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Appointed Representative of The Right Mortgage Network (FCA No. 1004260). Company No. 15189091. Registered in England and Wales.
Protection · Life and health
Income Protection Insurance
“Your income is your most valuable asset.”
If you couldn’t work tomorrow, how long could you manage? Income protection pays you a monthly income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury, for as long as you need it.
FCA regulated · leading UK insurers · 5 star reviews
Quick answer
Income protection pays a monthly benefit, usually up to around 60% to 70% of your income, if illness or injury stops you working. It starts after a waiting period you choose and can pay until you return to work or the policy ends. The main thing to know is that the definition of incapacity, own occupation or any occupation, makes a big difference.
What it pays
A monthly income
Typical benefit
Up to around 60% to 70% of income
When it starts
After your chosen deferred period
Main thing to watch
Own or any occupation definition
How income protection works
You choose a monthly benefit, a deferred period (often 4, 8, 13 or 26 weeks) and how long the policy lasts.
If you’re signed off work for longer than the deferred period, the insurer pays monthly until you recover, return to work, or the policy ends.
Statutory sick pay is a flat weekly amount that won’t cover most mortgages and bills, which is why this cover matters so much.
Choosing your deferred period
Match the deferred period to your sick pay and savings. If your employer pays full salary for 3 months, a 13 week deferred period often makes sense.
A longer deferred period lowers the premium, so this is one of the best levers for keeping cover affordable.
Eligibility and what insurers assess
Who may qualify
Employed and self employed people working a minimum number of hours.
Income
Benefit is capped as a percentage of earnings.
Health and medical history
Back, joint and mental health history carry weight.
Occupation
Manual roles cost more and some have limited definitions.
Lifestyle
Smoking and hobbies affect price.
Common reasons for exclusions
Recent back or mental health issues.
What happens from first call to completion
1
Understand what you need to protect
We look at your mortgage, income, family and existing cover, including anything through work.
2
Work out the right amount and term
We size the cover to your debts and plans, so you’re not over or under insured.
3
Compare insurers on cover, not just price
Definitions and exclusions vary. We compare the policy wording as well as the premium.
4
Complete the application accurately
We help you answer the health and lifestyle questions fully, because that’s what makes a claim pay.
5
Handle underwriting
If the insurer needs GP reports or more information, we chase it and keep you updated.
6
Put cover in place and in trust
Once accepted we set the start date and, where it applies, help you write the policy in trust.
Costs, risks and when it may not be suitable
Being upfront about this is part of doing it properly.
What affects the cost
- Your age and health when you apply
- Smoking and lifestyle
- The amount and length of cover
- Guaranteed or reviewable premiums
- Optional extras such as indexation or waiver of premium
Risks to weigh up
- A weak incapacity definition can make claims harder
- Short term cover may run out before you recover
- Insurers can refuse a claim if information given at application was inaccurate or incomplete
When it may not be suitable
- If your employer pays long term sick pay, you may need less or a longer deferred period
- If you only want your mortgage covered, mortgage protection may be cheaper
What you will need
The exact list depends on the insurer, but this is what to start gathering.
Photo ID and proof of address
Proof of income
Employer sick pay details
GP name and address
Medical history
How MBNM helps
- Work out how much cover you actually need and for how long
- Compare leading UK insurers on definitions, not just price
- Help you disclose your health and lifestyle properly so claims pay
- Explain premiums, trade offs and exclusions in plain English
- Handle underwriting and chase medical evidence
- Set up trusts where they apply and review cover when life changes
What it costs
Your first chat is free. If we can help, we will explain any fees before you decide whether to proceed. There are no hidden fees, and we will not move forward until you have agreed them.
Income Protection FAQs
What’s the deferred period?
Own occupation or any occupation?
I’m self employed. Do I need this?
How much can I cover?
Can I claim more than once?
Does it cover redundancy?
Could you manage without your income?
We’ll look at your sick pay, savings and outgoings, then find cover that fills the gap.
Your first conversation is free and there's no obligation. If we can help, we'll explain any fees before you decide whether to go ahead.
Cover is subject to the insurer's terms, underwriting and exclusions.