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Income protection insurance does not provide cover for planned maternity leave.
This includes any standard time off you choose to take for pregnancy and childbirth, whether paid, unpaid, or supported by Statutory Maternity Pay.
These policies are designed to support you financially if illness or injury prevents you from working. They are not intended to replace lost income during routine parental leave or lifestyle choices.
Many people find this confusing, especially if they are self-employed or unsure what benefits they qualify for.
While income protection can still play a role before or after maternity leave, it is not a substitute for maternity pay.
What Happens if You Become Unwell During Pregnancy?
Some income protection policies may provide cover if you develop a medical condition during pregnancy that stops you from working.
This could include complications with your pregnancy or a completely unrelated illness that prevents you from continuing in your role before your maternity leave begins.
Each claim is assessed on an individual basis. Insurers will usually require medical evidence to confirm that your condition means you are unable to work.
If this happens before your official maternity leave has started and your policy is active, a claim may be accepted.
Our protection advisors often speak to people who want to understand how this applies in real life.
The cover does not apply to pregnancy itself but may apply if a related health problem affects your ability to work.
Can It Be Useful Around Pregnancy?
Income protection may still be helpful if you are unable to return to work following maternity leave due to a health condition.
This could include physical recovery or mental health challenges that arise after giving birth.
The timing of the claim matters. Most policies require that you are due to return to work and are signed off by a medical professional. Claims will also need to meet any deferred period specified in your cover.
We often speak to people who return from parental leave with health concerns that make work difficult. This is where income protection may offer support, even if it did not apply during the leave itself.
Is There a Better Type of Cover for Maternity Leave?
No form of insurance is designed to pay for planned maternity leave. This means income protection may not meet your needs if you are simply looking to replace lost earnings during that time.
Many people choose to build savings into their planning, rely on Statutory Maternity Pay, or explore Maternity Allowance if they are self-employed.
These options are separate from insurance and form part of wider financial planning.
Income protection can still offer support for your longer-term wellbeing, particularly if your health affects your ability to earn an income after maternity leave has ended.
Speak to a Protection Advisor
If you’re preparing for maternity leave and want to understand how income protection works around it, our protection advisors at UK Moneyman can help.
We’ll explain how your policy would apply before and after leave, and whether it can support your return to work if your health becomes a barrier.
