Is personal accident cover the same as income protection?

No. Personal accident cover only pays out if you’re unable to work due to an accident. Income protection pays out if you can’t work due to illness or injury and provides much broader, longer-term protection.

Does personal accident cover pay out if I get sick?

Usually not. Most personal accident policies exclude illness entirely. If you’re unable to work due to illness, income protection is the policy designed to cover that risk.

Why is income protection more expensive?

Income protection costs more because it covers far more scenarios and can pay out for many years, sometimes right up to retirement age. Personal accident cover is cheaper because it’s limited to accidents and short claim periods.

How long does personal accident cover pay for?

Typically up to 52 weeks. After that, payments stop even if you’re still unable to work.

How long does income protection pay for?

Income protection pays monthly after the deferred period and continues until you recover, reach the policy end age, or retire, depending on how the policy is set up.

Can I have both personal accident cover and income protection?

Yes, but income protection should come first. Personal accident cover can sit alongside it as extra short-term support, not as a replacement.

Which one should I choose?

If protecting your income matters, income protection is usually the right choice. Personal accident cover is a fallback option when income protection isn’t available or affordable.

Income Protection Insurance Archives - Page 3 of 3

Income Protection Insurance

Personal Accident Cover v Income Protection

Personal accident cover and income protection are often confused, but they solve very different problems.

Personal accident cover pays out for accidents only and usually for a short time.

Income protection pays out if you can’t work due to illness or injury and can replace your income for years.

This guide explains the real differences and which one actually protects your income.

Nick McGowan - QFA RPA APA Qualified Life Insurance Advisor

January 23 2026 Income Protection Insurance

Income Protection for Engineers Working in Ireland

As an engineer in Ireland, your income is usually your biggest financial asset.

If illness or injury stops you working, income protection replaces part of that income until you can return to work.

This guide explains how income protection works for engineers, why small details in your role can affect cost, and how to choose the right policy without overpaying.

Nick McGowan - QFA RPA APA Qualified Life Insurance Advisor

January 16 2026 3 min read Income Protection Insurance

9 Reasons Solicitors Should Consider Income Protection

As a solicitor, your income is your livelihood.

But what happens when you cannot work due to illness or injury?

Income protection will provide the financial security you need to get through tough times and ensure that you and your family are taken care of.

This article will explore the importance of income protection for solicitors and how to get the best policy.

Nick McGowan - QFA RPA APA Qualified Life Insurance Advisor

November 12 2025 10 min read Income Protection Insurance

Income Protection for Pharmacists 2025

Sick days are inevitable — the flu, a pulled muscle, a heavy night (don’t look at me like that!).

But did you know that legally, you’re only entitled to five paid sick days per year in Ireland?

Shocking, isn’t it?

And if you work as a chemist or can call yourself a pharmacist, you’re in the same boat as everyone else.

Nick McGowan - QFA RPA APA Qualified Life Insurance Advisor

November 6 2025 5 min read Income Protection Insurance

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