For many occupational health professionals, the start of the year brings a familiar mix of pressure and prioritisation. Workloads rise, personal commitments compete for attention, and financial decisions often get pushed aside. Income protection is one of the first things to slip down the list, not because it isn’t important, but because it can feel like something that can wait.

Yet the reality is clear: illness and injury can affect anyone, regardless of expertise or experience. And when it does, the financial impact can be immediate.

The gap between income and real world needs

Statistically, most people overestimate how long their income would support them if they were unable to work. Research from the Money and Pensions Service shows that one in three UK adults has less than £1,000 in savings, and over 9 million people have no savings at all. (Money and Pensions Service, UK Financial Wellbeing Survey 2023)

For many occupational health professionals, particularly those who are self-employed, there is no employer sick pay to fall back on. Even for those in employed roles, sick pay varies widely between organisations and often does not cover extended periods away from work.

At the same time, sickness absence is rising. According to the Office of National Statistics, long term sickness in the UK workforce reached a record 2.8 million people in 2023, with musculoskeletal issues and mental health conditions among the leading causes. (ONS, Labour Market Overview)

Why income protection matters across the occupational health community

IOH members work in a wide range of roles, from fully employed positions within the NHS, private healthcare and corporate occupational health teams, to independent consultants and self-employed practitioners. Many also work in hybrid arrangements, balancing contracted hours with freelance work. This diversity means that financial security can look very different from one member to the next, but the impact of being unable to work due to illness or injury is significant for everyone. Income Protection Plus provides a consistent safety net across these varied working patterns, helping ensure that your livelihood is supported whatever your employment structure.

A safety net that supports you when you can’t work

Income Protection Plus is designed to provide ongoing financial support if illness or injury prevents you from working. Payments can continue until you are well enough to return, or until age 65, offering stability at a time when uncertainty is at its highest.

For many occupational health professionals, this continuity supports not only day to day living but also longer term financial commitments such as mortgages, family responsibilities and future planning.

Flexible cover that fits around your needs and budget

Income Protection Plus is designed to offer meaningful protection while allowing you to shape your plan around what matters most to you.

You can:

• Choose how much of your income to protect, up to 70% of your income.
  This allows you to match your cover to your financial commitments, ensuring you have support that reflects your circumstances.
• Select from a range of deferment options, from day one of illness up to a year.
  Whether you need immediate financial support or prefer a longer waiting period to align with your sick pay arrangements, you can choose the option that suits your situation.
• Adjust your cover over time.
  As your career, responsibilities or financial position change, your policy can be adapted to remain aligned with your needs.

This flexibility helps keep premiums manageable while still providing a safety net that offers genuine reassurance.

Interested in finding out more?   

Get your Income Protection Plus quote today >>
Get your no obligation quote in less than a minute today or book a call with our team who can talk you through your options.

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About PG Mutual

At PG Mutual we have one goal – to protect the livelihoods and lifestyles of healthcare and veterinary professions if they are unable to work due to illness or injury.

We’ve been providing Income Protection since 1928. We specialise in the field we know and support professionals whether full-time, part-time, locum or self-employed.

About Income Protection Plus

Income Protection Plus provides financial [AB1] security during times of sickness and injury. It can pay you a regular income, up to 70% of your pre-tax income, up until you are well enough to go back to work or reach the age of 65 whichever comes first giving you one less thing to worry about.

The Plus in Income Protection Plus

Your plan also includes a profit share feature that aims to build a cash lump sum over the life of your policy for payment to you in your retirement years.

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