Insurance

Income Protection Insurance

Income Protection Insurance for Parents

How to protect your family's future if illness or injury stops you from earning a living.

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August 6, 2025

Financial support when life throws a curveball

Income protection is a type of insurance that pays you a regular income if you can't work due to illness or injury. For parents, it can be a real lifeline, helping you pay for daily living costs like the mortgage or the food shop - or giving you breathing room to focus on recovery. It can also be a useful bolt-on to a joint life insurance policy.

What parents should look out for

When choosing an income protection policy, parents should consider:

  • Waiting period: The delay before payments begin. A shorter wait means quicker access to funds but it may cost more.
  • Benefit period: How long you'll receive payments - this can range from a few years to retirement age.
  • Coverage amount: Make sure it covers key expenses like mortgage or rent, groceries, utilities, and childcare.
  • Flexible add-ons: Options might include inflation protection, rehabilitation support, or cover for the stay-at-home parent.

Parents who work for themselves

If you're your own boss, your income might be unpredictable. But that doesn't mean you can't get protection.

  • Non-standard salary
    Insurers look at your average income, however it comes, when setting your monthly payout amount. You can work with a broker who understands your situation.
  • Tax-efficient options
    You may be able to pay for your cover through your business as a legitimate expense, which can reduce your tax bill.

Summing up

Illness in the family is always difficult - and can have a serious financial impact. Income protection gives you a buffer if illness or injury stops you from working. With the right policy, you can keep your household secure and focus on what really matters: your family and your recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need income protection if I get sick pay?

It depends on how much cover you'd get and how long it lasts. If you're employed full-time and get generous sick pay, you might not need much cover. But for many parents - especially if you're self-employed or a contractor - sick pay is limited or non-existent. Income protection steps in to cover a portion of your earnings so you can pay the bills, even if you're off work for months.

Do I need income protection if I get sick pay?

It depends on how much cover you'd get and how long it lasts. If you're employed full-time and get generous sick pay, you might not need much cover. But for many parents - especially if you're self-employed or a contractor - sick pay is limited or non-existent. Income protection steps in to cover a portion of your earnings so you can pay the bills, even if you're off work for months.

Do I need income protection if I get sick pay?

It depends on how much cover you'd get and how long it lasts. If you're employed full-time and get generous sick pay, you might not need much cover. But for many parents - especially if you're self-employed or a contractor - sick pay is limited or non-existent. Income protection steps in to cover a portion of your earnings so you can pay the bills, even if you're off work for months.

Do I need income protection if I get sick pay?

It depends on how much cover you'd get and how long it lasts. If you're employed full-time and get generous sick pay, you might not need much cover. But for many parents - especially if you're self-employed or a contractor - sick pay is limited or non-existent. Income protection steps in to cover a portion of your earnings so you can pay the bills, even if you're off work for months.

How much does income protection cost?

Monthly premiums vary depending on your age, job, health, smoking status, how much income you want to protect, and how long you could wait before payments start (known as the "deferred period"). As a rough guide, many people pay between £10 and £50 a month. Parents often choose to cover essential expenses like a repayment mortgage, educations costs, and other bills - so you're not over-insured, just protected where it matters most.

How much does income protection cost?

Monthly premiums vary depending on your age, job, health, smoking status, how much income you want to protect, and how long you could wait before payments start (known as the "deferred period"). As a rough guide, many people pay between £10 and £50 a month. Parents often choose to cover essential expenses like a repayment mortgage, educations costs, and other bills - so you're not over-insured, just protected where it matters most.

How much does income protection cost?

Monthly premiums vary depending on your age, job, health, smoking status, how much income you want to protect, and how long you could wait before payments start (known as the "deferred period"). As a rough guide, many people pay between £10 and £50 a month. Parents often choose to cover essential expenses like a repayment mortgage, educations costs, and other bills - so you're not over-insured, just protected where it matters most.

Can I get cover while pregnant?

