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  1. Life Insurance
  2. Income protection insurance

Income protection insurance

✓ Safeguard your salary in case you get sick or injured and can't work
✓ 5 Star Defaqto rated income protection
✓ Get Apple Watch® with a qualifying plan.

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What is income protection insurance?

If you get sick or injured and need to take extended time off work, income protection pays you part of your monthly income. It can pay out for a range of conditions including cancer and mental health issues.

The payout is tax-free and can help you protect your finances while you recover. The money can cover anything, like bills, mortgage repayments, rent and childcare costs. Because you don’t pay tax on your monthly payments, it should replace most of your salary.

It's also called loss of income insurance, salary protection insurance or income insurance. They’re all the same thing.

Why choose an income protection plan with Vitality?

  • 5 Star income protection

    5 Star Defaqto rated income protection

    Our cover is verified as a trusted product.

  • Extra financial support

    Someone getting extra financial help

    Get up to £2,000 towards specialist care and support to help you get better.

  • Mental health support

    Person thinking

    Access Togetherall, an online mental health support service.

  • Discounts and rewards

    A present gift wrapped

    Get discounts on popular health and fitness brands and rewards for being active.

Do you need income protection insurance?

According to Which (2021), income protection is the one policy every working adult should consider. It could be right for you if:
  • You couldn't cover your outgoings if you didn’t have an income
  • You couldn't pay your bills with Government benefits or you’re not eligible. The Employment and Support Allowance pays between £74.35 and £113.55 a week (turn2us.org.uk, 2021)
  • You wouldn't get sick pay (for example if you’re self-employed)
  • You're a single income household
  • You’re the main income earner.

What does income protection insurance cover?

Our income insurance covers you if you:

✔Get sick or injured and can’t work
✔Become disabled and can’t work
✔Need to take time out of work due to mental health issues.

Like most insurers, our income insurance won’t pay out if you’re:

✘Dismissed from your job
✘Made redundant
✘Still getting paid sick pay.

How our income protection claims process works

1. Make a claim

To make a claim, you can call us on 0345 601 0072 or email lifeclaims@vitality.co.uk.

2. We'll assess the claim

Our team will be in touch throughout the process to keep you updated.

3. Payment

When the claim’s approved, a monthly income will be paid into your bank account.
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Need advice?

Call us on 0161 974 2517. Our team are on hand to answer your queries. 

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Income protection insurance FAQs

Do you pay tax on income protection insurance?

No, the income you receive is tax-free. This means you should be able to cover most of your monthly outgoings.

How soon can I claim income protection?

You usually have to wait at least four weeks but payments can start up to two years after you stop work.

Does income protection cover being sacked?

Most income protection policies don't cover this.

What does income protection not cover?

Income protection doesn’t cover:
  • If you’re off work for less than your policy’s deferred or waiting period
  • If you’re made redundant or are dismissed.

What is long-term income cover insurance?

If you can't work due to illness or injury, long-term income protection pays you a monthly income. If you can't work, it pays out until retirement. It's also known as long-term sickness insurance.

What is short-term income protection cover?

Short-term income protection insurance covers you for a fixed amount of time if you’re sick and can’t work. This is usually six months to two years.

What is the difference between income protection insurance and life insurance?

Income protection pays out a monthly income to replace yours if you're injured or sick, and can't work. It's support for both you and your family.

Life insurance pays out when you die, or if you're diagnosed with a terminal illness.

Why can’t I just rely on state benefits?

It depends on how much you need to maintain your current lifestyle and what your outgoings are.

Even if you do qualify for Government benefits, you might only get between £74.35 and £113.55 per week. Could you and your family survive on this level of support?

For more information on the Employment and Support Allowance, visit gov.uk.

How long does it take to get income protection?

With most policies you usually have to wait a specified amount of time after you stop work for payments to start. This is called the deferred period, or waiting period.
You have a choice of deferred periods. This is usually done to match sick pay and the longer the waiting period the more affordable the premium is. For example, if you have six months of sick pay, then you would set your deferred period to six months. Some deferred periods can last up to two years.

How much is income protection insurance?

Your monthly premium will depend on things like:
  • Your age
  • Your medical history
  • Your family’s medical history
  • Your job
  • How much alcohol you drink
  • When you want your policy to start
  • If you’re a smoker
  • What type of cover you choose. 

Can I get income protection insurance if I’m self-employed?

Yes, if you’re self-employed, you can choose from any of our plans. You can also choose to start receiving pay outs from as early as one month. See our guide to income protection insurance for self-employed to find out more.

Do I get a payout at the end of my income protection policy if I don’t claim?

The plan only pays out if you're unable to work due to accident or sickness during the term of your plan. Once your policy has reached its end date, your cover stops. This plan isn’t an investment so there’s no cash value when your cover ends.

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