Updated: 2 Oct 2026
Just found out there's a little one on the way? Congratulations! It's still months away, but it's always worth planning ahead. Whether you're part of a single-income household or share finances with a partner, thinking about how you'll manage financially during maternity leave is a sensible step. We'll look at whether income protection can help, and what else is available if it can't.
You might already have an income protection insurance policy, or are planning to take out one shortly. Here's what you need to know about income protection and maternity leave, and whether you'd be able to make a claim.
Key points:
Income protection does not pay out because you're on maternity leave.
Some policies may still pay out if you become ill or injured for a reason unrelated to pregnancy or childbirth while you're on maternity leave (depending on the insurer).
You can usually still apply for an income protection policy while on maternity leave.
Alternative income support is available, such as Statutory Maternity Pay, Maternity Allowance, or employer maternity schemes.
What is income protection?
Income Protection (once known as permanent health insurance) is a type of insurance policy that will pay out if you are unable to work due to injury or illness. The policy may continue to pay out until the end of the payout term, the end of the policy term, when you return to work or if you pass away − whichever is earliest.
Income protection insurance usually pays out between 50-60% of your income when you are unable to work and covers most illnesses. The great thing about this policy is that it can be claimed as many times as needed until the end of the policy term.
It's important to highlight that Income protection is different to critical illness insurance − which cashes out a lump sum if you were to become seriously ill and diagnosed with a condition which meets your chosen provider's definition of the illness.
Statutory maternity pay − what is it?
When you are scheduled to be on maternity leave, your employer will pay you what is known as statutory maternity pay (SMP), though it only provides a limited amount of support.
To qualify for SMP, you must have been employed by the same employer for at least 26 weeks by the end of the 15th week before your due date. You also need to earn at least £129 per week − the lowest earnings limit for National Insurance contributions.
According to GOV.UK you may be eligible to receive:
90% of your average weekly earnings (before tax) for the first 6 weeks
£194.32 a week or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is lower) for 33 weeks
You receive payments just as you would for a wage, either monthly or weekly. It also includes deductions like Tax and National Insurance.
This is the standard type of support you can receive, though there are other options available depending on your circumstances such as:
Contractual maternity pay − This is offered by some employers instead of statutory maternity pay. If you're unsure what you are entitled to in your employment contract, get in touch with your employer, and they should be able to tell you.
Maternity Allowance* − If your employer doesn't offer Statutory Maternity Pay, the government can support you. To qualify for Maternity Allowance, you must be registered as self-employed or employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks leading up to your due date. If you're employed, you need to have earned at least £30 a week within 13 weeks of your employment.
If you require more information on the types of maternity support available, contact your local citizens' advice bureau.
*Any money you get may affect any other benefits you receive.
What if I'm self-employed?
If you're self-employed you won't be eligible for statutory maternity pay, but you may still be entitled to Maternity Allowance. Again, you'll need to have been registered as self-employed or employed for at least 26 of the 66 weeks leading up to the due date.
You will also need to have earned at least £30 a week for 13 weeks of your employment.
Should you buy income protection before going on maternity leave?
If you're planning to start a family, it's worth arranging income protection before you need it, instead of when you're already on maternity leave.
While income protection won't pay out simply because you're pregnant or taking maternity leave, it can still protect your income against future illness or injury once you've returned to work.
Taking out cover earlier may also mean you have more options available, depending on your health and circumstances at the time you apply.
Does income protection cover maternity leave?
Seeing how Income protection or sick pay protects your income if you can't work due to injury or illness, where does maternity leave fall under?
Income protection does not cover maternity leave itself, and whilst some might argue that pregnancy and childbirth can be just as physically demanding as any injury or illness, it's not classed the same way by insurers.
This is because pregnancy and giving birth are neither unexpected nor classed as illnesses. In the insurance world, childbirth, pregnancy, and maternity leave typically fall outside standard income protection cover.
When you take out an income protection policy, the terms and conditions will usually exclude claims arising from pregnancy, childbirth, or maternity leave directly.
What happens to your existing policy while you're off varies by insurer. Some place cover on hold, some continue it but simply won't pay out for a maternity-related reason, and a smaller number will still pay out if you become ill or injured for an unrelated reason during your leave. It's worth checking your specific policy wording, or asking your provider directly, rather than assuming either way.
If you are looking to apply for an Income Protection policy but are currently on maternity leave, it might be worth you getting in touch with our team of friendly and professional advisers by calling 01392 43 61 93. They will be more than happy to discuss the options available to you both now and once you return to work following your maternity leave.
