If you’re self-employed and cannot work due to illness or injury, you could suddenly find yourself without any source of income.
This is where income protection insurance comes in.
This type of cover is designed to replace part of your lost income with a monthly benefit, up to the policy limits, helping you cover essential living costs until you’re well enough to return to work.
Get an income protection quote from Qdos
We’ve worked with Qdos for over 15 years. They offer a wide range of insurance and protection products designed specifically for small business owners and the self-employed.
You can get income protection cover from just £26.31 per month (based on a £1,000 monthly benefit).
Click here to get an instant quote from Qdos
Features at a glance
| Feature | How it works |
|---|---|
| What it pays | A monthly benefit if you are medically unable to work due to illness or bodily injury. |
| Monthly benefit options | £1,000 to £5,000 per month (you choose the benefit level). |
| Waiting period | 30-day excess period before benefits start. |
| Maximum benefit term | Up to 12 months of monthly payments. |
| Work history requirement | Cover may not apply if you were not working on a self-employed basis in the 6 months prior to becoming unable to work. |
What it pays
A monthly benefit if you are medically unable to work due to illness or bodily injury.
Monthly benefit options
£1,000 to £5,000 per month (you choose the benefit level).
Waiting period
30-day excess period before benefits start.
Maximum benefit term
Up to 12 months of monthly payments.
Work history requirement
Cover may not apply if you were not working on a self-employed basis in the 6 months prior to becoming unable to work.
What income protection covers (in plain English)
This policy pays a monthly benefit if a GP or consultant confirms that you are unable to carry out your normal occupation due to illness or bodily injury.
- Illness or bodily injury: monthly benefit paid while you remain unable to work, after the waiting period.
- Partial return to work: if you return to work with reduced duties or earnings, the policy may pay the difference between your reduced income and your insured monthly benefit, subject to the policy terms.
How the payout works
The policy includes a 30-day excess period. This means benefits are not paid for the first 30 consecutive days after a medical professional confirms that you are unable to work.
After that, the insurer pays your chosen monthly benefit for each subsequent 30-day period you remain unable to work, up to the policy limits.
Example 1: illness keeps you off work for 3 months
Chosen monthly benefit: £2,000 Time off work: 90 days Waiting period: first 30 days unpaid Indicative payout: £4,000 (two 30-day benefit periods)
Example 2: injury with a gradual return to work
Chosen monthly benefit: £1,500 Time off work: 6 weeks Return to work: reduced duties after 45 days Indicative payout: A pro-rated payment reflecting the difference between reduced earnings and the insured monthly benefit, after the excess period.
Payments are calculated on a daily pro-rata basis once the excess period has been served, as set out in the policy wording.
How much does income protection cover cost?
Qdos’ income protection cover starts from £26.31 per month (based on a £1,000 monthly benefit).
Your actual premium will depend on several factors, including:
- Occupation – indicative pricing assumes non-manual work. Manual or higher-risk roles may cost more.
- Benefit level – higher monthly benefits increase the premium.
- Age and personal circumstances.
- Work pattern and recent trading history.
| Monthly benefit | What you get | Premium guide |
|---|---|---|
| £1,000 per month | Income protection benefit after 30 days, paid for up to 12 months | From £26.31 per month |
| £2,000 to £5,000 per month | Higher monthly benefit levels under the same policy structure | Quoted individually |
£1,000 per month
What you get: Income protection after 30 days, paid for up to 12 months Premium guide: From £26.31 per month
£2,000 to £5,000 per month
What you get: Higher benefit levels under the same structure Premium guide: Quoted individually
Premiums are charged per insured person. Up to five people can be covered under the same policy, with each individual assessed and priced separately.
Find out exactly what premium you would pay here
Important exclusions (what it won’t cover)
All income protection policies include exclusions. This is not a complete list, so you should always read the policy wording carefully.
- Pre-existing conditions – generally anything you were aware of, or sought medical advice for, in the 12 months before cover started.
- Normal pregnancy and childbirth, including recovery periods specified in the policy wording.
- Mental health or stress-related claims, unless medically certified and under the care of a psychiatrist.
- Hazardous or high-risk activities, unless specifically covered.
- Alcohol or drug-related claims, where substances are not taken under medical advice.
- COVID-19, for policies starting on or after 26 March 2020.
- Recent work history – cover may not apply if you were not working on a self-employed basis in the 6 months prior to becoming unable to work.
Who can take out this policy?
This policy is designed for self-employed people operating a UK-based business, including sole traders. The policy covers named individuals, subject to the policy terms.
It’s important that the definition of your occupation accurately reflects the work you normally carry out, as this is used to assess any claim.
Who provides the cover?
This insurance is arranged by Qdos and underwritten by HCC International Insurance Co PLC.
Qdos Broker & Underwriting Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The insurer is covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
Get an income protection quote
The information on this page is provided by ByteStart for general guidance only and does not constitute financial advice or a recommendation. Income protection policies vary in terms, conditions, exclusions and eligibility. Prices and benefits shown are examples only and are subject to underwriting.