Income protection for Irish professionals
Secure your financial future with an income protection plan. The Irish government allows you to claim up to 40% tax relief on your premiums, protecting up to 75% of your earnings against illness or injury.
Bridging the gap the State can't cover
If you're unable to work due to illness or injury, the Irish State Illness Benefit provides only around €13,000 a year. For most professionals, that creates a significant shortfall — we help you bridge it with tax-efficient salary protection.
Tailored income coverage
Secure up to 75% of your gross earnings (less state benefits).
- Flexible deferral periods: start your policy when employer sick pay ceases (4, 8, 13, 26 or 52 weeks)
- Guaranteed premiums: fixed-rate costs for the life of the policy — no reviews or hikes
- Indexation: keep your insured amount rising with inflation, removable on request
Comprehensive long-term support
Unlike critical illness cover, this provides a monthly replacement income.
- Benefit to retirement: paid as long as medically required, until you return to work or retire
- Unlimited claims: policy stays active even after multiple successful claims
- Waiver of premium: no monthly repayments due while claiming
Tax relief on income protection premiums. One of the most tax-efficient products in Ireland — as an individual or contractor, you can claim full tax relief at your marginal rate through Revenue.
Getting an income protection policy, step by step
Work out how much of your salary you can insure, when you need it, and how your job affects your policy.
How much can I insure?
You can generally insure up to 75% of your gross income. Calculate your "gap" to see how much private cover you need.
When do I need it?
We align your policy with your employer's sick pay period. If pay stops after 6 months, cover starts on day one of month 7.
What's my occupational class?
Risk classes determine your price — we search the Royal London database for your role.
Review provisional quote
We compare providers to find the most cost-effective premium for your class.
Underwriting questionnaire
A simple health check to confirm your final acceptance and price.
Secure your income
Finalise your documents — your policy is now in force.
How much can I insure?
Enter your salary and employment status to see your maximum benefit and your private cover gap.
Disclaimer: Illustrative only, based on an approximate €13,000/year State Illness Benefit for PAYE employees. Actual entitlements depend on PRSI record. For a personal quote, speak to a Financial Health advisor.
What is an occupational class?
Not all jobs are treated equally. An occupational class finder determines the specific level of risk your daily work poses from an insurance perspective.
Insurers use these classes to decide two things — if they can cover you, and how much your premium will cost. The higher the risk associated with your role, the higher the class number.
The standard risk scale
Professional & clerical (e.g. accountant)
Administrative / light travel (e.g. dentist)
Skilled manual work (e.g. nurse)
Heavy manual work (e.g. carpenter)
Which insurer is best for income protection in Ireland?
We compare the top three providers in the Irish market. While coverage limits are similar, the real difference lies in price-matching, support services, and "back to work" benefits.
| Benefit / Feature | Aviva | Royal London | Zurich |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum coverage | 75% of salary (max €262,500) | 75% of salary (max €262,500) | 75% of salary (max €250,000) |
| Price matching | ✘ | ✔ Guaranteed | ✘ |
| Waiting periods | 4, 8, 13, 26, 52 weeks | Dual Deferred (split periods) | 4, 8, 13, 26, 52 weeks |
| Support services | Aviva Care: digital GP, Best Doctors, mental health | Helping Hand: dedicated nurse support (RedArc) | Early Intervention: proactive rehab & physio funding |
| Automatic increases | 20% every 3 yrs, no medicals | 20% every 3 yrs, no medicals | Life-event only (marriage, child, etc.) |
| Relapse benefit | Immediate restart within 6 months | Immediate restart within 6 months | Immediate restart within 6 months |
| Back to work benefit | Rehabilitation support | Tiered payout (75%/50%/25%) for 3 months | Salary top-up if returning part-time |
Irish income protection FAQ
You receive full tax relief on your premiums at your marginal rate (20% or 40%). If you're a higher-rate taxpayer, a €100 monthly premium effectively costs only €60 net after Revenue relief.
The deferred period is the waiting time between falling ill and receiving your first payment. We typically align it with your employer sick pay scheme — common periods are 13, 26 or 52 weeks. A longer waiting period is a highly effective way to reduce your monthly cost.
Yes. Unlike Critical Illness Cover, which requires a specific diagnosis, Income Protection pays out for any medical condition — including mental health issues or back injuries — that prevents you from performing your specific job role.
As of 2026, the State Illness Benefit is approximately €254 per week. Most private policies are integrated, topping up the State benefit so you reach 75% of your gross annual salary — protecting your mortgage and lifestyle during long-term recovery.
Need a personalised calculation?
Speak with a Financial Health advisor about your income protection options.
Speak with an advisor