Income Protection Deferred Period Explained (4, 8, 13 or 26 Weeks?)
Updated January 2026 · FCA Registered (989177)
The deferred period is how long you wait before your income protection policy starts paying out. You can choose 4, 8, 13, 26, or 52 weeks. A shorter deferred period costs more but pays out sooner. Match the deferred period to how long you could survive on savings or sick pay — then choose the next option down for a safety margin.
Deferred Period Options Compared
| Deferred Period | Best For | Monthly Premium | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 weeks | No sick pay, limited savings | Highest | Pays out fastest — important if you have no financial buffer |
| 8 weeks | Short-term sick pay (1–2 months) | High | Aligns with employer sick pay periods of 4–8 weeks |
| 13 weeks | 3 months employer sick pay | Moderate | Common choice for employees with standard sick pay entitlement |
| 26 weeks | 6 months employer sick pay or good savings | Lower | Good balance of cost and protection for self-employed with savings |
| 52 weeks | Full year sick pay or very high savings | Lowest | Reserved for long-term illness only — not suitable for most people |
How to Choose the Right Deferred Period
Check your sick pay
Find out exactly how much sick pay your employer provides and for how long. Your deferred period should ideally match or slightly overlap your sick pay entitlement.
Count your savings
How many months could you cover your essential outgoings from savings? Add this to your sick pay period — that's the total buffer before you need income protection to kick in.
Self-employed: no sick pay
With no sick pay at all, a 4 or 8-week deferred is the safest choice unless you have substantial savings. The premium saving from 26 weeks is not worth the risk of 6 months without income.
Build in a safety margin
If your sick pay runs out at 3 months, choose a 13-week deferred, not a 26-week one. Leave no gap between sick pay ending and income protection beginning.
Premium Difference: A Real-World Example
For a 35-year-old non-smoker earning £40,000 wanting £2,000/month benefit to age 65:
| Deferred Period | Estimated Monthly Premium | Annual Saving vs 4 Week |
|---|---|---|
| 4 weeks | ~£45–60/month | — |
| 8 weeks | ~£35–48/month | ~£120–144/year |
| 13 weeks | ~£28–38/month | ~£204–264/year |
| 26 weeks | ~£22–30/month | ~£276–360/year |
Illustrative figures only. Actual premiums depend on health, occupation, and policy terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deferred period on income protection?
The deferred period (also called the waiting period or excess period) is the time between when you first become unable to work and when your income protection policy begins paying out. Common options are 4, 8, 13, 26, and 52 weeks. The longer the deferred period, the lower your monthly premium.
Which deferred period is best for me?
It depends on your financial safety net. If you have no sick pay and limited savings, a 4 or 8-week deferred period gives the fastest payout. If you receive employer sick pay for 3 months, a 13-week deferred makes sense. Self-employed people with savings often choose 26 weeks to minimise premiums.
Does the deferred period affect my monthly premium?
Yes, significantly. Choosing a 26-week deferred period instead of a 4-week deferred can reduce your monthly premium by 30–50%. The insurer takes less risk if you're waiting longer before making a claim, so they charge less.
Can I change my deferred period after I take out a policy?
This depends on your insurer and policy terms. Some providers allow you to adjust the deferred period at review, but this may require new underwriting or health disclosures. It's better to choose the right deferred period from the start.
What happens if I go back to work during the deferred period?
If you recover and return to work during the deferred period, no benefit is paid for that illness episode. If you later become ill again with the same or a different condition, a new deferred period begins. Some policies include a 'linked claims' provision where a recurrence within a set period does not restart the full deferred period.
Not sure which deferred period to choose?
Our advisers will review your sick pay, savings, and outgoings to recommend the right deferred period — and compare premiums across the whole market.