Keep your salary protectedif you can't work

Income protection insurance replaces a percentage of your income — typically 50–70% — if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. It pays out as a regular monthly income until you recover and return to work, or until the end of the policy term. Unlike critical illness cover, it is not limited to a specific list of conditions.

This depends on the type of policy. Short-term income protection pays for a limited period (typically 1–2 years) and has lower premiums. Long-term income protection can pay out until you return to work or reach retirement age. We will advise which is most appropriate for your situation and budget.

The deferred period is how long you wait after stopping work before the policy starts paying out. Common deferred periods are 4, 8, 13, 26, or 52 weeks. A longer deferred period means lower premiums. If your employer pays sick pay for 3 months, a 13-week deferred period makes sense. We will help you choose the right balance.

Yes — and income protection is arguably even more important for self-employed people, who have no employer sick pay to fall back on. We work with specialist insurers who understand self-employed income and can structure a policy that genuinely protects your earnings.

Premiums depend on your age, occupation, health, the amount you want to cover, the deferred period, and the policy term. A 35-year-old in a desk-based role might pay £30–£50 per month for comprehensive cover. We compare the market to find you the most competitive premiums.

No. Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) was a different, much more limited product that was widely mis-sold. Income protection is a standalone, regulated insurance product that genuinely replaces your income. It is one of the most important protections you can have and is strongly recommended by financial advisors.