Income protection
Income protection for when you can't work
If illness or injury stopped you working, how would you pay the mortgage? Income protection pays a monthly income after a waiting period you choose, which could help you keep up your repayments and bills. Quanstrom Financial's advisers will help you find cover that fits your job and your budget.
- No charge for our protection advice
- Waiting periods and sick pay explained
- Short and long-term cover compared
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Does it pay out?
Most income protection claims are paid
Aviva paid 90% of individual income protection claims in 2025. The most common reasons were musculoskeletal conditions, followed by mental health conditions and cancer. Being open about your health and your job when you apply helps make sure your policy pays out.
Source: Aviva individual protection claims data for 2025, published March 2026. Figures relate to one insurer and are shown as an example only.
How it works
Four choices that shape your cover
Income protection replaces part of your income while you can't work. These choices affect what it pays and what it costs.
Waiting period
How long you wait before payments start, often from four weeks to twelve months. A longer wait usually means a lower premium, so it may help to match it to any sick pay from work.
Amount of cover
Policies usually replace part of your income, up to a limit set by the insurer. We'll help you choose an amount that could cover your mortgage and essential bills.
How long it pays
Some policies pay until you return to work or the policy ends. Others pay for a set time on each claim, such as one, two or five years, which usually costs less.
How a claim is assessed
Some policies pay if you can't do your own job, while others use a stricter test. We'll explain how each insurer decides whether you can claim.
Other protection
Cover for your family and your plans
Income protection can work alongside other protection. Here is how they fit together.
Life insurance
Pays a lump sum or a regular income to your family if you die during the policy term. It could help them pay off the mortgage.
Life insurance explainedCritical illness cover
Pays a lump sum if you're diagnosed with a serious illness covered by your policy. You could use it to reduce your mortgage or take time to recover.
Critical illness cover explainedHow we help
Protection advice without the jargon
Cover matched to your mortgage
We'll match the amount and term to your mortgage, so the two work together.
Sick pay taken into account
We'll look at what your employer would pay, so your waiting period fits around it.
An honest review
Already have cover? We'll tell you honestly whether it still fits your needs.
Local or nationwide
Speak to us by phone or video wherever you are in the UK, or meet us in Eastbourne by arrangement.
Income protection questions
Can't see your question? Call us on 01323 364432 or book a free consultation.
What does income protection pay out for?
It pays a monthly income if you can't work because of illness or injury, once your waiting period ends. Payments continue until you return to work, your claim period ends or the policy ends, whichever comes first. Payments from a personally owned policy are usually tax-free.
How is it different from critical illness cover?
Critical illness cover pays one lump sum if you're diagnosed with a covered condition. Income protection pays a monthly income while you can't work, within the limits of your policy, and can cover a wider range of illnesses and injuries.
I get sick pay from work. Do I still need it?
Sick pay from an employer often lasts a limited time. Income protection could start when it ends, and we'll help you choose a waiting period that fits around it.
Can I get income protection if I'm self-employed?
Yes, many insurers offer cover for self-employed people. They usually look at your accounts or tax returns to set the amount of cover.
How much does income protection cost?
The cost depends on your age, health, job, the waiting period, how long it pays and the amount of cover. We'll compare policies and explain the cost before you decide.
Is there a fee for protection advice?
No. There's no charge for our protection advice. You only pay the premiums for any policy you choose to take out.
Important information. Income protection plans have no cash in value at any time and will cease at the end of the term. If premiums are not maintained, then cover will lapse.
Talk it through with an adviser
A short, friendly conversation is often all it takes to work out what cover makes sense for you. There's no charge for our protection advice.
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