Income protection Insurance for Couples
Because sometimes "in sickness and in health" needs a little backup.
Love, life... and sick days
There are moments in life you just don't see coming. A bad injury. A serious illness. Suddenly, one of you can't work. With bills to pay and mouths to feed, things can get stressful fast. That's where income protection comes in. It's one of those things nobody told you you'd need - until you need it.
Two incomes, one safety net
Whether you're living together, married, or raising kids, your income often supports more than just you. Here's why it's worth considering income protection when you're sharing life (and household bills) with someone else.
- One income often isn't enough - Most UK households rely on two monthly incomes to cover essentials like rent or a repayment mortgage, utilities, food, and childcare. If one income goes, the other may not stretch far enough.
- Statutory sick pay won't go far - The UK's statutory sick pay is around £118 a week (as of 2025), and only for 28 weeks. It's hardly enough to keep a household afloat, especially in cities like London or Manchester.
- Mental load and emotional strain - If one of you is ill and the other is picking up the slack, stress builds up fast. Income protection helps relieve some of that pressure, so you can focus on getting better - not just getting by.
Flexible cover for life's moving parts
No two couples are the same, and neither is income protection. You can tailor it to suit your lifestyle and needs.
- You don't both need the same cover - Maybe one of you is self-employed and more at risk, while the other has generous sick pay at work. You can each get a plan that fits.
- It’s not just for high earners - Income protection isn't about protecting wealth - it's about protecting your ability to pay for life's basics. Even if your income isn't huge, losing it could mean losing your home or falling into debt.
- Policies can be flexible - You can often choose how much cover you want, how long it pays out, and when payments start. That means you can find something that fits your budget as well as your needs.
Summing up
Income protection might not be as exciting as a holiday or as visible as a new car - but it's one of the smartest ways you can look after each other. When you're building a life together, protecting your income means protecting your peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we get joint income protection insurance?
You can't typically get joint income protection insurance, as it’s based on individual earnings. But you can get joint life insurance cover, which pays out if one partner dies. This helps the surviving partner keep up with mortgage payments and stay financially supported during a difficult time. For income protection, each person would need a separate policy.
Can we get joint income protection insurance?
You can't typically get joint income protection insurance, as it’s based on individual earnings. But you can get joint life insurance cover, which pays out if one partner dies. This helps the surviving partner keep up with mortgage payments and stay financially supported during a difficult time. For income protection, each person would need a separate policy.
Can we get joint income protection insurance?
You can't typically get joint income protection insurance, as it’s based on individual earnings. But you can get joint life insurance cover, which pays out if one partner dies. This helps the surviving partner keep up with mortgage payments and stay financially supported during a difficult time. For income protection, each person would need a separate policy.
What does income protection cover?
Income protection pays out a portion of your income - usually 50% to 70% - if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. This can be a lifesaver when your household relies on your income to stay afloat. It's not a one-off payment - it gives you a monthly benefit for as long as you can't work, or until your policy ends.
What does income protection cover?
Income protection pays out a portion of your income - usually 50% to 70% - if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. This can be a lifesaver when your household relies on your income to stay afloat. It's not a one-off payment - it gives you a monthly benefit for as long as you can't work, or until your policy ends.
What does income protection cover?
Income protection pays out a portion of your income - usually 50% to 70% - if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. This can be a lifesaver when your household relies on your income to stay afloat. It's not a one-off payment - it gives you a monthly benefit for as long as you can't work, or until your policy ends.
Is it the same as critical illness cover?
Critical illness cover is a life insurance product that can complement income protection. It pays a one-off lump sum if you're diagnosed with a serious condition, helping with costs like treatment or clearing debts. Income protection, on the other hand, gives you monthly financial support if you can't work due to illness or injury.
Is it the same as critical illness cover?
Critical illness cover is a life insurance product that can complement income protection. It pays a one-off lump sum if you're diagnosed with a serious condition, helping with costs like treatment or clearing debts. Income protection, on the other hand, gives you monthly financial support if you can't work due to illness or injury.
Is it the same as critical illness cover?
Critical illness cover is a life insurance product that can complement income protection. It pays a one-off lump sum if you're diagnosed with a serious condition, helping with costs like treatment or clearing debts. Income protection, on the other hand, gives you monthly financial support if you can't work due to illness or injury.
Is it worth it if one of us already has sick pay from work?
Absolutely - income protection can complement your workplace benefits. It can bridge the gap when those benefits end. You can set your policy to start payments after your employer sick pay stops, which helps keep the costs down. Having your own cover gives you control and security no matter what happens at work.
Is it worth it if one of us already has sick pay from work?
Absolutely - income protection can complement your workplace benefits. It can bridge the gap when those benefits end. You can set your policy to start payments after your employer sick pay stops, which helps keep the costs down. Having your own cover gives you control and security no matter what happens at work.
Is it worth it if one of us already has sick pay from work?
Absolutely - income protection can complement your workplace benefits. It can bridge the gap when those benefits end. You can set your policy to start payments after your employer sick pay stops, which helps keep the costs down. Having your own cover gives you control and security no matter what happens at work.
How much does income protection cost?
The cost varies based on factors like your age, job, health, how much income you want to cover, and for how long. For many people, it's surprisingly affordable - some policies start at less than £10 per month. The earlier you buy, the cheaper the monthly premiums tend to be. Smoking, hazardous jobs, or pre-existing health conditions can increase the price, but even then, partial cover can still be better than none.
How much does income protection cost?
The cost varies based on factors like your age, job, health, how much income you want to cover, and for how long. For many people, it's surprisingly affordable - some policies start at less than £10 per month. The earlier you buy, the cheaper the monthly premiums tend to be. Smoking, hazardous jobs, or pre-existing health conditions can increase the price, but even then, partial cover can still be better than none.
How much does income protection cost?
The cost varies based on factors like your age, job, health, how much income you want to cover, and for how long. For many people, it's surprisingly affordable - some policies start at less than £10 per month. The earlier you buy, the cheaper the monthly premiums tend to be. Smoking, hazardous jobs, or pre-existing health conditions can increase the price, but even then, partial cover can still be better than none.
Can we change or cancel it later?
Yes, most policies offer some flexibility. If your life changes - say you have a child, buy a house, or one of you becomes self-employed - you can usually adjust your policy to fit. You can increase your cover, shorten the waiting period, or even reduce the monthly cost. If your needs change completely, you can cancel the plan (though you won't get back the money you've already paid in).
Can we change or cancel it later?
Yes, most policies offer some flexibility. If your life changes - say you have a child, buy a house, or one of you becomes self-employed - you can usually adjust your policy to fit. You can increase your cover, shorten the waiting period, or even reduce the monthly cost. If your needs change completely, you can cancel the plan (though you won't get back the money you've already paid in).
Can we change or cancel it later?
Yes, most policies offer some flexibility. If your life changes - say you have a child, buy a house, or one of you becomes self-employed - you can usually adjust your policy to fit. You can increase your cover, shorten the waiting period, or even reduce the monthly cost. If your needs change completely, you can cancel the plan (though you won't get back the money you've already paid in).
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