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Cromwell Associates

Health & Income

Income protection for company directors and the self-employed

How insurable income is defined when you pay yourself, and why the definition decides everything.

Cromwell Associates editorial team · 6 min read · Reviewed August 2026

No sick pay behind you

Employed households usually have some employer support, however limited. Directors and the self-employed generally have none, and the business often depends on their presence for its revenue.

That combination is exactly what income protection is designed for.

The definition that matters

For a director drawing a small salary with dividends, a policy based on salary alone may pay far less than expected. Insurers differ in whether they include dividends, retained profit or share of net profit.

This single detail is worth more scrutiny than the headline premium.

  • Check exactly how insurable earnings are defined
  • Consider whether an executive plan funded by the company is appropriate
  • Match the deferred period to how long savings would realistically last

Preparing the enquiry

Recent accounts and tax calculations make the process much smoother, and let a specialist give a realistic view early rather than after several weeks of underwriting.

Sources and further reading

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Please do not send medical details, account numbers or other sensitive information. Cromwell Associates is an enquiry and introduction service: it does not give advice, recommend policies or arrange cover. Insurance introductions are passed on by hand to a suitable specialist, and other services to an appropriate partner. Cromwell Associates may receive a referral payment if you go on to use a service.