HEALTH & FAMILY

Income protection. Explained.

Compare when payments begin, how incapacity is defined and how long income support could continue.

Start with what you need covered.

Income protection can replace part of earnings when illness or injury prevents work under the policy definition. It is different from a medical policy that pays for treatment and from a lump-sum critical illness policy. Align the waiting period with sick pay and savings, then examine the definition used to assess a claim.

Compare the key questions ↗Read the buying guide ↗

UNDERSTAND THE OPTIONS

Different arrangements. Different details.

Longer-term benefit

Discuss a benefit period that can extend to the policy’s end age, subject to continuing eligibility.

Limited benefit period

Payments for an eligible claim are limited to a specified period.

Workplace or individual cover

Check existing employer arrangements before comparing a policy you buy yourself.

BEFORE YOU CHOOSE

Four conversations worth having.

Incapacity definition

Which occupation or work test is used, and can that definition change during a claim?

Deferred period

How long must I wait before payments start, and how will I cover that interval?

Benefit amount

Which earnings count, what evidence is required and how is other income treated?

Duration and inflation

When do payments stop, and can the insured amount keep pace with costs?

Compare an actual offer

These are research prompts, not a quote or a recommendation. Ask an insurer or authorised broker to explain the accepted policy, its exclusions and your own circumstances. Product features vary.

Sources & further reading

Checked 26 September 2026. Policy terms and source ratings can change.

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