Get a Quote
0800 246 5191 Get a Quote

Mortgage Income Protection

  • Protect your mortgage payments if unable to work
  • Cover up to 70% of your income (including mortgage)
  • Flexible cover - not tied to specific debts
Get Free Quote »
Life insurance protection

We work with some of the UK's leading insurers

Aviva
Legal & General
LV=
SCOTTISH
WIDOWS
Vitality
Zurich

Mortgage Income Protection

Complete guide to protecting your mortgage with income protection insurance. No, you're not legally required to have income protection for a mortgage, but it's highly recommended - with average UK mortgages at £723/month and statutory sick pay only £116/week, how would you cover payments if unable to work? Income protection pays up to 70% of your income in tax-free monthly payments if you can't work due to illness or injury, covering mortgage payments PLUS bills, food, and childcare (not tied to mortgage only). More flexible and often cheaper than mortgage payment protection insurance (MPPI) sold by lenders.

By: Lucy Brown Corporate Relationships Manager Updated: 2nd January 2026

Compare Life Insurance Quotes »

Cover your mortgage with income protection

No, you’re not legally required to purchaseincome protectionbefore or after obtaining a mortgage.

However, while you’re not obligated to purchase income protection for a mortgage, it can be extremely beneficial to have protection in place to ensure your payments are covered.

A mortgage is the largest debt we’ll incur in our lifetime, so it makes sense to protect it.

If illness or injury prevented you from working, could you afford to keep up to date with your monthly payments?

Or would you be left struggling financially?

LifePro are an FCA-regulated broker who can help you compare income protection quotes from the whole of the market.

This can allow you to find the right policy to protect your mortgage at the best available price.

Simply contact us for your free quotes.

But just how can income protection help to cover your mortgage? Keep reading this article to discover everything you must know...

What is mortgage income protection?

There’s no specific product called mortgage income protection; you’ll simply need to purchase an income protection policy with its main purpose being to protect your mortgage.

If you’re unable to work due to illness or injury, an income protection policy could provide you with monthly payments to contribute towards your mortgage repayments.

As the payments you receive aren’t tied to a specific financial commitment, income protection could also help to cover:

How much mortgage income protection do you need?

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:

  • Your monthly mortgage or rent payments
  • Household bills and utilities
  • Childcare costs
  • Loan repayments and credit card bills
  • Daily living expenses for your family
  • Any savings you have that could cover short-term absences

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 Mortgage Income Protection.

Compare Income Protection Quotes »

Why protect your mortgage with LifePro?

  • Whole-of-market comparison from 50+ UK insurers
  • Expert advice from FCA-regulated advisors
  • No extra cost - insurers pay our commission
  • Fast quotes in 60 seconds
  • Support throughout your policy lifetime

What’s the difference between income protection and mortgage protection?

The difference between income protection and mortgage protection is that income protection payments aren’t tied to a specific financial commitment.

Income protection is designed to payout a percentage of your usual earnings, in monthly payments, in the event that you can’t work due to illness or injury.

This means the funds will be paid directly to you and you have the freedom to use them however you see fit.

Whereas mortgage payment protection will payout funds to specifically cover your mortgage payments if you can’t work due to illness, injury or unemployment.

Often, the funds will be paid directly to your mortgage lender. This means you can’t use them to cover any other financial commitments.

Who needs mortgage income protection?

Anyone with a mortgage can benefit from having protection in place to ensure you can keep up with your monthly payments should anything happen to you.

In particular, you may benefit from mortgage income protection if you:

Income protection for mortgage - compare prices

Compare mortgage income protection quotes using the services of LifePro.

A friendly member of the team can help you compare prices from all the UK’s best income protection providers, to assist you find the right policy to protect your mortgage.

The team can also help you compare other policies to help protect a mortgage such as life insurance and critical illness cover.

Quotes through LifePro start from just 20p-a-day, are fee-free and completely without obligation.

Simply contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need income protection for a mortgage?

You're not legally required to have income protection for a mortgage, but it's highly recommended. Why you need it: Largest debt - Mortgage is biggest financial commitment (average £723/month). No sick pay safety net - Statutory sick pay (£116/week) won't cover mortgage. Repossession risk - 3-6 missed payments can trigger repossession proceedings. No employer sick pay for self-employed - If self-employed, zero sick pay. Joint mortgage risk - If one partner can't work, other partner's income alone may not cover payments. Statistics: 1 in 7 workers will be off work for 3+ months during career. Average mortgage term: 25 years - long time to remain healthy. Income protection alternative: Pays up to 70% of income if unable to work due to illness/injury. Can cover mortgage PLUS bills, food, childcare (not tied to mortgage only). More flexible than mortgage payment protection insurance (MPPI).

What is the difference between income protection and mortgage protection insurance?

Income protection and mortgage protection insurance (MPPI) serve different purposes. Income Protection: Pays percentage of your income (up to 70%) directly to you. You decide how to use funds (mortgage, bills, food, etc.). Covers ANY illness or injury preventing work. Typically cheaper than MPPI. Can claim multiple times during policy. Benefit period: 2 years to age 65. Mortgage Protection Insurance (MPPI): Pays fixed amount directly to mortgage lender. Only covers mortgage payment (can't use for other expenses). Often covers redundancy + illness/injury. More expensive than income protection. Limited claim period (usually 12-24 months max). Often sold by mortgage lender (not always best value). Which is better? Income protection is usually better value: More flexible (not tied to mortgage). Cheaper premiums for same coverage level. Protects ALL income, not just mortgage. Can port policy if you move house/remortgage. MPPI may suit you if: You specifically only want mortgage covered. You value redundancy cover (IP doesn't cover job loss). Recommended: Get income protection instead of MPPI.

