Income Protection
Your income is your most valuable asset. If illness or injury stops you working, income protection replaces up to 75% of your earnings so the mortgage, bills, and groceries keep getting paid. We compare policies from across the New Zealand market, free of charge.
The ACC Gap
Many New Zealanders assume ACC will look after them if they can't work. ACC does cover accidents, including for self-employed people. But it does not cover illness, and illness such as cancer, heart conditions, and mental health causes most long-term time off work. Income protection fills exactly that gap: a monthly payment while you recover, for as long as your chosen benefit period runs.
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Up to 75% of your income paid monthly while you're medically unable to work, after your chosen wait period.
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Illness and injury both covered. Unlike ACC, income protection pays whether you're off work from sickness or an accident.
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You control the cost. Wait period, benefit period, and cover level are all adjustable to fit your budget and safety net.
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Premiums may be tax-deductible. Depending on the policy type, income protection premiums can be tax-deductible. We'll explain how this applies to you.
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
The more you earn, the more you stand to lose. Protecting 75% of a strong income costs comparatively little against what's at risk.
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"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!"
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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.
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A lump sum, not a monthly payment. Aimed at permanent, long-term needs rather than covering you through recovery.
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"Own occupation" vs "any occupation" matters. The definition used changes how easily a claim is accepted. We check this carefully before recommending a policy.
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Often paired with income protection. Income protection covers the months you're off work, TPD covers you if you never go back.
Common Questions
How much of my income can I insure?
Typically up to 75% of your pre-disability income, paid monthly after your chosen wait period for as long as your benefit period runs. 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.
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?
No. We're paid a commission by the insurer if you take out a policy, and we disclose how we're paid before you commit. See our disclosure statement →
A free 30-minute conversation to work out what cover fits your situation and budget. No pressure, no obligation.