Can you afford to get ill or injured?

Income protection isn’t always the first thing on your mind. When you think about your financial future, you’re more likely to focus on things like buying a home, saving for college, or planning for retirement. But here’s the thing – all those goals depend on one thing: your income. The money you earn through your salary funds everything, from your daily household expenditure, right through to your lifestyle and plans for the future, so doesn't it make sense to protect it?

If you get sick or injured, you might be entitled to sick pay or illness benefit¹, but this alone may not be enough to see you through your recovery. Likewise, savings or relying on a partner’s income might only go so far. Are you financially prepared if the unexpected happens?

Sickness or injury can come out of nowhere. In Ireland an estimated 44,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year² and yearly, 6,000 people have heart attacks in Ireland³.

Although many people recover from illness such as cancer and heart disease, time spent in recovery can put a strain your family's finances. This is especially poignant as this is the time when you should be focusing on getting well again, not worrying about your finances.

So, if the unexpected where to happen, where does your financial preparedness stand? To help you assess the strength of your financial safety net we’ve created a short one minute quiz. Answer yes or no to the below questions, add up your score and see how prepared you to support yourself and your family financially if you became unwell.

Quiz

1. Do you have savings in an easily accessible place that could cover three to six months of living expenses?

2. Do you have income protection insurance to cover a percentage of lost wages if illness or injury keeps you from working?

3. Many common cancers can cost thousands to treat. Do you have either serious illness cover or savings to meet your, or a family member’s, out-of-pocket medical costs in the event of an illness or an injury?

Yes No

4. Do you have a plan for managing your debts if you were unable to work for an extended period?

 Yes  No

5. If you were unable to work due to illness or injury, do you have family members who could provide care or financial support?

 Yes  No

What your score means

Give yourself one point for each question you answer ‘yes’.

4–5: It looks like you are well-prepared for the financial impact of a serious illness or injury. Great job!

2–3: You have made some steps towards setting up a financial safety net, but there are gaps. Consider reviewing your insurance and financial plans.

0–1: You may be at risk of financial hardship if you experience a serious illness or injury.

Supporting you and your family

Income protection from Zurich supports you, so you can keep supporting yourself and your family. No two people are the same, nor are their protection needs. That’s why Zurich provides you with several options to build a policy around your needs. If you’re unsure what your needs are find we have lots of information on cover and options. 

Zurich is committed to doing the best we can for our customers. So, if you’d like to take the next step, get in touch today to discuss your income protection needs. 

Get a quote Get financial advice

Sources: 

¹Citizens Information, January 2026

²Irish Cancer Society, 2022

³National Office of Clinical Audit, 2024

This publication has been prepared for general guidance on matters of interest only, and does not constitute professional advice. You should not act upon the information contained in this publication without obtaining specific professional advice. No representation or warranty (expressor implied) is given as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this publication, and, to the extent permitted by law, its members, employees and agents accept no liability, and disclaim all responsibility, for the consequences of you or anyone else acting, or refraining to act, in reliance on the information contained in this publication or for any decision based on it.