What Is Income Protection Insurance and How Does It Work in the UK?
Learn what income protection insurance is, how it works in the UK, what it covers, and whether it's worth considering to protect your income.
Income protection guidance for UK professionals
How To Protect your income if illness
or injury stops you working.
Explore income protection options from FCA-authorised advisers — tailored to your income and circumstances.
FCA-authorised advisers
No obligation
Takes ~60 seconds
Understanding income protection
Your income supports everything.
Your mortgage or rent, household bills, groceries and daily expenses all rely on one thing — your ability to work and earn.
Statutory Sick Pay is currently just over
£118.75 per week
For many people, that wouldn't be enough to cover essential monthly costs.
Income protection is designed to help bridge that gap by providing a regular monthly payment if you're unable to work due to illness or injury.
Monthly commitments
Rent or mortgageHousehold billsGroceriesChildcareTransport
A straightforward way to explore your options
01
Step 1
Tell us a little about your situation
Answer a few quick questions about your work, income and circumstances. It takes around 60 seconds.
02
Step 2
We connect you with an FCA-authorised adviser
Your details are securely shared with a regulated protection specialist who can assess suitable options.
03
Step 3
Receive personalised income protection options
The adviser will explain your options clearly and answer your questions. There’s no obligation to proceed.
Why people use Pathway Protection
A simple, regulated way to explore income protection
FCA-authorised advisers only
We only connect you with advisers who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
No pressure or obligation
Exploring your options doesn’t mean you have to take out a policy. You decide what’s right for you.
Your details handled securely
Your information is shared securely and only with relevant regulated professionals.
Clear, tailored advice
Income protection policies are tailored to your earnings and circumstances. An adviser will explain your options clearly so you can make an informed decision.
Privacy & consent
Your privacy and consent matter. Read our privacy policy.
Who it's for
Who Is Income Protection For?
If your lifestyle depends on your income, it's worth exploring your options.
Self-employed
Contractors
Freelancers
Homeowners
Young families
Salaried professionals
Guides & advice
Recent Articles
Practical guides to help you understand income protection in the UK.
How Much Does Income Protection Insurance Cost in the UK?
Discover how much income protection insurance costs in the UK, what affects the price, and how to reduce premiums.
Do I Need Income Protection If I Have Sick Pay?
If you receive employer sick pay, do you still need income protection? Learn how sick pay works and what happens when it ends.
Frequently asked questions about income protection
Income protection can feel complex at first. Here are answers to some of the most common questions.
How much does income protection cost?+
The cost of income protection depends on several factors, including your age, occupation, income, health and the level of cover you choose.
Policies are tailored to your circumstances, so an FCA-authorised adviser can provide personalised quotes based on your needs and budget.
How much of my income can be covered?+
Most policies allow you to insure a percentage of your gross monthly income — often up to around 50–70%, depending on the provider.
The exact amount available to you will depend on your earnings and employment type.
When do payments start if I can’t work?+
Income protection policies include something called a deferred period. This is the length of time you must be unable to work before payments begin.
Common deferred periods include 4, 8, 13 or 26 weeks. Choosing a longer deferred period can reduce monthly premiums.
An adviser can help you choose a period that fits your financial situation.
How long would payments continue for?+
This depends on the policy you choose.
Some policies pay out for a fixed period (for example, 2 or 5 years per claim). Others can continue paying until retirement age, provided you remain unable to work and meet the policy terms.
What types of illness or injury are covered?+
Most income protection policies cover a wide range of physical and mental health conditions that prevent you from doing your job.
The exact definition of incapacity varies between providers. An adviser will explain how cover works and what would apply in your situation.
Is income protection the same as critical illness cover?+
No.
Income protection pays a regular monthly income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury.
Critical illness cover typically pays a one-off lump sum if you are diagnosed with a specific serious condition listed in the policy.
An adviser can explain the differences and whether either — or both — may be suitable for you.
Can self-employed people get income protection?+
Yes. Income protection can be particularly important for self-employed professionals and contractors, as they may not be entitled to employer sick pay.
Cover can be tailored based on your declared earnings and employment structure.
Am I guaranteed to be accepted?+
Acceptance depends on factors such as your health history, occupation and lifestyle.
Some applications may involve medical questions or additional underwriting. An adviser will guide you through the process and explain your options clearly.
Is there any obligation if I enquire?+
No.
Exploring your options does not commit you to taking out a policy. You can review the information provided and decide whether to proceed.
Still have questions? You can speak with an FCA-authorised adviser to explore your options in more detail.
See how you could protect your income if illness or injury stops you from working
It takes around 60 seconds to get started. No obligation. FCA-authorised advisers.
Explore My Options