INCOME PROTECTION HELP
Keep your income safewhen illness or injury stops you working
Waiting periods, benefit periods, occupation definitions — the decisions that decide whether income protection actually pays out, explained before you compare a single quote.
Free guidance · response within one business day
DECIDE IN THREE STEPS
How to think about income protection
Understand the gap
Work out how long your savings would cover you if illness or injury stopped you working — that gap is what income protection fills.
Decide the levers
Waiting period, benefit period and cover amount set the price. Shorter waits and longer benefits cost more; the right mix depends on your savings and budget.
Check the fine print
Occupation definitions, off-work triggers and exclusions change what actually pays out. Read the PDS before you commit.
THE FOUR LEVERS
What actually moves the premium
Waiting period
How long you wait after stopping work before payments start. 30–90 days is common; longer waits lower the premium.
Benefit period
How long payments continue — often 2 years, 5 years or to age 65. Longer costs more.
Cover amount
Usually up to around 75% of your gross income, subject to insurer limits and your income level.
Occupation definition
“Own occupation” pays if you can’t do your own job; “any occupation” is stricter and cheaper. This is the clause people most often misread.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently asked, plainly answered
What is income protection insurance? +
It’s a policy that replaces part of your income — typically up to 75% — when illness or injury stops you from working. Payments are usually taxable in most countries, so net recovery is lower than the headline percentage.
How is it different from critical illness cover? +
Critical illness pays a lump sum on a specific diagnosed condition. Income protection pays a regular benefit while you can’t work, for any covered illness or injury — a broader trigger, structured differently.
What does “own occupation” mean? +
Under an own-occupation definition, you qualify if you can’t perform your usual job, even if you could do some other work. It’s more generous than an any-occupation definition and usually more expensive.
Are income protection payments taxed? +
In most jurisdictions, premiums are tax-deductible and benefits are taxable as income. Always confirm the treatment in your country with a professional.
GUIDES
Latest guides
What is Income Protection Insurance and Why Would You Need It in Australia?
A straightforward explainer on income protection cover for working Australians—how it works, who it might suit, and what to consider before choosing a policy.
19/07/2026Income protection inside super versus a retail policy: what suits you now?
Compare default income protection through your super fund with a standalone retail policy, so you can decide which path fits your needs without guesswork.
18/06/2026How Waiting Periods and Benefit Periods Shape Your Income Protection Cover
Learn what waiting and benefit periods actually mean for income protection, how they work together, and what trade-offs to consider when you choose your cover. We explain the mechanics without recommending a single answer.
13/06/2026How Income Protection Is Taxed in Australia and What Self-Employed People Need to Know
A clear explainer on the tax treatment of income protection insurance for self-employed Australians, covering deductibility, benefit taxation, and key considerations.
Not sure which levers fit you?
Tell the assistant your job, savings and budget — it will help you work through waiting period and cover decisions before you talk to an insurer.