How to Calculate Income Protection

What is Income Protection?

Income protection pays a monthly income (50–70% of salary) if you cannot work due to illness or injury. Unlike a lump sum (critical illness cover), it pays regularly until you return to work or retire.

Formula

Monthly benefit = Monthly income × Replacement percentage (50–70%); Premium ≈ 1–3% of monthly income (varies by age, health, occupation)

MonthlyIncome: Current monthly gross income (Currency)
ReplacementPercent: Income replacement % (Percentage (50–70%))
BenefitMonth: Monthly benefit if disabled (Currency)

Step-by-Step Guide

1Benefit = 50–70% of gross income per month
2Deferral (waiting) period before payments begin: 4–52 weeks
3Longer deferral = lower premium
4Own-occupation definition: cannot do your specific job

Worked Examples

Input

£55k salary, 60% cover, 13-week deferral

Result

Monthly benefit = £2,750; premium ~£60–100/month

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need income protection insurance?

If dependent on paycheck, yes. Disability risk: ~1 in 4 chance 90+ day disability before retirement age. Employer policy covers ~60%; private fills gap. Critical if sole income source.

What's the difference between short-term and long-term disability?

Short-term: days/weeks to 3 months (employer often provides). Long-term: extends to age 65 (private insurance). Both important. LTD costlier but critical for > 3 month absence.

What counts as disability?

Definition matters: "unable to do own job" vs "unable to do any job." Own occupation better (can retrain, work elsewhere). Check elimination period (days before benefits start): 30 vs 90 days affect premium.

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