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Contact our specialist team for FREE expert help & advice 0800 083 2829

Income Protection Life Insurance

Protect the financial security of your loved ones after your passing when you find the perfect life insurance policy for you with The Insurance Surgery.

What Is Income Protection Insurance?

Income Protection Insurance—also known as guaranteed sick pay—provides you with a regular, tax-free monthly income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. Whether you’re self-employed, a contractor, or simply don’t have full sick pay through your employer, this cover acts as your financial safety net. At The Insurance Surgery, we specialise in helping people across the UK get tailored access to private sick pay insurance—including exclusive guaranteed sick pay policies that protect your income when you need it most.

How Does Income Protection Work?

Income Protection policies through The Insurance Surgery work by replacing a percentage of your income when you’re unable to work due to medical reasons. Here’s how:

Monthly benefit: Up to 70% of your gross income (tax-free)

Deferred periods: Choose from 1 day to 52 weeks before payments start

Claim frequency: Unlimited claims during the policy term

Types of cover: Short-term (1–2 years) or long-term (up to retirement)

All occupations and many medical backgrounds considered, including high-risk jobs.

What Makes The Insurance Surgery Different?

Access to exclusive guaranteed sick pay policies

Specialists in cover for self-employed, contractors and high-risk roles

Friendly UK-based advisors to guide you step by step

Fast, free and no-obligation quotes from top UK insurers

We handle the paperwork and medical underwriting for you

How Will Life Insurance Benefit You?

Life insurance can help your family cover various expenses such as mortgage payments, outstanding debts, education costs, funeral expenses, and everyday living expenses.

The decision to purchase a policy should be based on your individual needs, financial situation, and long-term goals. Consulting with an adviser can help determine whether life insurance is right for you.

Mortgage

Pay off the outstanding mortgage.

Debts

Clear any debts that you may leave behind.

Gift

Leave a gift for family or a charity.

Education

Leave a sum for your family to enjoy education and hobbies.

Income

Replace a spouse’s income with the support of a lump sum.

Funeral

Cover funeral costs and relieve the pressure from your family.

Why Do You Need Guaranteed Sick Pay?

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) in the UK only pays £116.75/week (2024 rate)

If you’re self-employed, you may not qualify for SSP at all

Your employer may offer limited or no guaranteed sick pay

Bills, rent, mortgage and daily expenses still need paying if you’re off work

Guaranteed sick pay insurance gives you control, flexibility and peace of mind—with policies that can pay from day 1 and last until retirement if needed.

However, you should check if you’re already covered through your employer’s benefits package, which often includes ‘death in service benefits’ linked to your salary. If so, you might not require an additional policy, BUT keep in mind that leaving your job or being made redundant could leave you without any cover!

Do You Need Life Insurance?

If you’re the primary breadwinner or share financial responsibilities, a life insurance policy can help your family maintain their standard of living in the unfortunate event that you’re no longer around to support them.

Life Cover Terminology

Understanding life insurance terminology is essential for policyholders to make informed decisions about their cover, we have broken down the meaning for some of the most used terms.

Why Choose The Insurance Surgery?

Rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot.

We take pride in the experience that we offer, guaranteeing excellent service at all times.

25 years Experience.

With 25 years of specialist life and protection experience, we can find the perfect policy for you.

Access to a range of insurers.

With a broad selection of partners, we are well-equipped to find the best insurance deals for you.

Award-winning broker.

Known for making insurance simple, The Insurance Surgery is a trusted, award-winning broker.

Sick Pay Insurance Cost

Premiums are based on:

Age and health

Occupation (including risk level)

Smoking or alcohol habits

Level of cover and deferred period

The Insurance Surgery helps you compare the best-value UK policies for your circumstances—so you get the right protection at the right price.

For a clearer idea of the average cost of life insurance, visit our Guide.

Life insurance cost, case study.

James is looking for life insurance to cover his mortgage and to give a lump sum to his wife and two children. James had a stroke ten years ago but doesn’t suffer from any symptoms.

