Income protection pays a replacement income if you can't work due to illness or injury. The crucial detail is the 'definition of incapacity': 'Own Occupation' pays out if you can't do your own job - the gold standard. Cheaper policies use 'Suited Occupation' or 'Activities of Daily Living', which are far harder to claim on. We insist on Own Occupation where it's available.
Own Occupation explained
'Own Occupation' means the policy pays if you can't perform your own specific job. 'Suited Occupation' pays only if you can't do any job suited to your skills. 'Any Occupation' or 'Activities of Daily Living' are the hardest to claim on. We secure Own Occupation cover wherever your occupation allows.
- Own Occupation: can't do your own job - pays
- Suited/Any Occupation: harder to claim
- We secure Own Occupation wherever possible
Deferral periods
The deferral period is how long you wait before payments start - typically 4, 8, 13 or 26 weeks. A longer deferral lowers the premium. We align the deferral to your sick pay entitlement or savings, so you're not paying for cover you don't need.
- 4, 8, 13 or 26-week deferral options
- Longer deferral = lower premium
- Aligned to your sick pay or savings buffer
Self-employed cover
Self-employed applicants often have no sick pay, making income protection even more important. We present your income evidence (accounts or SA302s) to secure cover based on your average earnings, with a clear explanation of how a claim would be assessed.
- Cover based on average self-employed earnings
- Accounts or SA302s as income evidence
- Claim assessment explained upfront
Common questions
What does 'Own Occupation' mean?
It means the policy pays out if you're unable to perform your own specific occupation due to illness or injury. It's the most generous definition and the one we secure wherever your occupation allows.
Is income protection worth it if I'm self-employed?
Often more so - with no employer sick pay, a replacement income is critical. We base the cover on your average earnings and explain exactly how a claim would be assessed.