Why Physiotherapists Need Income Protection
As a physiotherapist, your career depends on physical fitness and the ability to manually treat patients. A back injury, shoulder problem, or any condition affecting your strength and mobility could prevent you from practising – and earning.
Standard risk: Physiotherapy is classified as standard risk by all major UK insurers. You pay the same income protection rates as office workers.
Key Risks
- Back and shoulder injuries – From the physical demands of manual therapy
- Repetitive strain injuries – Hands, wrists, and arms from repeated treatment techniques
- Burnout – High caseloads in both NHS and private settings
- General illness – Cancer, heart conditions, and other conditions that affect everyone
NHS vs Private Physiotherapists
| Factor | NHS Employed | Private Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Sick pay | Up to 6 months full, 6 months half | None (if self-employed) |
| NHS Pension | Ill-health retirement available | No NHS pension |
| IP urgency | Important (for long-term) | Essential (from day one) |
Private Practice Considerations
If you run your own physiotherapy practice:
- Consider business overhead insurance alongside personal IP to cover rent, staff, and equipment costs
- Set your benefit amount based on your net profit, not gross turnover
- A shorter waiting period (4–8 weeks) is advisable if you have no other income source
- Ensure your policy covers you for your specific work as a physiotherapist (“own occupation”)
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Standard risk, competitive premiums.
A 30-year-old earning £35k: around £25–45/month for 60% income replacement.