If you found yourself unable to work due to illness or injury, how long would your savings last?
It’s a question most people don’t ask until something happens, but for many households, even a short gap in income can cause serious financial stress.
That’s where income protection comes in.
It’s designed to pay you a monthly benefit if your health prevents you from earning, helping you cover essential outgoings like your mortgage, bills, and living costs.
As a mortgage broker in Nottingham, we regularly speak to clients who want to feel more financially secure, especially if they’re self-employed or don’t receive much sick pay from work.
Designed to Support You When You Need it Most
Income protection insurance pays out if you can’t work due to illness or injury.
Unlike some policies that only cover specific conditions, income protection usually applies to any health issue that stops you from doing your job, whether it’s short-term or long-term.
You’ll agree in advance how much of your income you want to protect and how long you’d like the cover to pay out for.
Some policies will continue paying until you’re well enough to return to work.
Others are designed to cover you for a shorter period, often up to two years, which can help reduce the cost.
The payments usually begin after a set period of time, known as the deferred period.
This is often matched to your employer’s sick pay policy or based on your savings buffer.
Why It’s Popular With Self-Employed Workers in Nottingham
If you’re self-employed, your income may stop the moment you’re unable to work.
There’s no sick pay, and benefits may take time to come through.
Many business owners, freelancers and tradespeople in Nottingham come to us looking for a way to safeguard their income in case something goes wrong.
Even for employed clients, income protection can be worth considering.
Not every employer offers long-term sick pay, and Statutory Sick Pay alone may not cover your monthly bills, especially if you have a mortgage or dependants to support.
Income Protection vs. Critical Illness Cover
A lot of people confuse income protection with critical illness cover.
While both are designed to help during a health crisis, they work in different ways.
Critical illness pays out a lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a specific condition, like cancer or heart disease.
Income protection, on the other hand, pays a regular monthly amount to replace lost income, and it doesn’t rely on a defined list of illnesses.
Some people choose to take out both types of cover, depending on their needs and budget.
We can help you explore what combination works for your situation.
Insurance Advice That Puts Your Needs First
At Nottinghammoneyman, we believe protection should never be an afterthought.
We offer all our clients the opportunity to review their existing cover.
If you don’t have any in place, we’ll guide you through what’s available based on your specific circumstances.
Your advisor will look at your income, lifestyle, family needs, and budget, then help you find a policy that fits.
If you already have something in place, we’ll check whether it still gives you the right level of protection.
Our service is here to support you, not to sell to you.
We’ll always explain things clearly and make sure you feel comfortable with whatever choice you make.
Date Last Edited: October 20, 2025
