Income protection for Irish professionals and the self-employed
Protect your standard of living and your family’s finances. If illness or injury stops you working, a policy can replace up to 75% of your earnings (less any State benefit) until you return to work or reach retirement age.
Premiums qualify for tax relief at your marginal rate (up to 40%), subject to Revenue limits.
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Authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland.
Bridging the income gap the State safety net cannot cover
If illness or injury stops you working, State Illness Benefit pays only around €13,000 a year, and only to people with the right PRSI record. Self-employed people paying Class S PRSI generally do not qualify. We help you close the gap with tax-efficient salary protection, whether you are self-employed, a company director or a PAYE professional.
- Flexible deferral periods: choose when your policy starts to match when employer sick pay ends (commonly 4, 8, 13, 26 or 52 weeks)
- Premium and indexation options: fixed or reviewable premiums, and yearly increases to keep pace with inflation. We show you what each costs
- Benefit to retirement age: monthly payments while you are medically certified as unable to work, until you return or reach the policy end age
- Waiver of premium: premiums are normally waived while you are receiving benefit, and many policies stay in force after a claim
Typical features. Exact terms vary by insurer and policy.
Getting an income protection policy, step by step
We keep setting up your policy straightforward, from working out how much to insure to securing your cover.
Work out how much to insure
You can insure up to 75% of your gross income. Use the calculator below to see your personal income gap.
Match your waiting period
We align your deferred period with your employer’s sick pay. If your pay stops after six months, your policy can start at the beginning of month seven.
Compare quotes
Insurers rate your job by risk (its occupational class), which affects price and acceptance. We compare leading Irish insurers for your class and needs.
Underwriting and start
A health declaration, and a medical check where needed, so the insurer can confirm acceptance. Once the policy is in force, your safety net is in place.
How much income protection cover do I need?
Enter your gross annual salary and employment status to see the most you can insure and the monthly amount a private policy would need to cover.
Disclaimer: Illustrative only. It assumes State Illness Benefit of about €13,000 a year for qualifying PAYE employees. Check current rates at gov.ie, as your entitlement depends on your PRSI record and average earnings. For a personal quotation, speak to a Financial Health advisor.
What to compare when choosing income protection in Ireland
Most insurers offer similar headline cover of up to 75% of your income. The real differences are in the detail, and these are the points we compare for you.
| Feature | Why it matters | What we check for you |
|---|---|---|
| Definition of incapacity | Decides whether you are paid if you cannot do your own job, or only if you cannot do any job. | Whether the policy pays on an “own occupation” basis |
| Premium type | Guaranteed premiums stay fixed. Reviewable premiums can rise. | Which is offered, and the price difference |
| Deferred period | A longer wait lowers your premium, but you need savings or sick pay to cover the gap. | A period that matches your employer’s sick pay |
| Partial and back-to-work benefit | Pays something if you can only return part-time. | How much is paid, and for how long |
| Relapse and claims history | Affects what happens if you recover, then become unwell again. | Relapse terms and whether cover continues after a claim |
Irish income protection FAQ
How does Irish Revenue tax relief on income protection work?
Premiums qualify for tax relief at your marginal rate of tax (20% or 40%), claimed through Revenue and subject to Revenue limits. For example, if you pay tax at 40% and your premium is €100 a month, the net cost after relief could be around €60.
What is an income protection “deferred period”?
It is the agreed waiting time between becoming ill or injured and your first payment from the insurer. We usually align it with your employer’s sick pay scheme, and common choices are 13, 26 or 52 weeks. A longer deferred period is one of the most effective ways to lower your premium.
Does it cover any medical reason for illness or injury?
Income protection pays out if illness or injury stops you working, subject to the policy terms. Unlike critical illness cover, which pays on diagnosis of a listed condition, it is based on your inability to work. That can include conditions such as stress, mental health issues or back injuries, depending on the policy.
How does State Illness Benefit affect my monthly payout?
Employees with enough Class A PRSI contributions may qualify for State Illness Benefit. Self-employed people paying Class S PRSI generally do not. Many policies are written to pay the difference between the State benefit and your insured amount, so your total reaches up to 75% of your gross salary.
Need a personalised income protection calculation?
Speak to a Financial Health advisor about your salary protection options. The first call is free.