Airline Pilots Income Protection Insurance
Income Protection for Airline Pilots
As a pilot, maintaining excellent health is essential to keep your Class-1 medical and perform regular flight duties. Unlike typical office roles, a wide range of health issues can ground you — which is why many pilots choose Income Protection to safeguard earnings if illness or injury stops them from flying.
Built for Flight Crew
Tailored to pilot risks and aviation medical standards — pays when you’re grounded by illness or injury.
Regular Tax-Free Income
Typically up to ~60% of gross salary to help cover mortgage/rent, bills and essentials while you recover.
Broader Day-to-Day Cover
Unlike Loss of Licence, cover isn’t tied solely to licence status — responds to a wide range of conditions.
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Income Protection vs Loss of Licence Insurance
Clear differences to help you choose the right protection
| Income Protection | Loss of Licence | |
|---|---|---|
| What triggers a payout? | Medically unable to work | Licence suspended or revoked |
| How is the benefit paid? | Monthly tax-free income | Lump sum or short-term monthly |
| Covers conditions that don’t revoke licence? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Typical cover level | ~60% of gross salary | Varies by policy |
| Most suitable for… | Protecting day-to-day income | Events tied to licence status |
Who covers Airline Pilots?
The UK market for pilot Income Protection is currently limited. Two providers many pilots consider are LV= (Liverpool Victoria) and British Friendly. Terms depend on underwriting and medical history — we’ll present your case to secure the best outcome.
LV= (Liverpool Victoria)
Long-established UK mutual known for pragmatic underwriting and clear claims handling, with back-to-work support on many plans.
- Regular tax-free monthly benefit while you recover.
- Deferred periods to align with airline sick pay and savings.
- Short-term or longer benefit periods (policy dependent).
- Options for indexation and waiver of premium.
- Underwriting considers aviation role, duties and medical history.
British Friendly
Member-owned friendly society specialising in flexible Income Protection with straightforward servicing and strong member support.
- Monthly benefit to help cover mortgage/rent and essentials.
- Range of deferred periods for a smoother income runway.
- Short-term and longer-term options (policy dependent).
- Common options include index-linking and waiver of premium.
- Tailored terms possible for aviation roles and pre-existing conditions.
Important: Eligibility, cover levels and features vary by provider and can change over time. All cover is subject to underwriting and policy terms. We’ll review both options side-by-side, including any loadings/exclusions and how they integrate with airline sick pay.
Why Income Protection matters for pilots
Income Protection for UK pilots provides a regular, tax-free monthly income if you’re unable to work due to accident or sickness. This typically covers up to ~60% of your gross salary, helping you meet essential expenses such as rent or mortgage, utilities and groceries while you recover.Unlike Loss of Licence Insurance, Income Protection covers a broader range of conditions that could prevent you from flying, ensuring financial stability regardless of licence status. It can also consider pre-existing medical conditions, with tailored terms based on individual health histories (subject to underwriting).
Given the stringent medical requirements for pilots and the potential financial impact of being grounded, Income Protection is a vital safety net. We’ll help you shape the right plan — aligning cover amount, deferred period and benefit period with your circumstances and airline sick-pay policy.
Pilot FAQs
How does Income Protection interact with my Class-1 medical?
If a medical condition makes you unfit to perform your role, Income Protection can pay your monthly benefit during recovery, regardless of whether the licence is suspended or revoked (subject to policy terms).What deferred period should a pilot choose?
Common choices are 1, 4, 8 or 13 weeks. Align with airline sick-pay and savings so the benefit starts when your income drops.How much can I cover?
Policies typically insure up to ~60% of gross income (insurer limits vary). We’ll help you target the right level and structure.Is Loss of Licence still worth having?
It can be a useful complement. Many pilots prioritise Income Protection for everyday risks and add Loss of Licence for licence-specific events.Can pre-existing conditions be covered?
Underwriters may offer terms, loadings or exclusions depending on history. We’ll present your case to multiple providers to secure the best available terms.Still have questions about pilot cover? Call us on 📞 01702 820 771 to speak with a friendly FCA-regulated adviser.
