Written by Mark Langshaw Reviewed by Lee Trett
22 January 2026
Hub page introduction, criteria and FAQs added
12 December 2024
First Published
A quick overview of income protection
Income protection is a type of insurance policy that provides a regular replacement income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury.
You can read more about how it works in our complete guide to income protection.
Key features of income protection
Here is a rundown of the key components of income protection and the rules around it:
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Usually taken out as an individual policy rather than a joint one
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Policyholders pay a monthly premium while the plan is active
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Payouts are made as a tax-free monthly income (not a lump sum)
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Payments start after a pre-agreed waiting period known as the "deferred period" (e.g., 4, 13, or 26 weeks)
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Most policies have exclusions (causes they won’t pay out for) such as redundancy, normal pregnancy, or self-inflicted injuries
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Factor |
Impact & Key Insurer Checks |
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Health & BMI |
Insurers check weight and medical history. Issues can lead to higher premiums or specific exclusions. |
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Smoking & Vaping |
Any nicotine use in the last 12 months classifies you as a "smoker," increasing the monthly cost. |
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Occupation |
High-risk jobs (e.g., manual labour, heights) cost more or may have stricter "incapacity" definitions (e.g., "any occupation" vs "own occupation"). |
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Hobbies |
Dangerous sports (e.g., diving, climbing) may be excluded from valid claims or increase premiums. |
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Lifestyle |
Heavy alcohol consumption or drug history is a common cause for applications being declined. |
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Travel |
Plans to visit or work in high-risk countries can cause applications to be postponed or exclusions applied. |
Eligibility criteria and other requirements
To qualify for income protection in the UK you generally need to be a permanent resident here, hold a UK bank account, and be registered with a UK GP (often for at least 2 years).
You will also need to be over the age of 18, and typically under the age of 59 or 60 at the time of application, with cover usually ending by age 70 or your planned retirement date.
This table highlights the factors that impact a policy’s cost and likelihood of acceptance.
Guides & articles
All about Income Protection
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A Complete Guide to Income Protection Insurance
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Short Term Income Protection Insurance
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Income Protection Insurance for Redundancy
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Income Protection for the Self-Employed
A guide to income protection for self-employed people
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Income Protection Insurance Vs. Critical Illness Cover
Learn how these two insurance types compare
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Income Protection Vs. Life Insurance
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A Guide to Group Income Protection Insurance
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Income Protection for Pregnancy
Find out whether income protection covers pregnancy
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Income Protection Calculator
Calculate how much cover you need and your payout
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Income Protection Insurance Providers
How to choose the right income protection provider
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Executive Income Protection
Everything you need to know about executive income protection
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Age Banded Income Protection
A guide to age banded income protection insurance
Yes, it is possible to get coverage, though it may cost more. You must disclose any pre-existing conditions (such as back pain or mental health history) when applying. If you don't, your policy could be voided. In many cases, insurers will offer a policy that excludes claims related to that specific pre-existing condition.
Yes, you can theoretically hold multiple income protection policies, but you generally cannot receive more than a set percentage of your earnings (usually 50-70% total). If you have two policies that combined exceed this limit, the insurers will reduce the payout so you do not profit from being off work, meaning you may be paying for cover you cannot claim.
If you stop paying your monthly premiums, your policy will usually lapse, and your cover will end. Unlike a savings account, you won't get any money back as the policy has no cash-in value. It is important to contact your insurer before cancelling, as they may offer options to reduce your premium or modify your cover.
Get your bespoke income protection quote today
Think carefully before securing other debts against your home. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or any other debt secured on it.
If you are thinking of consolidating existing borrowing you should be aware that you may be extending the terms of the debt and increasing the total amount you repay.
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