Forget mortgages.
Forget pensions.
Forget savings.
Forget health insurance.
Before you spend a cent on anything else, you need income protection.
It’s the single most important financial product you’ll ever take out – because if you can’t work, you can’t pay for anything else.
What Happens If Your Pay Cheque Disappears?
Your income is the foundation of your entire lifestyle. Without it, everything else crumbles.
🔴 No income = no car 🚗 (hope you enjoy a brisk walk in the rain!)
🔴 No income = no mortgage 🏡 (back to your childhood bedroom at your parents’ house…)
🔴 No income = no savings 💸 (and no hope of ever affording a house)
🔴 No income = no way to support your family.
And yet, most professionals insure their phone before they insure their salary.
So, What Exactly Is Income Protection?
Income protection is an insurance policy that pays you up to 75% of your salary, tax-free, if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury.
✔️ It kicks in after an agreed waiting period (typically 13, 26, or 52 weeks).
✔️ It keeps paying until you’re well enough to return to work – or until retirement if needed (so whichever one comes first).
If you had a machine that printed money every month, wouldn’t you insure it? You are that machine. Protect your income
Why Every Professional Needs It (Even If You’re Young and Healthy)
It’s easy to think, “I’ll sort that out later” or “I’m healthy; I don’t need it yet.”
But let’s look at the facts:
📊 1 in 3 workers in Ireland will be unable to work for six months or more due to illness or injury at some stage in their career.
📊 The average time off work due to serious illness is five years.
📊 State illness benefit is just €244 per week, that’s €12,688 per year! Would that even cover your rent?
The younger and healthier you are when you take out income protection, the cheaper it will be.
Employer Sick Pay Won’t Cut It
Some professionals assume their employer will look after them if they get sick. The reality?
🚫 Most companies offer little to no sick pay beyond a few weeks.
🚫 Even public sector employees (who have more generous sick leave) see their income drop dramatically after six months.
🚫 If you’re self-employed? You get nothing from the State.
Income protection gives you certainty and security, no matter what happens.
How Much Does It Cost?
Less than you think, especially with tax relief at your highest rate.
For example, a 40% taxpayer effectively pays just €60 a month for €2,000 a month of cover.
That’s less than:
🍔 A weekly takeaway
🏋️♂️ Your gym membership
🍷 A couple of nights out
Small price to pay for financial security, right?
Who Qualifies?
Not everyone. Insurers have strict rules around health, lifestyle, and occupation. If you qualify, count yourself lucky and lock it in while you can.
What’s Next?
If you’re a professional without income protection, you have two choices:
1️⃣ Ignore it and hope you never get sick or injured.
2️⃣ Get a quote today and secure your financial future.