How much does income protection cost for mortgage cover?

Income protection to cover a mortgage costs £15-£50/month typically. Cost examples to cover £723/month mortgage: 30-year-old, non-smoker, office job, 13-week deferred period, to age 65: £18-£25/month. 40-year-old, non-smoker, teacher, 26-week deferred period, to age 65: £20-£28/month. 35-year-old, smoker, builder, 4-week deferred period, to age 60: £55-£75/month. Factors affecting cost: Age - Older = more expensive. Occupation - Manual labor costs more than office job. Smoking - Adds 30-50% to premiums. Health - Pre-existing conditions = loaded premiums. Deferred period - Longer wait (26 weeks) = 30-40% cheaper than 4-week wait. Benefit period - To age 65 costs more than 2-year benefit. How much to insure: Don't just insure mortgage - insure 70% of salary to cover mortgage PLUS other expenses (bills, food, childcare). Example: £35,000 salary = £2,000/month benefit (covers £723 mortgage + £1,277 for other costs).

Can I get income protection if I'm self-employed with a mortgage?

Yes, self-employed people with mortgages can get income protection - and it's MORE important as you have no employer sick pay. Self-employed income protection requirements: Proof of income - 2 years of tax returns (SA302 forms) or accounts. Average income calculated - Insurer uses 12-24 month average (accounts for variable income). Higher premiums - Self-employed pay 10-20% more than employed. Deferred period consideration - Choose shorter deferred period (4-13 weeks) as you have no sick pay to fall back on. Why self-employed with mortgages NEED income protection: No sick pay - Zero income if can't work. Mortgage lender doesn't care - Still expect payments whether employed or self-employed. Business income stops - If sole trader, business income stops when you stop working. Savings deplete fast - £723/month mortgage + bills can drain savings in 3-6 months. How to apply: Gather 2 years of tax returns/accounts. Use broker (like LifePro) who specialises in self-employed. Be honest about income fluctuations. Consider business overhead insurance too (covers business costs while you can't work). Self-employed income protection approval rate: 85-90% of applicants approved (similar to employed).

Does income protection pay off my mortgage if I die?

No, income protection does NOT pay off your mortgage if you die - it only pays while you're alive but unable to work. What income protection covers: Illness/injury preventing work - Pays monthly income (up to 70% of salary). Continues until: You return to work, reach end of benefit period, or die. What income protection does NOT cover: Death - Payments stop when you die (mortgage remains unpaid). Redundancy/unemployment - Only covers illness/injury, not job loss. What DOES pay off mortgage if you die: Life insurance (also called term life insurance). Pays lump sum to beneficiaries if you die during policy term. Lump sum can pay off entire mortgage. Example: £200,000 mortgage = £200,000 life insurance policy. If you die, family receives £200,000 to pay off mortgage. Cost: Much cheaper than income protection (£10-£20/month typical). Complete mortgage protection strategy: Income protection - Pays income if you're alive but can't work (illness/injury). Life insurance - Pays lump sum if you die (pays off mortgage). Critical illness cover (optional) - Pays lump sum if diagnosed with serious illness. Recommended combination: Income protection (covers income if can't work) + Life insurance (pays off mortgage if you die). Many people have life insurance but forget income protection - both are important!

How long does income protection pay for mortgage cover?

Income protection can pay for your mortgage for different periods depending on your chosen benefit period. Benefit period options: 2 years - Cheapest option, pays for 2 years max per claim. 5 years - Mid-range cost, pays for up to 5 years. To age 65 (retirement age) - Most expensive, pays until you return to work or reach 65. Full term (to end of mortgage) - Some policies pay until mortgage term ends. Which benefit period for mortgages? To age 65 (recommended): Protects you until retirement (most mortgages repaid by then). Covers long-term illnesses (cancer, MS, mental health). Only 10-15% more expensive than 2-year benefit. Ensures mortgage protected throughout working life. 2-5 years (budget option): Cheaper premiums. Suitable if: You have significant savings, partner could cover mortgage long-term, close to retirement anyway. Risk: If illness lasts beyond 2-5 years, payments stop but mortgage remains. Example scenarios: 35-year-old with 25-year mortgage (to age 60): Choose benefit period to age 65 - covers entire mortgage term plus 5 years. 55-year-old with 10-year mortgage (to age 65): Choose benefit period to age 65 - matches retirement age. Important: Multiple claims allowed - if you claim for 6 months, recover and return to work, then become ill again 2 years later, you can claim again (benefit period resets).

Get Your Free Quote

Answer a few simple questions to get your instant quote

33% Step 1 of 3
Free & no obligation
Instant quote in 60 seconds
Compare UK's best providers

Protect Your Mortgage with Income Protection

Get instant quotes from all UK providers - cover your mortgage and more

Get Free Quote Call 0800 246 5191

Free, no obligation quotes • FCA regulated advisors • 100% impartial