Yes, you can take out income protection while you're pregnant, but it's important to understand what's covered. Normal pregnancy and maternity leave aren't typically reasons for a claim. But if you develop a pregnancy-related illness - like pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, or postnatal depression - and it prevents you from working, then you may be able to make a claim depending on your policy.

Can I get cover while pregnant?

Yes, you can take out income protection while you're pregnant, but it's important to understand what's covered. Normal pregnancy and maternity leave aren't typically reasons for a claim. But if you develop a pregnancy-related illness - like pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, or postnatal depression - and it prevents you from working, then you may be able to make a claim depending on your policy.

Can I get cover while pregnant?

Yes, you can take out income protection while you're pregnant, but it's important to understand what's covered. Normal pregnancy and maternity leave aren't typically reasons for a claim. But if you develop a pregnancy-related illness - like pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, or postnatal depression - and it prevents you from working, then you may be able to make a claim depending on your policy.

Can I get cover while pregnant?

Yes, you can take out income protection while you're pregnant, but it's important to understand what's covered. Normal pregnancy and maternity leave aren't typically reasons for a claim. But if you develop a pregnancy-related illness - like pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, or postnatal depression - and it prevents you from working, then you may be able to make a claim depending on your policy.

What's the difference between income protection and critical illness cover?

Income protection pays you a regular monthly income if you can't work due to any illness or injury. It keeps paying until you recover, retire, or reach the policy limit. Critical illness cover pays a fixed lump sum if you're diagnosed with a serious condition like cancer, a stroke, or MS. It's a one-off payment designed to cover major costs. Some parents choose to combine both types of cover for broader financial protection.

What's the difference between income protection and critical illness cover?

Income protection pays you a regular monthly income if you can't work due to any illness or injury. It keeps paying until you recover, retire, or reach the policy limit. Critical illness cover pays a fixed lump sum if you're diagnosed with a serious condition like cancer, a stroke, or MS. It's a one-off payment designed to cover major costs. Some parents choose to combine both types of cover for broader financial protection.

What's the difference between income protection and critical illness cover?

Income protection pays you a regular monthly income if you can't work due to any illness or injury. It keeps paying until you recover, retire, or reach the policy limit. Critical illness cover pays a fixed lump sum if you're diagnosed with a serious condition like cancer, a stroke, or MS. It's a one-off payment designed to cover major costs. Some parents choose to combine both types of cover for broader financial protection.

Will it cover mental health conditions?

Yes, many income protection policies now include cover for mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders - as long as they stop you from working. But it's worth checking the policy wording, as insurers may have different definitions, exclusions, or requirements like undergoing treatment.

Will it cover mental health conditions?

Yes, many income protection policies now include cover for mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders - as long as they stop you from working. But it's worth checking the policy wording, as insurers may have different definitions, exclusions, or requirements like undergoing treatment.

Will it cover mental health conditions?

Yes, many income protection policies now include cover for mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders - as long as they stop you from working. But it's worth checking the policy wording, as insurers may have different definitions, exclusions, or requirements like undergoing treatment.

Will it cover mental health conditions?

Yes, many income protection policies now include cover for mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders - as long as they stop you from working. But it's worth checking the policy wording, as insurers may have different definitions, exclusions, or requirements like undergoing treatment.

What's a family income benefit policy?

A family income benefit (FIB) pays out a regular monthly income to your family if you die during the policy term, rather than a single sum of money. It's similar to income protection, except the payout comes after death rather than with illness or injury. Often, family income benefit works for families with young children who rely on a steady income.

What's a family income benefit policy?

A family income benefit (FIB) pays out a regular monthly income to your family if you die during the policy term, rather than a single sum of money. It's similar to income protection, except the payout comes after death rather than with illness or injury. Often, family income benefit works for families with young children who rely on a steady income.

What's a family income benefit policy?

A family income benefit (FIB) pays out a regular monthly income to your family if you die during the policy term, rather than a single sum of money. It's similar to income protection, except the payout comes after death rather than with illness or injury. Often, family income benefit works for families with young children who rely on a steady income.

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About the author

Lawrence Howlett

Founder of Money Saving Advisors and a finance writer known for clear, actionable insights.

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