Keep your income if you can't work.
Tax-free monthly payments if illness or injury stops you working. We compare top UK insurers and match you with a policy that fits your income, your job, and your life.
How it pays out
Off work for 3 months due to illness, injury, or mental health
What is income protection?
Income protection is a long-term insurance policy that pays you a regular tax-free income if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. Unlike critical illness cover, it covers any condition that stops you working, not just a specific list of diagnosed diseases.
Policies pay out as a percentage of your salary, typically 50–70%, for as long as you're unable to work, up to the end of the policy term or your chosen retirement age.
Payments begin after a deferred period (usually between 4 weeks and 12 months) which you choose when you take out the policy. The longer the deferred period, the lower your premium.
It's one of the most important protections a working adult can have, yet it's significantly underused compared to life insurance.
Important: Income protection is an insurance product. Premiums depend on your age, health, occupation, and the level of cover you choose. You may not receive a payout if the policy terms are not met or if a claim relates to a pre-existing condition excluded at outset.
Income protection insurance is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Applications are handled by qualified advisers who are authorised and regulated by the FCA. You're protected by strict rules on fair treatment, clear information, and suitability.
IP vs Critical Illness
How they compare
Income Protection
Critical Illness
For ongoing protection against anything that stops you working
Who should have income protection?
If your income stopped tomorrow, how long could you manage? Income protection is built for people who rely on their salary to cover everyday life.
Self-employed workers
No sick pay. No employer safety net. If you can't work, your income stops immediately. Income protection is essential, not optional.
No sick pay at allEmployees with short sick pay
Statutory Sick Pay is just £116.75/week. Most employer sick pay schemes run out after a few months. Income protection fills the gap long-term.
SSP only £116.75/weekMortgage holders
Your mortgage doesn't pause for illness. Income protection keeps your payments covered so you don't risk your home if you're off work for months.
Keep your home safeSingle-income households
When one income supports the whole family, losing it is catastrophic. Income protection ensures your family's financial security if you're unable to work.
Full family protectionHigh earners
The higher your income, the larger the gap state benefits leave. Income protection replaces up to 70% of your salary, not the bare minimum from the government.
Up to 70% of salaryAnyone with long-term commitments
Car finance, rent, loans, childcare costs: they continue whether you're working or not. Income protection keeps everything moving while you recover.
Bills still coveredIncome protection is also recommended for:
Why income protection works
Income protection is the most comprehensive financial safety net for working adults. Here's what makes it uniquely valuable.
Covers any condition that stops you working
Unlike critical illness cover, income protection pays out for any illness or injury, including back problems, mental health conditions, and stress. Not just a fixed list of serious diseases.
Tax-free monthly payments
Payments are received free of income tax, meaning you keep the full amount to cover your mortgage, bills, and living costs. Every month until you recover or retire.
Pays for as long as you need it
Most policies pay out until you're well enough to return to work, or until the policy end date, which can be your retirement age. This is long-term protection, not a short-term fix.
You choose your deferred period
Select a deferred period of 4, 8, 13, 26, or 52 weeks to match your employer sick pay or savings runway. A longer deferred period means a lower premium.
Claim as many times as you need
Unlike critical illness cover, income protection doesn't end after a single claim. If you recover and then become ill again, the policy pays out again, as many times as needed during the policy term.
Inflation-proofed with indexation
Many policies include an indexation option that increases your benefit in line with inflation each year, so your cover keeps pace with the rising cost of living over a long policy term.
Three steps to your income protection
It's straightforward. Here's what happens when you use Albot.
Quick questions
Tell us about your job, income, and what cover you need. Takes a few minutes.
⏱ No medical requiredSee your options
Albot compares top UK insurers and shows you what's available for your situation and budget.
⚡ Instant resultsAdviser confirms your cover
A qualified adviser reviews your circumstances, confirms the right policy for you, and sets everything up.
👤 FCA regulatedThe smarter way to get covered
We combine speed with expert advisers to find you the right income protection at the right price.
Instant comparison
We compare top UK insurers in seconds. AI-powered matching surfaces the most relevant policies for your occupation, income, and health profile.
Expert adviser included
Qualified protection advisers review your needs and recommend the right policy. They're authorised and regulated by the FCA, protecting you throughout.
No pressure, no obligation
See your options with no commitment. We give you clear information so you can make the right decision for yourself, in your own time.
Whole of market access
We're not tied to a single insurer. Our advisers search the whole market to find the best fit for your specific circumstances and policy requirements.
Common questions about income protection
Everything you need to know before you apply for cover.
How much of my income will it cover?
Most policies cover between 50% and 70% of your gross income. This is designed to be enough to cover essential outgoings while avoiding any incentive to stay off work. The exact amount depends on your income, occupation, and the policy you choose. Payments are received tax-free.
What is a deferred period and how do I choose one?
The deferred period is how long you wait before the policy starts paying out. Common options are 4, 8, 13, 26, or 52 weeks. Choose a period that aligns with your employer sick pay. For example, if your employer pays full salary for three months, a 13-week deferred period makes sense. Longer deferred periods mean lower monthly premiums.
Does it cover mental health conditions?
Yes. Most income protection policies cover mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, stress, and burnout. This is one of the key advantages over critical illness cover, which typically excludes mental health. Some policies may have exclusions for pre-existing mental health conditions, which your adviser will clarify at application.
Can I get income protection if I'm self-employed?
Yes, and it's particularly important if you're self-employed since there's no employer sick pay to fall back on. Policies for self-employed people are widely available. Your insurer will assess your income from self-employment, typically using an average of your recent taxable earnings, to set the level of cover.
How long does the policy pay out for?
Full-term income protection pays until you're well enough to return to work, or until the policy end date, which is typically your chosen retirement age (e.g. 65 or 70). Short-term policies pay for a limited period, such as 1 or 2 years per claim. Full-term policies offer stronger protection but cost more. Your adviser will help you choose the right option.
What happens if I need to make a claim?
If you're unable to work due to illness or injury, you notify your insurer and provide medical evidence. Once the deferred period has passed and the claim is accepted, monthly payments begin. Your adviser is available to support you through the claims process. Premiums are based on your circumstances at the time you take out the policy, not at the time of claim.
Your income is worth protecting
Find out what cover you can get in minutes. No commitment, no medical required upfront, no pressure.
Get my free quoteImportant Information
Income protection is a long-term insurance product. Premiums are based on your individual circumstances, including your age, health, occupation, income, and the level and term of cover you select. Premiums may vary. This page provides general information only and does not constitute personal advice.
Policies may include exclusions for pre-existing medical conditions. You should read the full policy terms and conditions before taking out any insurance product. The illustrative payment scenario on this page is for example purposes only and does not represent a guaranteed outcome.
In the event of a claim, the insurer will assess your claim against the specific terms of your policy. Income protection does not cover redundancy or voluntary resignation.