Income Protection · UK Research
The cover that replaces your income if you can’t work.
Income protection pays a regular monthly income if illness or injury stops you working. We explain how the benefit and deferred periods work, the difference between short-term and full-term cover, and what it costs — including for the self-employed.
Quick answer
The essentials in 30 seconds
- What it pays: a tax-free monthly income, usually around 50–65% of your gross earnings, while you cannot work.
- How long: full-term cover pays until you recover, retire or the policy ends; short-term cover pays for a set period such as 1–2 years.
- Deferred period: you choose how long to wait before payments start — longer waits mean lower premiums.
- Best for: anyone who relies on their earnings, and especially the self-employed with no sick pay.
Pricing
What drives an income protection premium
| Factor | Effect on price |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Manual and higher-risk jobs cost more than office-based roles |
| Deferred period | A longer wait before payments start reduces the premium |
| Benefit amount & term | More monthly income and full-term cover cost more than short-term |
| Age & health | Older applicants and existing conditions raise the price |
| Smoker status | Smokers pay more, as with most protection cover |
Indicative drivers for orientation only — not a quote. Premiums are set by insurer underwriting.
Our research
What our income protection section covers
- How much income protection costs
- Income protection for the self-employed
- Choosing a deferred period
- Short-term vs full-term cover
- Income protection vs critical illness cover
- How much cover you need
Related cover: life insurance protects against death; income protection protects against being unable to work. Many households hold both.
Common questions
Income protection FAQs
Usually around 50–65% of your gross income, paid tax-free each month while you cannot work. The cap is set by the insurer and reflects that the benefit is tax-free, unlike your salary.
Income protection pays a monthly income for any illness or injury that stops you working, for as long as you are off. Critical illness pays a one-off lump sum, but only for specific named conditions. Income protection covers more situations; critical illness gives a lump sum. Some people hold both.
Employer sick pay usually runs out after a few weeks or months, after which many people fall back on limited state benefits. Income protection bridges that gap for the long term. Check how long your employer pays full and half pay, then set the deferred period to start when that ends.
Information only — not financial advice. My Insurance Expert is not an FCA-authorised intermediary and does not arrange or sell policies. Last updated: 2026-06-13
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