Imagine this: you’re injured or seriously ill and can’t work for weeks, maybe months. The bills keep coming, your mortgage still needs paying, and the food shop has to continue. Could you cope financially?

Unfortunately, this is the reality for many tradespeople and self-employed professionals who keep the UK running but are left exposed when life throws a curveball.

Let’s say you got a carpal tunnel diagnosis, which meant you couldn’t continue your job as an electrician. Without income protection, you might not be able to afford the three months off you’d need for the surgery and to recover.

So, let’s dive into what income protection is, and tackle some misconceptions about this insurance.

What is income protection insurance?

Income protection insurance is a financial safety net. If illness or injury stops you from working, it pays you a regular income until you’re fit to return to your job, meaning you can still pay your bills, support your family, and keep the lights on.

It’s not to be confused with critical illness cover (which pays a one-off lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a serious condition) or mortgage payment protection (which covers your mortgage specifically). Income protection is broader. It covers a wide range of illnesses and injuries that prevent you from working for a period of time.

And it’s not just for individuals. Businesses can also take out group income protection insurance for their employees, helping to cover staff absences and providing financial support when team members are off sick. So if you’ve got a team, the benefits could be twofold.

Why self-employed workers really need income protection

Self-employed people often fall through the cracks when it comes to financial support. Here’s why income protection could be a lifeline:

• No sick pay: Unlike employees, self-employed workers don’t get Statutory Sick Pay. So if you don’t work, you don’t get paid.
• Risky jobs: Trades like construction, plumbing, and electrical work carry higher risks of injury. Even a minor accident can take you off the tools for weeks.
• Bills don’t stop: Whether it’s your rent, mortgage, van lease, or the cost of running your business, your financial commitments keep coming.
• Peace of mind: Income protection allows you to focus on recovery, not worry about how you’ll afford next month’s food shop.

What illnesses does income protection cover?

Income protection covers a wide range of illnesses and injuries – basically, anything that stops you from being able to do your job for a while. This could be a physical illness like cancer or a heart attack, or a mental health condition such as stress or anxiety.

It’s worth knowing that most policies won’t cover health issues you already had before taking out the insurance. These are called pre-existing conditions. And if you’re made redundant, income protection won’t cover that either.

Do different trades really pay more for income protection?

Jobs are typically grouped into categories based on risk. For example, an electrician might fall into a higher-risk category than a teacher or shop assistant, meaning their premiums could be more expensive. But that reflects the greater chance they may need to make a claim.

You can also choose between policies with guaranteed premiums, which stay the same over time, and reviewable premiums, which can go up.

Protect your future self!

Being unable to work through illness or injury isn’t something anyone wants to think about, but planning ahead means you won’t be caught out.

If you’re self-employed, a tradesperson, or running your own business, income protection insurance could make the difference between staying afloat financially or struggling to cover the basics. It’s about safeguarding the life you’ve worked hard to build.

Want to learn more about protecting your income? Speak to the team at Howden Insurance. We’ll help you find cover that fits your job, your lifestyle, and your budget, so you can work hard today, without worrying about tomorrow.

Sources: Which?, Coverttradeinsurance, SimplyBusiness.