 52 weeks. Match it to your employer sick pay and savings.
What if I have a pre-existing condition?
Some conditions may be excluded or rated up. We work with insurers who consider a wide range of medical histories.
What is the difference between short term and full term?
Short term policies pay out for a fixed period, typically 1, 2, or 5 years. Full term runs to retirement, which is far more valuable for serious or long-term illness.
Does it pay out for stress or mental health?
Most modern policies cover stress, anxiety, and depression, subject to the policy definitions. We confirm this for every recommendation.
