What is income protection for the self-employed in Ireland?

Income protection is an insurance policy that pays you a monthly income if illness or injury stops you from working. For self-employed people in Ireland, it can replace up to 75% of your taxable profits until you return to work or reach the end of your policy.

How much income can a self-employed person insure?

Most self-employed people can insure up to 75% of their taxable profits. Unlike PAYE employees, there is usually no state illness benefit offset, so the full percentage can be insured.

When do insurers check income for a self-employed income protection claim?

Insurers do not check income when the policy is taken out. Income is assessed at claim stage using accounts and insurer-specific averaging rules, typically over 12 months or up to three years.

Can contractors get income protection in Ireland?

Yes. Contractors working on a continuous self-employed basis are generally treated as permanently self-employed by insurers, even if they are on rolling or fixed-term contracts.

Why does applying to the wrong insurer first matter?

Underwriting decisions must be disclosed on future applications. If an insurer applies exclusions or a higher risk class, this can affect pricing and terms permanently, even if another insurer might have offered better terms.

Income Protection Insurance Archives

Income Protection for the Self Employed & Freelancers

If you’re self-employed and can’t work due to illness or injury, your income stops immediately.

This guide explains how income protection works for sole traders and contractors, what insurers actually assess, and how to avoid costly mistakes when applying.

Nick McGowan - QFA RPA APA Qualified Life Insurance Advisor

February 6 2026 8 min read Income Protection Insurance

Income Protection for Nurses: When the Union Scheme Isn’t an Option

Union income protection schemes work well for many nurses.

This page explains when personal income protection may be worth considering instead, particularly for private sector nurses or those affected by health exclusions.

Nick McGowan - QFA RPA APA Qualified Life Insurance Advisor

February 5 2026 6 min read Income Protection Insurance

Income Protection for Construction Workers

Income protection for builders in Ireland isn’t restricted by the job itself, but outcomes vary by occupation class and insurer approach.

This guide explains what really affects cost, exclusions, and how to apply properly.

Nick McGowan - QFA RPA APA Qualified Life Insurance Advisor

7 min read Income Protection Insurance

Can Bonuses and Commission Be Included in Income Protection in Ireland?

Some bonuses and commission can be included in income protection, but only in specific circumstances.

What matters is how regular the income is, how it’s taxed, and how it can be proven.

Nick McGowan - QFA RPA APA Qualified Life Insurance Advisor

February 4 2026 5 min read Income Protection Insurance

Can I get Income Protection Before Starting a New Job?

Changing jobs is one of the easiest ways to accidentally lose income protection.

This guide explains what happens to your cover when you move roles, go between jobs, or change occupation, and how to avoid costly mistakes.

Nick McGowan - QFA RPA APA Qualified Life Insurance Advisor

February 2 2026 5 min read 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

Income Protection for Company Directors | No BIK

Company directors can protect their income the smart way — company-paid, tax-deductible, and no Benefit-in-Kind.

A full guide to staying covered if illness strikes.

Nick McGowan - QFA RPA APA Qualified Life Insurance Advisor

October 17 2025 4 min read Income Protection Insurance