Comprehensive review of Aviva's income protection insurance. As the UK's largest insurer with 18.5 million customers, find out if Aviva offers the right coverage for you with cover up to 70% of your income.
By: Lorna Bailey Protection Expert Updated: 5th January 2026
Compare Life Insurance Quotes »Aviva is one of the UK's largest and most established insurers, with over 18.5 million customers and a history dating back to 1696. Whether they're the right choice for your income protection depends on several factors.
Aviva is ideal for:
However, premiums can vary significantly between providers for identical cover. Some customers may find better value with Legal & General, LV=, Zurich, or Vitality depending on their age, occupation, and health status.
Use LifePro to compare Aviva against 50+ other UK providers to ensure you're getting the best value for your specific circumstances.
As one of the UK’s largest insurers, Aviva offer an array of financial services, includingincome protection insurance.
Income protection is an insurance policy which can payout a percentage of your income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury.
But how does Aviva income protection differ from other providers?
In this in-depth guide we’ll explore the options offered by Aviva to help you establish whether they’re the right choice.
Why not use LifePro to compare Aviva income protection with other leading providers?
Established in 1696, you may remember Aviva as Norwich Unionbefore their official re-branding in 2009.
Aviva now operate internationally and have helped over 18.5 million people across their key markets (the UK, Ireland and Canada).
You may also know Aviva from their life insurance offerings, as well as their home and car insurance.
Enter the fields which apply to you to calculate the level of income protection cover you might require to contribute towards key costs.
The amount of income protection insurance you need depends on your individual circumstances and financial commitments. Most experts recommend covering 50-70% of your gross annual income, as this typically provides enough to maintain your standard of living if you're unable to work due to illness or injury.
When calculating how much cover you need, consider:
Remember that income protection payments are tax-free, so you may not need to replace your full salary. The key is ensuring you can maintain your essential outgoings and standard of living during a period when you're unable to work.
To get an accurate quote tailored to your needs, use our free comparison service to compare quotes from 50+ UK providers, including Aviva Income Protection.
Compare Income Protection Quotes »While Aviva is a reputable insurer, comparing them against other providers ensures you get the best value for your specific circumstances. Income protection premiums can vary by 30-40% between insurers for identical cover.
Benefits of comparing through LifePro:
Our advisors help you understand the differences between Aviva's policies and those from Legal & General, LV=, Zurich, Royal London, Scottish Widows, and Vitality. We ensure you get the right cover at the best price for your occupation, income level, and health status.
1. Aviva living costs protection (their standard, simplified option)
2. Aviva income protection+ (their more comprehensive offering)
Which one is right for you will ultimately depend on your personal circumstances and available budget.
Below is a summary of each policy offered by Aviva:
Simplified income protection designed to cover essential living expenses. This option has streamlined underwriting with fewer medical questions, making it faster to apply. It provides a fixed monthly benefit to cover your core household costs like mortgage, bills, and food. Ideal for those wanting straightforward, affordable protection without complex policy options.
Comprehensive income protection with flexible coverage options and additional features. Covers up to 70% of your gross income with customizable deferred periods (4, 13, 26, 52 weeks) and benefit periods. Includes rehabilitation support, proportionate benefit for part-time return to work, and guaranteed insurability options. Best for higher earners wanting comprehensive protection with flexibility to tailor the policy to their specific needs.
Key differences between the two Aviva policies:
Both policies include terminal illness cover at no extra cost and can be written in trust to avoid inheritance tax. Use LifePro to compare Aviva's options against other providers to ensure you're getting the best value for your specific circumstances.
Compare Aviva Income Protection Quotes »Aviva is one of the UK's largest insurers with 18.5 million customers across key markets. They offer two income protection options: Living Costs Protection (simplified) and Income Protection+ (comprehensive). Aviva covers up to 70% of income with flexible deferred periods (4, 13, 26, 52 weeks). Aviva is worth considering for: Strong financial stability (founded 1696), Wide policy options, Large customer base and strong claims record. Compare with other providers through LifePro to ensure best value.
Aviva income protection costs depend on: Age, occupation, income level, deferred period, benefit period, health/smoking status. Example: 35-year-old office worker, £30,000 income, 26-week deferred period: £25-35/month. Longer deferred periods = lower premiums (can save 40-60%). Choose based on: Employer sick pay duration, Emergency savings, Monthly expenses. Compare with other providers: Legal & General, LV=, Zurich, Vitality. Prices can vary 30-40% for identical cover.
Aviva income protection covers: Monthly payments (up to 70% of income) if unable to work due to illness/injury, Payments continue until: You return to work, Benefit period ends (typically age 65), You retire. Two policy options: Living Costs Protection (simplified, covers essential costs), Income Protection+ (comprehensive with more features). Does NOT cover: Unemployment/redundancy, Pre-existing conditions (usually excluded 12-24 months), Pregnancy (unless complications).
Aviva offers two income protection options: Living Costs Protection: Simplified option, Lower premiums, Covers essential living expenses, Fixed benefit amount, Fewer underwriting questions. Income Protection+: Comprehensive option, Higher premiums, More extensive coverage, Flexible benefit options, Additional features and add-ons. Choose Living Costs Protection for: Budget-conscious customers, Simple cover needs. Choose Income Protection+ for: Comprehensive protection, Higher income earners, More customization. Compare both options through LifePro to find best fit.
Aviva offers deferred periods of: 4 weeks, 13 weeks, 26 weeks (popular choice), 52 weeks (cheapest). Deferred period is how long you must be off work before payments start. Longer deferred period = lower premiums (can save 40-60%). Choose based on: Employer sick pay duration (match to when sick pay ends), Emergency savings (how long you can self-fund), Monthly expenses and financial cushion. Most choose 26 weeks to balance cost with coverage. Use LifePro to compare costs across different deferred periods.
You can claim if unable to work due to illness or injury. Claims process: 1. Contact Aviva claims team, 2. Provide medical evidence from doctor, 3. Complete claim form, 4. Assessment (typically 2-4 weeks), 5. Payments start after deferred period. Aviva has a strong claims record with high payout ratios (95%+). Common decline reasons: Pre-existing condition within exclusion period, Not fully unable to work, Condition not medically evidenced, Policy lapsed (missed payments). Aviva aims to assess claims fairly and professionally.
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