Income protection insurance NZ
Replace your income if illness or injury stops you working. Compare cover from NZ's top insurers.
Get my free income protection quoteWhat is income protection?
Income protection pays you a monthly benefit (usually up to 75% of your income) if you can't work because of illness or injury. ACC only covers accidents, not illness, so income protection fills the biggest gap in most Kiwis' financial safety net. Payments continue until you can work again or until the end of the benefit period.
Why Kiwis get income protection
Cover illness ACC won't
Cancer, heart attack, stroke, mental health.
Pay the bills
Keep the mortgage, rent, groceries, and utilities moving.
Protect the family
No fire sale of assets to stay afloat.
Self-employed safety net
No employer sick pay to fall back on.
What's typically included
- Monthly benefit up to 75% of your income
- Waiting periods from 4 weeks to 2 years (longer wait = cheaper)
- Benefit periods from 2 years to age 65
- Optional booster benefits during claim
Things to think about
Indemnity vs agreed value
Agreed value locks in your benefit, indemnity proves income at claim time.
Waiting period
Match to your savings buffer.
Benefit period
2 years vs to age 65 has a big premium impact.
Definitions
Some policies pay on 'own occupation', others on 'any occupation'.
How NZQuoteCompare helps
We connect you with licensed NZ advisers who compare income protection options across NZ's top insurers. No fee for you. No pressure. Just clear options tailored to your situation.
Get my free comparisonFAQ
Common questions
ACC only covers injuries from accidents. Income protection covers loss of income from illness as well, which is where most working-age claims actually happen.
In many cases, premiums for indemnity-style income protection are tax deductible because benefits are taxable. Speak with a tax professional about your situation.
It depends on your savings buffer and any sick leave entitlements. Longer waiting periods reduce your premium significantly.
Yes. In fact, it's especially valuable for self-employed Kiwis with no employer sick leave to fall back on.
Possibly. Insurers may exclude certain conditions or apply loadings. An adviser can help you find an insurer that takes the most favourable view of your situation.
This page is general information only and not financial advice. Speak with a licensed adviser for advice tailored to your situation.