# How do I compare income protection insurance in the UK?

> Quick answer · Last updated 4 July 2026

Canonical HTML: https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/how-to-compare-income-protection-uk/
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## In short

Compare definition of incapacity (own occupation vs any occupation), waiting period, benefit period, cover level and premium type — align waiting period with employer sick pay and prioritise own-occupation cover if you have a specialist role.

Cheaper quotes often use weaker incapacity definitions — read policy summaries.

Benefit period to retirement costs more than 2- or 5-year cover.

See compare income protection guide.

## Related

- [Compare income protection](https://moneyguide.org.uk/insurance/compare-income-protection-guide/)
- [Income protection vs CI](https://moneyguide.org.uk/insurance/income-protection-vs-critical-illness/)

## Primary source

abi.org.uk/products-and-issues/topics-and-issues/protection-insurance

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.