Introduction

Understanding the mechanics of Income Protection is key to recognizing its value as part of your financial planning. This page details how Income Protection policies function, from the initial application to the eventual payout in the event of an illness or injury that prevents you from working.

Application and Underwriting Process

• Initial Application: When you apply for Income Protection, you’ll need to provide information about your occupation, health, lifestyle, and income.
• Medical Assessment: Some policies may require a medical examination or access to your medical records to assess your health risks.
• Occupation Considerations: Your occupation can significantly impact your policy, as some professions may be considered higher risk than others.

Determining Policy Terms

• Choosing the Deferred Period: An important aspect of customizing your policy is selecting the deferred period. This is the interval between ceasing work due to illness or injury and when your insurance payments start. Options can range from 4 weeks to several months. Shorter deferred periods typically result in higher premiums, as the insurer would begin payouts sooner.
• Deciding the Level of Coverage: Another crucial decision is determining how much of your income you want to insure. While most policies cover between 50-70% of your pre-illness income, choosing the right level depends on your regular expenses and lifestyle. Remember, higher coverage levels will generally increase the premium cost.

Making a Claim

• Initiating the Claim Process: In the unfortunate event that you’re unable to work, the process starts by filing a claim with your insurer. You’ll need to provide comprehensive medical evidence supporting your inability to work due to illness or injury.
• Undergoing Assessment: Your insurer will conduct a thorough assessment of your claim. This review process may include consultations with medical experts and an evaluation of your income, including any sick pay or other benefits you may be receiving, to ensure the claim meets the terms of your policy.

Receiving Payments

• Commencing Payment: Once your claim is approved and the deferred period has elapsed, the insurer will start disbursing payments. These payments are usually made monthly and are designed to substitute a portion of your lost income.
• Duration and Continuity of Payments: The payments will continue until one of the policy’s termination conditions is met – either you return to work, the policy term expires, or you reach retirement age. This continuity ensures financial stability during prolonged periods of work absence.

Summary

Income Protection is a dynamic policy tailored to individual needs, providing essential financial support when you’re unable to earn an income. Understanding how these policies work, from the application process to making a claim and receiving benefits, is crucial. With the right policy in place, you can have the assurance of financial support during challenging times, allowing you to focus on recovery without the burden of financial stress.