Exclusions guide · Updated for 2026

What Does Income Protection Insurance Not Cover?

Reviewed by Jay SabineCeMAP, Cert CII (MP)29 years experience
CeMAP Professional - The London Institute of Banking & FinanceCert CII Member - Chartered Insurance Institute

Direct answer

Income Protection Insurance does not usually cover redundancy, resignation, unemployment, pre-existing conditions excluded during underwriting, self-inflicted injuries, criminal acts, or retirement. Policies are designed to replace income when you are unable to work due to illness or injury, rather than when your employment ends for other reasons.

What Income Protection Insurance Usually Does Not Cover

SituationUsually covered?
RedundancyNo
Voluntary resignationNo
UnemploymentNo
Pre-existing conditions (where excluded)No
Self-inflicted injuryNo
Criminal activityNo
RetirementNo
Illness preventing you from workingYes
Injury preventing you from workingYes
The biggest misconception: redundancy
The most common misunderstanding is redundancy. Standard Income Protection Insurance pays if illness or injury prevents you from working. It does not normally pay because your employer makes you redundant or your business has less work available.
Adviser insight
Many people tell us they want cover “if anything happens to my income”. In reality, Income Protection and unemployment cover are different products. Understanding that distinction helps avoid paying for the wrong type of policy — or assuming you are protected when you are not.

We often review policies where clients thought redundancy was included. It rarely is unless you have paid specifically for ASU cover. Getting the product match right upfront saves awkward conversations at claim stage.

— Protection adviser, Your Home Finance (FCA-regulated)

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This page provides general information only and does not constitute personal financial advice. Policy terms vary between providers. Your Home Finance is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.