Income Protection
Income protection insurance may pay an agreed monthly benefit if illness or injury prevents you working and the policy definition is met. We compare benefit amounts, wait periods, benefit periods and definitions from the selected providers available to us.
The ACC Gap
ACC weekly compensation may replace part of eligible earnings when an accepted personal injury prevents someone working. It is not general sickness cover. Income protection may respond to covered illness or injury when the policy's disability definition and other terms are met. Read ACC's current weekly-compensation guidance and the insurance policy wording for the exact boundaries.
01
An agreed monthly benefit may be payable when the policy definition is met, after the selected wait period and subject to benefit limits and applicable offsets.
02
Illness and injury may be covered. The cause, disability definition, exclusions and medical evidence requirements are set by the policy.
03
You control the cost. Wait period, benefit period, and cover level are all adjustable to fit your budget and safety net.
04
Tax treatment depends on the arrangement. Premium deductibility and whether benefits are taxable can depend on who owns and pays for the policy and how the benefit is structured. Ask your tax adviser about your circumstances.
Who We Help
If someone depends on your income, whether that's your family or just your own mortgage, income protection is worth a serious look.
Self-employed
When you stop working, your income stops the same day. For self-employed people and contractors, income protection is often the single most important cover.
Families
If your household runs on one main income, months without it means real trouble. Cover keeps the mortgage and bills paid while you focus on recovery.
Professionals
A long period away from work can affect a household at any income level. Benefit limits, existing sick leave, savings and affordability all need to be considered.
★★★★★
"Upmeet made setting up our policies a breeze. Very professional, friendly and welcoming — he made what would seem a daunting task a simple and enjoyable experience. Would highly recommend!"
Google Review · Mutual Solutions
Long-Term Protection
Total and permanent disability (TPD) cover pays a lump sum if illness or injury leaves you permanently unable to work in your own occupation, or any occupation, depending on how the policy is defined. Unlike income protection, which replaces income month by month while you're temporarily unable to work, TPD is a one-off payment aimed at longer-term needs: funding ongoing care, clearing debt outright, or modifying your home. Many clients hold both, since they cover different lengths of time off work.
01
A lump sum, not a monthly payment. Aimed at permanent, long-term needs rather than covering you through recovery.
02
"Own occupation" vs "any occupation" matters. The definition used changes how easily a claim is accepted. We check this carefully before recommending a policy.
03
Often paired with income protection. Income protection covers the months you're off work, TPD covers you if you never go back.
How The Covers Work Together
Income protection is designed to help replace part of an income while you are unable to work. Life insurance is designed to help the people you leave behind, while trauma cover may pay a lump sum when a serious illness or injury meets the policy definition. Some people hold more than one type of cover because the financial problem is different in each situation. Read how life insurance and income protection work together →
Common Questions
Do you advise clients in Palmerston North?
Yes. We are based at Level 2, 26 Broadway Avenue in Palmerston North and meet clients in person across the Manawatū, as well as advising throughout New Zealand by phone and video call. Buying or refinancing as well? See our Palmerston North mortgage broker page. More about our Palmerston North income protection advice →
How much of my income can I insure?
The maximum depends on the policy, provider, income evidence and applicable offsets. We compare the benefit amount alongside the wait period, benefit period and disability definition. Read our self-employed income protection guide →
What's a wait period?
How long you're off work before payments begin, commonly 4, 8, or 13 weeks. Longer wait periods mean cheaper premiums. We match it to your sick leave and savings buffer.
Is "salary protection" a different insurance product?
No. Some people use that phrase when looking for income protection insurance. The cover should always be assessed by its actual policy wording, benefit amount, wait period, benefit period and exclusions, not by a label alone.
Will claiming increase my premiums?
No. Personal insurance in New Zealand does not increase your premiums because you have made a claim. Read what actually drives premium changes →
Does the advice cost anything?
The initial consultation is free. We may receive commission from an insurer if cover is arranged. A client-paid fee may apply in some circumstances, but it must be disclosed and agreed in writing before you become liable. See how commissions work → or read our disclosure statement.
A free 30-minute conversation to work out what cover fits your situation and budget. No pressure, no obligation.