Protection Planning

Income Protection for Expats

If illness or injury stopped you from working tomorrow, how long could you manage? Credible Life sources specialist income protection for expats — replacing your income until you can return to work.

Protect Your Income. Protect Your Life Abroad.

Your ability to earn is your most valuable financial asset. Yet most expats have little or no income protection in place — relying on employer sick pay that may be limited or savings that could be depleted quickly if illness or injury strikes.

Income protection insurance pays a regular monthly income — typically up to 70% of your earnings — if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. The benefit continues until you recover, or until the end of the policy term.

For expats without the safety net of state benefits, robust income protection is not optional — it is essential for your financial security and peace of mind.

What We Cover

✓ Monthly income replacement up to 70% of earnings
✓ Valid in your country of residence
✓ Short-term and long-term policy options
✓ Own occupation definition available
✓ Deferred periods from 4 weeks to 2 years
✓ Waiver of premium during a claim
✓ Cover available for employed and self-employed

Why Expats Need Income Protection

No State Benefits Safety Net

As an expat, you generally cannot access state benefits like Employment and Support Allowance or Statutory Sick Pay. Income protection provides the financial safety net that the state would normally provide for UK residents living in the UK.

Employer Cover May Not Be Enough

Employer sick pay schemes vary enormously and are almost always limited in duration. For long-term illness or injury, employer benefits may run out long before you are able to return to work. Income protection fills this critical gap.

International Coverage

Specialist international income protection policies provide cover wherever you are in the world — whether you are ill in your country of residence, travelling for work, or visiting family in another country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does own occupation definition mean?

Own occupation is the most comprehensive definition of incapacity — the policy pays out if you are unable to do your specific job, not just any job. Particularly important for skilled professionals who should not be forced into a lower-skilled role to avoid a claim.

How long does income protection pay out?

This depends on the policy term you choose. Short-term policies pay for 1-2 years. Long-term policies can pay until retirement age if necessary. For most expats, we recommend a long-term policy to provide truly comprehensive protection against prolonged illness.

What is the deferred period?

The deferred period is the length of time you must be off work before the policy starts paying out — typically 4 weeks to 2 years. A longer deferred period reduces your premium. We advise on the appropriate period based on your employer sick pay and savings position.

Can self-employed expats get income protection?

Yes. Self-employed expats can access income protection though the underwriting process may be more detailed. We work with insurers who specialise in covering self-employed professionals and business owners living and working abroad.

Protect Your Income as an Expat

Get a free income protection assessment from a Credible Life adviser. We identify the right level of cover and source the best available international income protection policy for your situation.