NHS Sick Pay: The Full Entitlement
| Service Length | Full Pay | Half Pay |
|---|---|---|
| First year | 1 month | 2 months |
| 2nd year | 2 months | 2 months |
| 3rd year | 4 months | 4 months |
| 4th & 5th year | 5 months | 5 months |
| After 5 years | 6 months | 6 months |
After your sick pay ends: You drop to Statutory Sick Pay (£116.75/week) and then to zero. Even with 6 months full pay and 6 months half pay, a 12-month illness means the final months on nothing.
When Income Protection Kicks In
For most NHS staff, the optimal deferred period is 26 weeks. This aligns with most entitlements and keeps premiums lower. After 26 weeks off work, your IP policy pays out.
Occupational Class for NHS Staff
- Doctors: standard risk (some Class 1 for surgeons)
- Nurses: standard risk
- Paramedics: medium risk (Class 2–3)
- Pharmacists, physios, radiographers: standard risk
- Porters, cleaners: Class 3–4
NHS Pension Ill-Health Benefits
NHS pension scheme members may have access to ill-health retirement benefits. Check what this provides before buying IP – it may reduce the cover you need to buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. NHS sick pay runs out. IP fills the gap after 6+6 months of employer sick pay.
Usually 26 weeks, matching NHS sick pay for most staff.