Tax-Deductible Income Protection

Income Protection for Irish Professionals

Secure your financial future with a salary continuity plan. The Irish government allows you to claim up to 40% tax relief on your premiums, protecting up to 75% of your earnings against illness or injury.

Get a Tax-Efficient Quote Life insurance or Income Protection

Income Protection & Salary Continuity in Ireland

If you are unable to work due to illness or injury, the Irish State Illness Benefit provides only ~€13,000 per year. For most professionals and contractors, this creates a significant financial shortfall. We help you bridge this gap with tax-efficient salary protection.

🛡️ Tailored Income Coverage

Secure up to 75% of your gross earnings (less state benefits).

Flexible Deferral Periods: Align your policy with your employer's sick pay schedule (4 to 52 weeks).
Guaranteed Premiums: Secure "fixed-rate" costs that do not increase as you get older.
Indexation: Protect your payout against inflation with index-linked coverage.

⏳ Comprehensive Long-Term Support

Unlike critical illness cover, this provides a monthly replacement income.

Benefit to Retirement: Claims can pay out until age 65, 68, or 70.
Unlimited Claims: Your policy remains active even after multiple successful claims.
Waiver of Premium: Your insurance premiums are covered for free while you are receiving a benefit.

Tax Relief on Income Protection Premiums

Income Protection is one of the most tax-efficient products in Ireland. As an individual or contractor, you can claim full tax relief at your marginal rate (up to 40%) through Revenue.

40%
Tax Savings

Request a Protection Quote

How to get an income protection policy in Ireland, explained step by step

Follow these 6 simple steps to calculate your cover needs and protect your livelihood.

Step 01

How much can I insure?

You can generally insure up to 75% of your gross income. Calculate your "Gap" to see how much private cover you need.

Annual Gross Salary (€) Employment Status

Max Total Benefit (75%):

Private Monthly Gap:

Step 02

When do I need it?

We align your policy with your employer's sick pay period. If your pay stops after 6 months, your insurance starts on day one of month 7.

Step 03

What's my occupational class?

Risk classes determine your price. Search the Royal London database below.

Job Title Search

Step 04

Review Provisional Quote

We compare providers to find the most cost-effective premium for your class.

Step 05

Underwriting Questionnaire

A simple health check to confirm your final acceptance and price.

Step 06

Secure Your Income

Finalize your documents. Your policy is now in force.

What is an Occupational Class?

In the world of Income Protection, not all jobs are treated equally. An Occupational Class Finder is a tool used to determine the specific level of risk your daily work poses from an insurance perspective.

"Insurers use these classes to decide two things: if they can cover you, and how much your premium will cost. The higher the risk of injury or illness associated with your role, the higher the 'Class' number."

The Standard Risk Scale:

CLASS 1

Lowest Risk

Professional & Clerical (e.g. Accountant)

CLASS 2

Low Risk

Administrative / Light Travel (e.g. Dentist)

CLASS 3

Moderate Risk

Skilled Manual Work (e.g. Nurse)

CLASS 4

High Risk

Heavy Manual Work (e.g. Carpenter)

Note: Some high-risk occupations (Class D) may be declined for standard income protection. If your role involves significant manual labor or hazardous environments, specific advice from Financial Health is recommended to find the right provider for your risk profile.

Which insurance provider is best for income protection in Ireland?

Comparing the top three providers in the Irish market. While coverage limits are similar, the real difference lies in price-matching, support services, and "Back to Work" benefits.

Benefit / Feature	Aviva	Royal London	Zurich
Maximum Coverage	75% of salary (max €262,500)	75% of salary (max €262,500)	75% of salary (max €250,000)
Price Matching	✘	✔ (Guaranteed)	✘
Waiting Periods	4, 8, 13, 26, 52 weeks	Dual Deferred (Split periods)	4, 8, 13, 26, 52 weeks
Support Services	Aviva Care: Digital GP, Best Doctors, Mental Health.	Helping Hand: Dedicated nurse support (RedArc).	Early Intervention: Proactive rehab & physio funding.
Automatic Increases	20% every 3 yrs (No medicals)	20% every 3 yrs (No medicals)	Life-event only (Marriage, Child, etc.)
Relapse Benefit	Immediate restart within 6 months	Immediate restart within 6 months	Immediate restart within 6 months
Back to Work Benefit	Rehabilitation support	Tiered payout (75%/50%/25%) for 3 months	Salary top-up if returning part-time

Irish Income Protection: FAQ

How does Revenue tax relief on Income Protection work?

In Ireland, Income Protection is unique because you receive full tax relief on your premiums at your marginal rate (20% or 40%). If you are a higher-rate taxpayer, a €100 monthly premium effectively costs you only €60 net after Revenue relief is applied.

What is an Income Protection "Deferred Period"?

The deferred period is the "waiting time" between falling ill and receiving your first payment. We typically align this with your employer sick pay scheme—common periods include 13, 26, or 52 weeks. Choosing a longer waiting period is a highly effective way to reduce your monthly insurance cost.

Does it cover any medical reason for illness or injury?

Yes. Unlike "Critical Illness Cover" which requires a specific diagnosis, Income Protection pays out for any medical condition—including mental health issues or back injuries—that prevents you from performing your specific job roles.

How does the Irish State Illness Benefit affect my payout?

As of 2026, the State Illness Benefit is approximately €254 per week. Most private policies are "integrated," meaning they top up the State benefit to ensure you reach 75% of your gross annual salary. This ensures your mortgage and lifestyle are protected during long-term recovery.

Need a personalized calculation?

Speak with a Financial Advisor