Income protection when you get married
Getting married often means shared financial commitments — a mortgage, combined bills, and financial dependence on each other's income. Income protection ensures your household stays financially stable if illness stops either of you from working.
Why marriage makes income protection more important
- Joint mortgage payments continue regardless of illness
- Your partner may rely on your income for day-to-day costs
- Future children will increase your financial responsibilities further
- Your partner's income alone may not cover all household costs
Should both married partners get income protection?
Both partners' incomes typically contribute to household costs — so both incomes are worth protecting. Even if your partner earns more, losing your income would still impact the household. Individual income protection policies for each partner provide the most comprehensive household protection.
How much income protection do married couples need?
Each partner should aim for enough benefit to cover their personal contribution to household costs — mortgage/rent, bills, food, and personal outgoings. Most policies cover 50–70% of gross income. Review your deferred period based on how long joint savings and the healthy partner's income could cover costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting married is a great trigger to review your protection. If your partner would struggle financially if your income stopped, income protection is one of the most important policies you can have.
No — income protection is always individual. Each person needs their own policy based on their own income, occupation, and health.