Why do project managers need income protection?
A project manager unable to work — due to burnout, a physical condition, or serious illness — faces immediate income loss. Income protection pays monthly benefits until you recover or retire. For contractors and self-employed project managers, this cover is often the only financial safety net in place.
How does income protection work for project managers?
Income protection pays a monthly benefit — typically 50–70% of your gross income — if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. Payments continue until you return to work, reach the end of the policy term, or the policy expires at retirement age.
How much does income protection cost for project managers?
Premiums depend on your age, health, smoking status, occupation class, deferred period, and benefit amount. Project management is usually Occupation Class 1 for income protection — offering the most competitive premiums. A healthy 35-year-old project manager looking for £1,500/month benefit typically pays £25–£55/month, depending on the deferred period chosen.
What is a deferred period?
The deferred period is how long you wait before payments begin — typically 4, 8, 13, 26, or 52 weeks. Longer deferred periods mean lower premiums. Choose a deferred period that aligns with how long your savings or employer sick pay would last.
Own occupation vs any occupation cover
Always aim for "own occupation" cover — this pays out if you cannot perform your specific job, not just any job. "Any occupation" policies are much harder to claim on and are generally not recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Occupation class is a key pricing factor for IP — unlike life insurance. Project management is usually Occupation Class 1 for income protection — offering the most competitive premiums.
Long-term policies pay until you return to work, retire, or die. Short-term policies (typically 1–2 years) are cheaper but provide less protection.
Yes — in fact, income protection is especially important if you're self-employed, as you have no employer sick pay to fall back on.