So, What Exactly is a Deferred Period?

This is the waiting period before your replacement income starts to flow.  The longer the deferred period, the cheaper the premium.

You can select a deferred term of 4, 8, 13, 26, or 52 weeks after the diagnosis of illness or the incidence of injury.  You are in charge of making that decision, but you will need to make that decision before joining the plan. Consider how long you and your family can survive on existing savings and without a regular salary, and use that as your guidance.

For most people,  8 or 13 weeks is probably great, but after that, things become a little hairy. Workers in the public sector and IT sector have longer paid sick leave already in their contracts. For them, considering a longer deferred period(typically 26 weeks) is less risky and hence less expensive.

Read more:

1. 1. Income Protection: When Does It Pay Out?
2. 2. How Much Does Income Protection Cost?
3. 3. Is Income Protection Benefit Paid, Subject to Taxes?