I've started a business — does my personal cover still work?
Usually, yes. Personal life and critical illness cover continues regardless of your work, as long as premiums are paid. Income protection can be affected, because benefit is often linked to earnings and the way self-employed income is assessed differs. Tell your insurer about the change and check how a claim would work.
Income protection
Insurers often use your taxable profit or salary and dividends to assess benefit. Ask how they would calculate it for your new business.
Business protection
Business owners sometimes need separate cover, such as key person or shareholder protection. An adviser can explain whether it applies.
Employer benefits
If you previously had death-in-service or group income protection through an employer, that cover will usually have ended.
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