Income protection for teachers is structured around the Burgundy Book sick pay schedule (up to 100 working days full pay + 100 days half pay) and is widely available from major insurers including LV=, Royal London and The Exeter — typically with own-occupation definitions and competitive pricing.
Burgundy Book Sick Pay Explained
The Burgundy Book sets sick pay for England & Wales maintained-school teachers (academies and independents may differ but mostly mirror it):
- Year 1 of service: 25 working days full pay, then 50 working days half pay
- Year 2: 50 / 50 days
- Year 3: 75 / 75 days
- Year 4+: 100 / 100 days (~9 months including weekends)
Scotland (SNCT), Northern Ireland and many academies/independents have similar schemes. Always check your specific contract.
Choosing the Right Deferred Period
For experienced teachers on 100/100, a deferred period of 26 weeks (6 months) usually starts paying when half pay runs out. A 52-week deferred period saves more premium but leaves a gap.
Most advisers set teachers up on a 26-week deferred — strong balance of premium savings and cover certainty. NQTs in their first year often start on 13-week deferred and switch later.
Mental Health — Critical for Teachers
Department for Education data shows mental health is one of the largest causes of teacher absence. Two checks matter when comparing policies:
- Underwriting — mild-moderate anxiety/depression that's been controlled for 6+ months is usually accepted at standard rates with LV=, Royal London, Aviva. See our pre-existing conditions guide.
- Claim definition — own-occupation cover means you can claim if mental health prevents teaching specifically, not just any work.
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Don't Rely on Teachers' Pension Ill-Health Benefits
The Teachers' Pension Scheme offers two tiers of ill-health retirement, but:
- Application can take 6–12 months
- Tier 1 only requires you to be unable to do your job — but pays a small reduced pension
- Tier 2 (full enhanced benefit) requires you to be unable to do any work — much harder to qualify for
- Doesn't replace your monthly salary in the short term
Income protection bridges the gap — paying tax-free monthly income while any pension claim is processed.
A Complete Teacher Protection Plan
Pair income protection with:
- Term life insurance — even with TPS death-in-service (3x final salary), gap usually exists vs the mortgage
- Critical illness cover — lump sum to clear mortgage on serious diagnosis
- LPA — sensible alongside the will most teachers should already have
See also our teacher mortgages page for buying advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does sick pay continue if I'm absent over a school holiday?
- Yes — Burgundy Book sick pay counts every day, not just term-time. Holidays don't pause your entitlement.
- I work in an academy — is it different?
- Most academies and free schools mirror Burgundy Book or have very similar terms. A few don't — always check your contract before sizing cover.
- Can supply teachers get income protection?
- Yes — usually treated as self-employed. See our <Link to='/blog/income-protection-self-employed'>self-employed income protection guide</Link>.
- Does the policy cover voice loss?
- Most own-occupation policies do — losing your voice prevents you teaching, so it's a valid claim. Confirm wording with your adviser.
- What about lecturers and university staff?
- USS pension members have similar IP needs. Same insurers, similar deferred periods. Often higher salaries mean larger benefit caps to discuss.
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