Self-employed people
No employer sick pay at all. If you can't work, nothing comes in. Income protection is your safety net.
When work has to wait
You can't work.
Here's what happens.
The difference income protection makes, month by month.
Start your quote online, then our FCA regulated advisers can recommend the right deferred period, policy definition, and cover amount for your occupation and income. No hard sell.
Friendly insurance support from our UK team
Without cover
Weeks 1 to 4
Employer sick pay, if you have it.
Months 2 to 6
SSP kicks in, just £116 a week. Barely covers the food shop.
Month 7+
SSP ends. Savings? Benefits? Stress. The bills keep coming.
With income protection
Deferred period
Usually 4 or 13 weeks, matched to when your employer sick pay runs out.
Then...
Policy pays you up to 70% of your salary every month, tax-efficiently.
Until...
You return to work, reach retirement, or the policy term ends. You decide.
Who needs income protection most?
Sole income earners
If your household depends on one salary, losing it, even temporarily, can be catastrophic.
Large financial commitments
Mortgage, dependants, school fees. The bills don't pause because you're unwell.
Limited employer sick pay
Many employers only pay full salary for a few months. After that, you're on your own.
Cover options explained
Short-term policies
Pay for 1 to 2 years max, lower premiums
A good option if you want to cover the gap until your savings would run out, or bridge a period before long-term benefits kick in. Lower cost, but limited duration.
Long-term policies
Pay until retirement if needed, most comprehensive
The gold standard of income protection. If a serious illness keeps you off work permanently, long-term cover pays out until you'd have retired. Higher premium, maximum security.
Own vs any occupation
The definition that really matters
'Own occupation' pays out if you can't do your specific job. 'Any occupation' only pays if you can't do any work at all, which is a much higher bar. We always look for own occupation cover first.
Helpful reading
Helpful income protection guides
Financial protection insurance guide
See how income protection can support a broader financial protection plan.
Read the guideHow much income protection do I need?
Work through your monthly bills, savings and sick pay to understand how much cover you may need.
Read the guideHow to claim on an income protection policy
Learn when to contact your insurer, which documents to prepare and what happens during a claim.
Read the guideHow it works
Frequently asked questions
Critical illness cover pays a one-off lump sum when you're diagnosed with a specific serious condition. Income protection pays a regular monthly income whenever you're unable to work due to any illness or injury, not just specified conditions. Income protection is broader and continues to pay for as long as you remain unable to work.
This depends on the policy definition. 'Own occupation', the strongest definition, means you can't do your specific job. 'Any occupation' means you can't do any work at all, which is a much higher bar to meet. We always look for own occupation cover where possible, as it provides significantly stronger protection.
Yes. Most income protection policies cover mental health conditions including depression and anxiety, provided they're not pre-existing exclusions on your policy. Mental health is now one of the most common reasons for income protection claims in the UK, and good insurers treat these claims with the same care as physical conditions.
The deferred period is how long you wait before the policy starts paying out, typically 4, 8, 13, or 26 weeks. A longer deferred period means lower premiums. The best approach is to match it to how long your employer would pay you sick pay, or how long your savings could realistically support you. Your adviser will help you work this out.
Absolutely, and it's arguably even more important if you're self-employed, since you have no sick pay at all. Insurers will typically ask for evidence of your income such as accounts or tax returns, and calculate your benefit based on your earnings. Our advisers work with self-employed clients regularly and understand which insurers offer suitable terms.
We do not guarantee a specific premium or that cover will be offered. Eligibility and underwriting decisions are made by the insurer. Always read your policy documents carefully.
You insure your car. Insure your income.
Start your income protection quote online and we'll help find the right policy for your occupation and budget.
Important service information
This is an advised service
One of our advisers will talk through your circumstances and give you a personal recommendation based on your needs and budget. We will explain why a policy suits you before you decide to go ahead.
Understanding your demands and needs
Before we arrange any cover, we will ask about your situation so we understand what you need the policy to do. Any cover we put forward is based on the information you give us, so please make sure it is accurate and complete.