Start with the questions that matter
How much monthly income genuinely needs protecting?
How long could sick leave and savings last?
How would ACC or other income affect a claim?
Your occupation and income shape the advice
The suitable structure depends on whether you are employed, self-employed, a shareholder-employee or have variable income. Insurers may assess income and duties differently, and some occupations have restricted benefit periods or terms.
We review recent income, essential expenses, leave, savings, ACC exposure and existing benefits before recommending an amount and structure.
Decisions that affect cost and cover
- Monthly benefit and insured-income limit
- Waiting period before an eligible payment starts
- Benefit period — for example, a fixed period or to a specified age
- Indemnity, loss-of-earnings or agreed-value-style basis where available
- ACC and other income offsets
- Partial-disability and return-to-work provisions
- Premium type and optional benefits
Balance protection with affordability
Shorter waiting periods and longer benefit periods generally cost more. The strongest design is not necessarily the one with every option; it is the one that addresses the material risk and remains affordable enough to retain.
Policy definitions, financial evidence and claim requirements should be understood at the outset, particularly for self-employed clients whose taxable income may differ from drawings or business turnover.
Built around your income, not the maximum.
We structure the waiting period, benefit period and insured amount around your occupation, income type, leave, savings and ACC — not around the maximum cover available.
Income protection benefits are subject to policy definitions, financial evidence, offsets, exclusions and ongoing claim assessment. Tax treatment should be confirmed with an accountant.
