This might sound like chest-beating but the biggest asset you have is yourself.

Your ability to earn an income is your greatest asset over the term of your working life. If you don’t believe this, just look at what happens to people who are forced to stop working – through illness or injury – and who have no other way to continue their lifestyle.

To protect your biggest asset – you – it’s really important to have income protection or ‘salary continuance insurance’ (SCI).

Income Protection is a monthly benefit that pays you up to 75% of your income and covers you for accidents, illnesses or major traumas.

It pays you up until you return to work (after your waiting period).

If you can’t return, it pays you until retirement age, generally 65 (depending on your occupation).

Tax Benefits

Income protection is generally tax-deductible and is designed to ensure that you can continue to pay the mortgage, put food on the table and carry on financially until you return to work.