Get a Quote
0800 246 5191 Get a Quote

Short Term Income Protection

  • Short-term income protection available
  • Cover up to 70% of your income
  • Benefit periods of 1, 2, or 5 years
Get Free Quote »
Life insurance protection

We work with some of the UK's leading insurers

Aviva
Legal & General
LV=
SCOTTISH
WIDOWS
Vitality
Zurich

Short Term Income Protection

Complete 2026 guide to short-term income protection insurance. Short-term income protection pays up to 70% of your income in tax-free monthly payments if unable to work due to illness or injury - but unlike long-term policies that pay until retirement, short-term pays for fixed period only (typically 1, 2, or 5 years). Significantly cheaper than long-term coverage, short-term income protection is ideal if you want affordable cover to: Top up employer sick pay, Bridge gaps during temporary illness, Protect income during high-debt years. Compare whole of market quotes from LifePro's 50+ UK providers from just 20p-a-day.

By: Lorna Bailey Protection Expert Updated: 5th January 2026

Compare Life Insurance Quotes »

Affordable short-term cover to protect your earnings

A short-term income protectionpolicy is designed to payout a percentage of your income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury.

Up to 70% of your usual income could be paid out on a monthly basis.

Payments are tax-free and could assist you stay afloat while you’re off work.

In contrast to long-term income protection, you’ll receive these payments on a short-term basis. Typically for a maximum for 1, 2 or 5 years.

Compare short-term income protection through LifePro's advised team to receive personalised recommendations and fee-free quotes from the UK’s best insurers.

Their whole of market income protection comparison service can allow you to discover the best available deal on a policy that meets all your needs.

All quotes are fee-free and without obligation, so why not contact us today?

How much short-term income protection do you need?

Enter your monthly financial commitments to understand the level of short-term income protection cover you might 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 Short Term Income Protection.

Compare Income Protection Quotes »

Why secure short-term income protection through 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

How much is short-term income protection?

The price you pay for short-term income protection will vary depending on your personal circumstances.

During the application process, you'll be required to provide information in order for insurers to calculate the cost of your monthly premium.

Details required during the application include:

  • Age and date of birth
  • Occupation and annual income
  • Health and medical history
  • Smoking status
  • Benefit amount required (typically 50-70% of income)
  • Deferred period chosen (1, 4, 13, 26, or 52 weeks)
  • Payment period selected (1, 2, or 5 years)

The more accurate information you provide, the more precise your quote will be. Factors like choosing a longer deferred period or shorter payment period can significantly reduce your premium costs.

Use our comparison service to get personalised quotes from 50+ UK insurers based on your specific circumstances. Our FCA-regulated advisors can help you find the right balance between comprehensive coverage and affordable premiums.

Compare Short-Term Income Protection Quotes »

Frequently Asked Questions

What is short-term income protection?

Short-term income protection pays up to 70% of your income if you can't work due to illness or injury. Unlike long-term policies that pay until retirement, short-term pays for a fixed period (typically 1, 2, or 5 years). Payments are tax-free and help cover mortgage, bills, and living costs while you recover.

How much does short-term income protection cost?

Short-term income protection is cheaper than long-term policies. Example: A 35-year-old non-smoker earning £30,000/year might pay £15-25/month for £1,750/month benefit (70% of income) over 2 years. Cost depends on: Age, income, benefit amount, term length (1/2/5 years), deferred period (how long before payments start), occupation, health. Compare quotes to find best value.

What's the difference between short and long-term income protection?

Short-term: Pays for fixed period (1, 2, or 5 years), Cheaper premiums, Covers temporary illnesses/injuries, Ends after term expires. Long-term: Pays until retirement age, Higher premiums, Covers permanent disability, Lifetime protection. Choose short-term if you want: Affordable cover, Protection during mortgage years, Top up employer sick pay. Choose long-term for: Comprehensive protection, No time limit on benefits, Permanent disability cover.

Will I need a medical exam?

Possibly. Medical underwriting depends on: Cover amount (higher = more likely to need exam), Age (older = more likely), Health history (pre-existing conditions). Many policies only require medical questionnaires with no exam. Some insurers offer guaranteed acceptance options with limited medical questions but higher premiums.

Can I get short-term income protection if I'm self-employed?

Yes, self-employed workers can get short-term income protection. You'll need to prove income via: Tax returns (SA302), Accounts from accountant, Bank statements. Self-employed premiums may be slightly higher than employed workers. Short-term income protection is crucial for self-employed as you have no employer sick pay safety net.

What does the deferred period mean?

The deferred period (or waiting period) is how long you must be off work before payments start. Options: 1 week, 4 weeks, 13 weeks, 26 weeks, 52 weeks. Longer deferred periods = cheaper premiums. Choose based on: Employer sick pay duration, Savings to cover initial weeks, Budget for premiums. Example: If employer pays 6 months sick pay, choose 26-week deferred period for cheaper premiums.

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

Get Short-Term Income Protection Today

Protect your income if you can't work. Compare quotes for 1, 2, or 5-year terms from leading UK providers.

Get Free Quote Call 0800 246 5191

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