Does life insurance pay my salary if I'm off sick?
No. Life insurance pays a lump sum on death, and sometimes on terminal illness. It does not replace your salary if you are off work sick. Income protection is the type of cover designed to pay a regular income if illness or injury stops you working.
Other cover that may help
Critical illness cover pays a lump sum on diagnosis of a covered condition, which can help with costs while you are off work.
Employer sick pay
Check what your employer pays and for how long. Statutory Sick Pay is limited.
Waiver of premium
If your policy includes it, your premiums may be paid while you are unable to work.
This article is general information about UK protection insurance, not personalised financial advice. Policy terms vary between insurers and products, so always check your own policy documents.
Last updated 27 October 2026