We found James the increasing policy below:

Total Cover
Amount:

£750,000

Monthly Premium
Cost:

£41.57

Duration of
Policy:

Until age 70

Who Is This Cover For?

Guaranteed sick pay insurance is ideal for:

Self-employed professionals or sole traders

Freelancers and contractors with no company sick pay

Employees relying solely on SSP or limited benefits

People with mortgages, rent or dependents to support

We help you find a tailored policy that fits your budget, occupation, and health history—even if you’ve been declined elsewhere.

Get an Income Protection Quote – Protect Your Income Today

Whether you’re self-employed or just don’t have reliable sick pay from work, we’ll help you find a life insurance policy that gives you financial peace of mind when you need it most.

✔ Quick online application

✔ Expert support from our UK-based team

✔ Trusted by thousands across the UK

Don’t wait for something to go wrong—protect your income now.

Speak to our team of experts for FREE
specialist advice today.

Monday to Thursday:

9:00am – 8:00pm

Friday:

9:00am – 3:00pm

Facts About Life Insurance.

Life insurance can serve multiple purposes, including income replacement, wealth transfer, estate planning, and business succession. But how does life insurance shape up with the UK population?

7.5 million families

in the UK have no life insurance or critical illness cover.

£40,000

The average life insurance policy in the UK covers only about £40,000.

28%

of UK adults believe life insurance is too expensive.

96.9%

of all protection case claims were paid in 2024

What Are the Different Types of Life Insurance Policies?

A term life insurance policy...

Term life insurance policy covers a specified duration, such as 10, 20, or 30 years. Should the insured individual pass away during this period, the policy pays a lump sum to their designated beneficiaries.

Whole-of-Life Insurance.

Whole-of-life insurance covers a person’s entire lifespan, provided premiums are consistently paid. It delivers a lump sum to beneficiaries upon the insured’s death.

Over 50s Life Insurance.

Over 50s life insurance guarantees acceptance without a medical report. With lower cover amounts and fixed premiums, it is used to cover funeral costs or leave a modest inheritance.

How different policies payout over time.

Benefit from Our Life Insurance Policies Today.

Relax, knowing that your family can receive the financial support that they need after you pass, and trust The Insurance Surgery to guide you through the life insurance process. With 25 years behind us, we are a trusted broker known for our expertise, prioritising transparency, and providing excellent customer service. So, rely on us to ensure you receive the cover you need at a fair and affordable price.

For a life insurance quote, contact us today on 0800 083 2829 to schedule a free consultation and take the first step towards protecting yourself and your loved ones financially.

Understanding Inheritance Tax (IHT) and Life Insurance

Understanding how IHT works and the ways to mitigate its impact can help you plan and ensure that your loved ones don’t face unexpected tax bills.

Price Promise.

Obtain a cheaper quote elsewhere, we’ll beat<br>the price and also give you a £50 gift card!*

We are committed to offering unbeatable prices. Our
Price Promise ensures that we will find you the right
cover for your circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is guaranteed sick pay insurance?

It’s a form of income protection insurance that guarantees you receive a monthly income if you’re off work due to illness or injury. It supplements or replaces SSP and employer sick pay.

Can I get sick pay if I’m self-employed in the UK?

Yes! You won’t qualify for SSP, but you can get cover through income protection insurance. We’ll help you choose a policy and guide you through proving your income with accounts or tax returns.

How much of my income can I cover?

Up to 70% of your pre-tax income can be insured, paid to you tax-free while you’re off work.

Is income protection the same as critical illness cover?

No. Critical illness cover pays a lump sum for specific serious conditions. Income protection pays a regular income for any illness or injury that prevents you from working (not limited to a list of illnesses).

Can I claim more than once?

Yes. You can make multiple claims over the life of your policy as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.

Does this cover redundancy?

No. Income protection insurance covers illness and injury—not unemployment. However, we can advise you on additional cover options for job loss protection.

Life insurance is unique – just like you.

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