Comprehensive 2026 review of Royal London income protection insurance. As the UK's largest mutual life insurance company (founded 1861, 8.5 million policies, £169 billion assets), Royal London offers income protection covering up to 65% of income if unable to work due to illness or injury. Standard features include minimum benefit guarantee, fracture cover, payment on death, and specialist NHS professional options. As a member-owned mutual, profits are reinvested to benefit members rather than external shareholders. Note: Royal London NOT available through LifePro - compare 50+ alternative providers through our whole of market service.
By: Lorna Bailey Protection Expert Updated: 5th January 2026
Royal London income protection can payout up to 65% of your usual earnings if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury.
As standard their plans include policy features, such as a minimum benefit guarantee, fracture cover, payment upon death, helping hand service and many more.
They also offer specialist features tailored towards the needs of NHS professionals.
Why not compare Royal London income protection using the services of LifePro?
The whole of market comparison service can allow you to discover the best policy to meet your needs at the best available price.
Who are Royal London?
Royal London are the UK’s largest mutual life insurance, pensions and investments company[1].
Since the Royal London life insurance and benefits society was founded in 1861, the company has gone through many changes, including acquiring many other financial services entities to form the Royal London that we know today.
In 2022, Royal London updated their income protection offering to improve the customer journey and allow cover to be obtained in the shortest time possible[2].
Royal London are also well known for their life insurance, why not read our fullRoyal London life insurance reviewto discover more about their policies? »
How much Royal London income protection do you need?
Enter your monthly financial commitments to calculate the level of Royal London income protection cover you require.
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 Royal London Income Protection.
Royal London offers comprehensive income protection with several policy options designed to meet different needs and budgets.
Royal London's income protection includes standard features that make it a competitive option, particularly for NHS professionals.
Key features of Royal London income protection:
Covers up to 65% of your gross income (slightly lower than some competitors at 70%, but often with lower premiums)
Minimum benefit guarantee - ensures you receive a minimum payment even if circumstances change
Fracture cover - Lump sum payment if you suffer specified fractures
Payment upon death - Small death benefit included as standard
Helping Hand service - 24/7 GP helpline and medical information
Mental health support - Comprehensive coverage for mental health conditions
NHS professional options - Tailored features for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers
Royal London's 2022 updates: In 2022, Royal London modernised their income protection offering to streamline the customer journey. Key improvements include:
Faster application process with simplified underwriting
Enhanced online account management
Improved claims processing times
Better integration with GP systems for medical evidence
Enhanced rehabilitation support services
Royal London vs competitors: As the UK's largest mutual insurer, Royal London's member-owned structure means profits are reinvested rather than paid to shareholders. This can result in better value over the long term, though their 65% maximum cover is lower than the industry standard 70%.
Important note: Royal London income protection is NOT available through LifePro. They sell directly to customers or through limited distribution partners. However, LifePro can compare 50+ alternative providers to find you equivalent or better coverage.
Royal London income protection for NHS professionals
Royal London offers specialist income protection features tailored specifically for NHS doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals.
If you work in the NHS, Royal London provides enhanced features that recognise the unique challenges of healthcare professions:
NHS-specific features:
Recognition of NHS pension scheme contributions in income calculations
Specialist occupation definitions for doctors, consultants, nurses, and allied health professionals
Understanding of shift patterns, on-call work, and irregular hours
Flexible deferred periods that align with NHS sick pay entitlements
Competitive rates for medical professionals (lower risk occupation)
Coverage for occupational health requirements and fitness-to-practice issues
Why NHS professionals need income protection:
Demanding work can lead to burnout and stress-related absence
High exposure to infectious diseases and workplace injuries
Mental health pressures from challenging patient care
NHS sick pay has limits - runs out after specified periods
Private income protection tops up NHS sick pay when it reduces or ends
Long-term illness could affect career progression and pension
How Royal London calculates income for NHS professionals: Royal London considers your total NHS income including: Basic salary, Regular overtime and enhancements, On-call payments, Pension contributions (if opting out of NHS pension). They typically offer 'own occupation' cover for medical professionals, meaning you can claim if unable to perform your specific medical role.
Alternative providers for NHS professionals: While Royal London specialises in NHS cover, other providers also offer excellent NHS-tailored policies:
NHS Income Protection Providers
Because Royal London is not available through LifePro, we recommend comparing NHS-friendly alternatives from LV=, Aviva, Vitality, and Legal & General. These providers offer similar NHS-tailored features with potentially higher coverage limits (70% vs 65%).
Royal London is the UK's largest mutual insurer, making them a solid choice for income protection. Key benefits: Covers up to 65% of income if unable to work, Member-owned (not shareholder-owned), Specialist NHS professional features, Strong financial stability and claims record. As a mutual, profits are reinvested to benefit members. Royal London is NOT available through LifePro - sold direct or limited brokers only. Compare alternatives through LifePro for potentially better value.
How much does Royal London income protection cost?
Royal London 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: £28-38/month. Costs are competitive but not always cheapest. Compare with other providers: Legal & General, Aviva, Zurich, LV=, Vitality. Prices can vary 30-40% for identical cover.
What does Royal London income protection cover?
Royal London income protection covers: Monthly payments (up to 65% 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. Standard features: Minimum benefit guarantee, Fracture cover, Payment on death, Helping Hand service. Deferred periods: 4, 8, 13, 26, or 52 weeks. Does NOT cover unemployment/redundancy or pre-existing conditions (usually excluded 12-24 months).
What are the NHS-specialist features from Royal London?
Royal London offers tailored income protection for NHS professionals: Recognises NHS pension scheme, Understands shift patterns and on-call work, Specialist occupation definitions for doctors/nurses, Flexible deferred periods to match NHS sick pay, Competitive rates for medical professionals. If you're an NHS worker, Royal London is worth considering. However, compare with other NHS-friendly providers like LV=, Aviva, and Vitality through LifePro.
Can I buy Royal London income protection through LifePro?
No - Royal London income protection is NOT available through LifePro or most brokers. They sell: Direct to customers (royallondon.com), Through limited distribution partners. LifePro alternative: Compare 50+ other income protection providers including: Legal & General, Aviva, Zurich, LV=, Vitality, AIG. Benefits of using LifePro: Whole-of-market comparison, No extra cost, Expert advice, Often find better value than Royal London direct.
Does Royal London income protection pay out?
Yes - Royal London has a strong claims record with high payout ratios (95%+). They paid millions in income protection claims in 2023. Claims process: 1. Contact claims team, 2. Provide medical evidence, 3. Assessment (2-4 weeks), 4. Payments start after deferred period. Decline reasons: Pre-existing condition within exclusion period, Not fully unable to work, Condition not medically evidenced, Policy lapsed. Royal London's mutual status means focus on member value, not shareholder profit.
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