Financial support options during maternity leave, compared
Support option | Who it's for | Typical amount | How long it lasts | Covers maternity leave itself? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) | Employees meeting the 26-week service and earnings threshold | 90% of average weekly earnings for 6 weeks, then £194.32 or 90% (whichever is lower) | Up to 39 weeks | Yes |
Maternity Allowance | Self-employed or employed workers who don't qualify for SMP | £194.32 or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower | Up to 39 weeks | Yes |
Contractual maternity pay | Employees with an enhanced employer scheme | Varies by employer | Varies by employer | Yes |
Existing income protection policy | Anyone already covered before going on leave | 50-60% of income, if a claim is valid | Until return to work, end of term, or as per policy | Not for maternity leave itself − only for an unrelated illness/injury, depending on insurer |
New income protection policy taken out during/after leave | Anyone wanting to protect future income | 50-60% of income, if a claim is valid | From policy start date onward | No − but protects your income once you're back at work |
Income protection claim for an unrelated illness or injury | Existing policyholders who become ill/injured (unrelated to pregnancy) | 50-60% of income (depending on policy) | As set out in the policy | Sometimes – depends on the insurer and policy wording |
These figures are based on the UK government's current rates and may change. Always check GOV.UK for the latest amounts.
Unsure of your options?
What if you become ill during maternity leave?
Maternity leave itself isn't covered by income protection, but becoming ill while you're on maternity leave is a slightly different situation.
Some insurers may consider a claim if you're unable to work because of an illness or injury that's completely unrelated to your pregnancy or childbirth. For example, if you were diagnosed with a serious illness or suffered an injury whilst on leave, your policy may pay out if the claim meets your insurer's terms and conditions.
However, this all varies. Some insurers may continue your cover throughout maternity leave, while others may temporarily suspend it or apply exclusions.
What about pregnancy complications?
Though pregnancy itself isn't classed as an illness, complications can be more complex.
Whether a claim would be considered depends on the nature of the medical condition and your insurer's policy wording. Some pregnancy-related conditions may still be excluded, while others may be assessed on their own terms if they leave you unable to work, medically.
Does the deferred period still apply?
Most income protection policies include a deferred period (sometimes called a waiting period), which is the length of time you must be unable to work before payments begin.
Should you fall ill during maternity leave and your policy allows a valid claim, your deferred period will usually still apply. Exactly how this works can differ between insurers, particularly if you're already on maternity leave, so it's worth checking how your provider treats these situations before making a claim.
What alternatives are available?
As mentioned previously, statutory maternity pay is the only income support that can be provided to you during pregnancy, childbirth, and maternity leave. Sadly, there is no such thing as maternity or pregnancy insurance (who knows what the future might hold!).
Giving birth to a child is considered a lifestyle choice; it will not be covered by insurance that supports income (such as an income protection policy). However, there are some benefits and pay-outs that can be claimed for pregnancy through many health insurance policies.
Some employers & companies provide paid maternity leave, which can support you during your maternity leave. If you haven't already, it's a good idea to look into an income protection policy to protect you and your loved ones upon your return to work. Learn more information about Income protection and how it works.
Looking for an insurance quote? Get in touch.
Get a quote in minutes by completing this form here. Or, better still, call us on 01392 43 61 93 - to speak to one of our friendly life insurance specialists, online best quote, who will provide you with the best possible plan to match your needs.
Before you go on leave: a checklist if you already have a policy
If you already have income protection and know you're going on maternity leave, it's worth working through this before you go:
1. Check your policy wording for how it treats maternity, paternity, or adoption leave specifically − not all insurers handle this the same way.
2. Ask your insurer whether your cover continues, pauses, or is suspended during your leave, and get the answer in writing if possible.
3. Check if a ‘premium holiday’ applies − some insurers let you pause premium payments during leave without losing the policy altogether.
4. Confirm what happens if you become ill or injured for an unrelated reason while off, since this is where policies differ most.
5. Confirm your return-to-work date with your insurer if cover needs to be reinstated or reviewed at that point.
Every insurer approaches maternity leave slightly differently, so reviewing your policy can help avoid surprises should you need to make a claim.
Call for a quote today...
Our team of expert protection consultants are here to help. Call for a quick quote and more information now:
01392 241 850(Monday to Friday, 10am to 6.30pm)
Frequently asked questions
Does income protection cover maternity leave itself?
No. Standard income protection policies exclude pregnancy and planned maternity leave as claimable events. You cannot claim just because you’re on paid or unpaid maternity leave.
Can income protection pay out for pregnancy complications?
Not for normal pregnancy or childbirth. Some specific complications (e.g. severe pre-eclampsia, post-natal depression) might be covered if they medically incapacitate you, but this depends entirely on the policy wording.
What if I get ill during maternity leave?
If an unrelated illness or injury happens while you’re on leave, many policies will pay. Some insurers explicitly state they will pay if you become incapacitated during maternity leave. Others may vary.
Can I apply for income protection while pregnant or on leave?
Generally yes. Pregnancy isn’t an illness to claim for, but insurers will note it on your application. You can take out cover to protect your income when you return to work.
What support do I have on maternity leave?
Most support comes from SMP/Maternity Allowance or any enhanced pay from your employer, not your income protection. Make sure you’re claiming SMP or MA if eligible.
