Self-Employed Workers
No statutory sick pay means no income from day one if you can’t work. Income protection insurance provides the financial safety net employed people take for granted.
Income Protection Insurance
Your salary pays for everything that matters to your family. When illness or injury stops you from working, income protection insurance replaces part of your earnings with tax-free monthly payments until you can return to work.
The cost of insurance, particularly life insurance has fallen over recent years, whilst the quality of cover has in many cases increased.
Far from being a luxury, Protection Insurance should be considered essential, especially if you have a family or people that rely on your income.
This information is for guidance only and does not constitute financial advice.
Income protection insurance guide
When you can't work, most of us are just weeks away from serious financial difficulty if our income suddenly stops. Statutory sick pay is only £118.75 per week (2025/26), and if you're self-employed, you get nothing at all. Income protection insurance steps in when you need it most, paying up to 70% of your salary until you're well enough to work again.
How income protection insurance works:
- Pays monthly tax-free income if you can’t work due to illness or injury
- Covers up to 70% of your gross earnings
- Includes mental health conditions, back problems, cancer, and most illnesses
- You choose when payments start – from 4 weeks to 2 years after you stop working
- Can continue until you recover, return to work, or reach retirement
- Policies can be short-term (1–5 years) or long-term (until retirement)
Pays out if you can’t do your specific job, even if you could do other work. The most comprehensive level of protection, particularly important for skilled professionals and specialists.
Covers you if you can’t work in your field or profession. Offers good protection while being more affordable than own occupation cover.
Only pays out if you can’t do any work at all. The most basic and cheapest level of cover, but harder to claim successfully.
Short-term policies pay for 1–5 years, while long-term policies continue until you can return to work or retire. Your choice depends on your circumstances and budget.
Who needs income protection most
People in Physical Jobs
Construction workers, mechanics, and others in manual roles face high risks of injury that could prevent them from working.
Main Breadwinners
When your family depends on your income for the mortgage, bills, and daily expenses, losing that income creates immediate hardship.
Those with Limited Sick Pay
Many employers only provide basic statutory sick pay, which isn’t enough to cover most families’ monthly expenses.
How we help
We understand that financial decisions feel heavy because they affect everything that matters to you. Our job is to make them lighter, clearer and easier.
Testimonials
Trusted by working families nationwide
We've helped hundreds of families find income protection that gives them confidence their bills will be covered if they can't work.
How can we help protect your income?
Tell us about your work and family situation
We'll help you understand how much cover you need and find a policy that fits your budget while protecting what matters most to your family.