Income protection.
The most overlooked policy in the household. Pays a monthly income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. Essential for the self-employed and higher earners who do not have a big employer sick-pay scheme behind them.
The most overlooked policy in the household.
If you couldn’t work tomorrow, how long could your household last on savings and statutory sick pay? For most families the answer is a few weeks. Income protection replaces part of your income (typically 50% to 65%) every month for as long as you cannot work, until you retire or the policy ends. It is by far the most useful protection product for most working families — and by far the most neglected.
- Own occupation cover — The policy pays out if you cannot do your own specific job. Cheaper policies define this more loosely (any occupation).
- Deferred period 1, 3, 6, 12 months — The waiting period before payments start. Longer defer = cheaper premium.
- Long-term or short-term — Long-term policies pay until retirement. Short-term policies cap the payout at 2 or 5 years.
- Index-linked benefit — The monthly payment can rise with inflation each year.
- Recovery in claim — Modern policies pay a proportional benefit if you go back to work in a reduced role.
Three steps. One person. No jargon.
The same process for every income protection enquiry, whether it is your first mortgage or your fifth.
The household conversation
We start with who depends on your income and what your household commitments look like, before we look at any policy.
Compare the small print
We compare exclusions, definitions, and premiums across the market. Cheaper is not always better on protection.
Written recommendation
You get a plain-English report explaining what we recommend, what it covers, what it does not, and what it will cost.
What you will pay.
We do not charge you a fee for protection advice. We are paid a commission by the product provider, which is included in the premium and disclosed to you in writing before you commit to anything.
Our recommendation is based on what is right for your household, not on which provider pays the most commission.
Questions we get about income protection.
01How much income can I insure?+
Typically 50% to 65% of your gross earned income. The policy is designed to replace income, not enhance it, so lenders will not let you over-insure.
02When do payments start?+
After a "deferred period" you choose at the start — usually 4, 8, 13, 26 or 52 weeks. A longer deferred period means a cheaper premium. If your employer pays you full sick pay for six months, a 26-week deferred period makes sense.
03Does it pay out for mental health issues?+
Modern policies do, subject to underwriting at outset. Mental health claims are one of the most common categories of income protection claims.
04How is this different from critical illness cover?+
Critical illness pays a lump sum on diagnosis of a specific listed illness. Income protection pays a monthly income if you cannot work for any medical reason. Most claims on income protection are for musculoskeletal issues and mental health, which are typically not covered under critical illness.
Where clients typically go next.
Life happens.
Let’s take care of it together.
Book a call directly with Anthony. Evenings and weekends available. No forms up front, no pressure.