Increase in searches for income protection

Analysis has found that there has been an increase in online searches related to income protection.

According to the research, searches for ‘emergency savings’ increased annually by 950%. Meanwhile, enquiries about ‘financial protection’ rose by 130% and interest in ‘income protection’ went up by 30%. The increase in searches suggests growing interest in how households could manage financially if their income stopped. Despite this, only 9% of UK adults have income protection in place.

The reality
It’s easy to think that you won’t ever need to rely on income protection cover. However, 18% of adults took at least four weeks off work in the six months to March 2026, either because of illness, injury or mental health reasons. Nearly a quarter (23%) of this group relied on personal savings to support themselves, while 9% used a credit card or personal loan. Relying on savings or borrowing could reduce your financial buffer, particularly if an absence from work continues.

Talk to us
Income protection is there to provide financial support if you can no longer work due to illness or injury. If you’re worried about what would happen if your income stopped, talk to us.

As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply.

Sources
https://mortgagesoup.co.uk/emergency-savings-searches-surge-as-households-face-income-pressures/