Protect your income
if you cannot work.

Income protection pays you a monthly benefit if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. It replaces a portion of your lost earnings — typically 50–70% — until you recover, reach the end of the policy term, or retire.

Until you return to work, reach your chosen retirement age (e.g. 65 or 67), or until the policy term ends. Unlike critical illness cover, there is no limit on the number of claims.

The waiting period before payments begin — typically 4, 8, 13, 26 or 52 weeks. Choosing a longer deferment period reduces your premium. Match it to how long your employer would continue to pay you.

Yes. Critical illness pays a one-off lump sum on diagnosis of specific conditions. Income protection pays ongoing monthly benefits whenever you cannot work, for any medical reason, for as long as needed.

Most income protection policies cover mental health conditions such as stress, anxiety, and depression, provided they prevent you from working. Mental health claims are among the most common — this is a key advantage over critical illness cover, which rarely includes mental health conditions.

'Own occupation' pays out if you cannot perform your specific job — it is the most comprehensive and recommended definition. 'Any occupation' only pays if you are unable to do any work at all, making it much harder to claim. Always check the policy definition carefully before buying.

Most employed and self-employed people can apply. The monthly benefit is based on a percentage of your pre-tax income (typically up to 65–70%). Some high-risk occupations may face restrictions or higher premiums. A whole-of-market adviser can identify the most appropriate policy for your occupation and income.

Yes — income protection is particularly important for the self-employed, as you have no employer sick pay to fall back on. Insurers will typically base the benefit on your average earnings over the previous two to three years, evidenced by your tax returns.