Helping you maintain an income if illness or injury prevents you from working
Guide to income protection
Income protection is designed to support you financially if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. These three areas explain how it works and who it’s designed for.
01
Income protection insurance is designed to pay a regular income if you’re unable to work because of illness or injury. Rather than paying a one-off lump sum, it provides ongoing financial support to help cover everyday living costs while you recover.
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If you’re unable to work, income protection can pay a proportion of your income after an agreed waiting period. Payments can continue until you return to work, reach the end of the claim period, or the policy term ends — depending on how your cover is set up.
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Income protection can be suitable for employed, self-employed, and contract workers — particularly where sick pay is limited or uncertain. Cover can be tailored around existing benefits, savings, and personal responsibilities.
For most people, their income pays for everyday life — from mortgage or rent payments to household bills and living costs. If illness or injury meant you couldn’t work, the financial impact could be significant.
Income protection insurance is designed to provide a regular replacement income during periods when you’re unable to work, helping you stay financially stable while you focus on recovery.
How long you wait after being unable to work before the policy starts paying out. Often aligned with employer sick pay or savings — helping keep premiums affordable without leaving gaps in cover.
How long the policy will continue to pay your income if you remain unable to work. This could be for a fixed number of years or right up until retirement, depending on your needs and long-term financial responsibilities.
How long the cover remains in place. Many people choose income protection that runs until their planned retirement age, ensuring ongoing protection throughout their working life.
Employer sick pay is usually time-limited and may change if you move jobs or become self-employed. Income protection gives you control over your cover — rather than relying on terms set by your employer.
Savings can provide short-term support, but long periods off work reduce them quickly. Income protection helps keep your savings available for emergencies and long-term plans, not day-to-day living costs.
Most claims arise from common illnesses or injuries rather than rare conditions. Income protection is about planning for the unexpected — protecting your income before your circumstances change.
Modern policies have clear definitions and strong claims records when set up correctly. We help you understand exactly when and how a claim would be paid — before you take cover out.
Why Choose ME
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Income protection works differently depending on whether you’re employed, self-employed, contracting, or running a business. We structure cover around your income, not generic assumptions — including bonuses, variable earnings, and changing work patterns.
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We explain how income protection works in plain English, from deferment periods to pay-out terms. This is so you understand exactly what you’re paying for and when it would pay out. No pressure, no confusion, no surprises later.
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Good protection isn’t just about the policy. We consider how cover is set up — including options such as trusts, particularly with life insurance, to help ensure the right people receive the money quickly and in line with your wishes.
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No obligation, no jargon. Just clear, honest advice from an experienced adviser who puts you first.
Common Question
Understanding income protection can feel overwhelming at first. These FAQs cover some of the most common questions we’re asked, helping you understand how protection insurance works and what to consider before getting started.
Income protection insurance pays you a regular monthly income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. It’s designed to help cover everyday living costs — such as your mortgage, bills, and essentials — while you focus on recovery.
Most income protection policies cover up to around 50–65% of your gross income, depending on your employment status and insurer. We’ll help you understand what level of cover is realistic and appropriate based on how you’re paid.
Income protection doesn’t usually pay immediately. Policies have a deferment period — often 4 weeks, 8 weeks, or longer — which is the time you’re off work before payments begin. The right deferment depends on your sick pay, savings, and employer benefits.
This depends on how the policy is set up. Some policies pay for a fixed period (e.g. 2 or 5 years), while others can pay right up to retirement age (usually a maximum age of 70) if you remain unable to work. We’ll explain the differences so you can choose what fits your needs and budget.
Many employers only provide short-term sick pay, and policies can change if you move jobs. Income protection gives you personal cover you control, not something tied to your employer — providing longer-term security if illness or injury lasts longer than expected.
Insights
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