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Why Income Protection is Essential for Doctors in the UK

As a doctor, your income is the foundation of your financial stability. But have you ever considered how you’d cope financially if you couldn’t work due to illness or injury? For UK medical professionals, income protection insurance offers an essential safety net, helping you maintain your lifestyle and commitments—no matter what life throws your way.

Your Income: Your Greatest Asset

After years of medical school, training, and personal investment, your ability to earn is one of your most valuable assets. Income protection ensures that if you’re unable to work due to a health condition, you’ll still receive up to 60-70% of your gross income, paid monthly and tax-free.

Unlike critical illness cover, which pays a one-off lump sum for specific diagnoses, income protection is comprehensive and continuous. It pays out for a wide range of physical and mental conditions and can support you until you return to work or retire.

NHS Sick Pay Isn’t Built to Last

If you’re an NHS doctor, your sick pay entitlement usually includes:

• 6 months full pay, followed by
• 6 months half pay

But what happens after that? For many doctors—especially locums, private practitioners, or those early in their careers—the gap in cover could mean serious financial stress. Income protection steps in when statutory or employer sick pay ends, helping you avoid debt or lifestyle disruption.

For those working independently, the situation is even riskier. If you’re a locum doctor, see our guide to insurance protection for locums to ensure your cover matches your work style.

Tailored for Medical Professionals

Doctors have unique working patterns, career paths, and income structures. At Doctors Mortgages, we work with providers that offer specialist policies designed for healthcare professionals.

These often include:

• ✅ Own occupation cover – You’re covered if you can’t work in your exact medical role
• ✅ Inflation-linked benefits – Keeps pace with rising living costs
• ✅ Flexible deferment periods – Match your waiting period to NHS sick pay
• ✅ Rehabilitation support – Help returning to work on your terms

For a personalised review, book a free income protection consultation.

Don’t Overlook Mental Health

Burnout, anxiety, and depression are increasing concerns within the medical field. Mental health issues are now a leading cause of long-term sickness absence among NHS staff. Income protection policies cover mental health-related leave, allowing you the space and time to recover without financial stress.

Protect Your Home, Family, and Future

For most doctors, monthly expenses are significant—mortgages, private school fees, family costs, and retirement planning. A prolonged loss of income could derail your financial goals.

We also advise reviewing your life insurance alongside income protection to ensure your family is protected in every scenario.

Need help understanding how it all fits together? Our team can provide a complete protection review for doctors.

A Smart Investment in Peace of Mind

Income protection isn’t just about replacing earnings—it’s about protecting your way of life, your loved ones, and your career ambitions. It lets you focus on recovery and long-term health, without worrying about how the bills will be paid.

Whether you’re a junior doctor, consultant, GP, or locum, our expert team can help you find a policy that fits your life and career. We’re here to support every step of your financial journey—from mortgage advice to income protection and beyond.

Get Covered – Secure Your Income Today

At Doctors Mortgages, we understand the pressures and demands placed on UK doctors. Our protection experts will help you secure the right income protection—so you can focus on your patients, not your pay cheque.

📞 Book a free consultation today

💬 Or get in touch with our advisers to explore your options