Income Protection
Your ability to earn an income is your most valuable financial asset. Income protection insurance replaces a portion of your income if illness or injury prevents you from working — keeping your financial commitments on track while you recover.
Income protection
Protecting the income that funds everything else in your life
Everything in your financial plan depends on your ability to earn. Your mortgage, your savings, your KiwiSaver contributions, your family’s living costs — all of it relies on your income continuing. Income protection ensures that if you cannot work, the money keeps flowing.
How long could you manage financially if you were unable to work for three months? Six months? Two years? Most people significantly overestimate how long their savings would last. Income protection provides a monthly benefit that replaces your income for as long as you are unable to work.
ACC covers accidents but not illness — and illness is the most common reason people are unable to work. Income protection fills that gap, providing cover for a wide range of conditions including mental health issues, musculoskeletal problems, and long-term illness.
What's Included
Income protection is particularly important if you are self-employed, a business owner, or the primary income earner in your household. Without it, an extended period of illness could put your home, your business, and your family’s financial security at serious risk.
We assess your income, your expenses, your existing ACC entitlements, and your financial commitments to recommend cover that provides genuine protection at an affordable premium.
Benefit amount and waiting period selection
We help you choose the right monthly benefit amount and waiting period based on your income, your savings buffer, and your financial obligations — balancing comprehensive protection with premium affordability.
Own occupation vs any occupation cover
Policies differ in whether they pay out when you cannot perform your own occupation or any occupation. For professionals and specialists, own occupation cover is critical. We make sure your policy is structured correctly for your work.
Integration with ACC entitlements
ACC covers accidents but not illness. We assess your ACC entitlements and structure your income protection to complement them without duplication.
Self-employed and business owner structures
Income protection for self-employed people and business owners requires careful structuring. We make sure your policy is set up correctly for your tax situation and business structure.
What people say about Collaborative Consulting
“I got to know John whilst working with him in developing his company’s brand principles to strengthen the emotional connectedness with his clients. During this period, I gained a deep understanding of John’s ethics and strong desire to help people both through the good times and the bad times.
His strongest desire is to make a tangible difference for his clients and future generations of their family. John has a strong sense of family, he believes strongly in wanting to contribute back to the community.
I can honestly say I have not met a financial adviser where money is not the financial driver for him, it’s much more personal, it’s about making a difference. I’d recommend anyone who wants certainty in their financial investments talk to John.”
Michael Major BA (Hons) MDM
Property Development Consultant, Future Proofing Strategist
“John is the consummate professional in the Financial Planning and Investment sector. He has walked the talk, having successfully grown and lead businesses to achieve dramatic results. Through it all, he has helped people reach their personal and professional goals and engages with them comprehensively to ensure they achieve what they need to.
There’s no nonsense with John – if you want to succeed, he will help you do it and in doing so, you will meet and be assisted by one of the nicest and most professional people I know, who also lives by a set of principles steeped in integrity. A hard thing to find these days!
I strongly recommend you contact John and get to know him. You won’t regret it.”
Warren Cummins
Managing Director, Dale Carnegie Auckland and BRS Management
“Choosing someone to look after your money is an important decision especially if you are like me and have no idea about investments.
When I left my marriage I had money from the sale of the house. As I was now on my own financially I understood that I needed to ensure that not only was my money going to be safe but would also be working for my future.
I met with a few financial advisers but none of them really instilled me with confidence. I was feeling a bit lost and frightened about making the wrong decision.
Pam Martin
Arbonne Independent Consultant
“We are all specialists in our own area of business. We love referring our clients to an equally dedicated specialist, John Milner of Collaborative Consulting Ltd.
John has been able to help our clients leverage and re-invest their hard-won gains, made both personally, and in business. John has been working in his area of Investment Expertise for a long- time, so has ridden all of those waves in the marketplace. He is committed to helping clients mitigate their investment risk, and in these days and times, his level-head and thorough but relatable approach to Investment are exactly what we all need.
He makes investing simple, effective and takes the worry away.”
James Kelso
CPA, Director, Kelso Marsh Consulting Ltd
“I have known for some time now as part of my business networking group. From the start I have been impressed by John’s professionalism and his knowledge base. John takes what he does seriously and is quite clearly very dedicated to serving his clients well.
I have no trouble recommending him to anyone in need of sound financial advice.”
Rory Laubscher
Corporate Photography Specialist Firefly Photography
Our Process
When you work with us, we use our proven 3-step system. By understanding your situation and the goals you want to achieve, we work out a unique plan to help you get there smoothly.
Income protection that keeps your finances on track while you recover
Years of experience helping New Zealanders protect their income as part of a comprehensive personal insurance strategy.
Income protection is arguably the most important personal insurance policy you can hold. If you cannot earn, everything else in your financial plan is at risk. We make sure the cover is right, the structure is right, and the premium is appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about income protection insurance? Get in touch — we are happy to help.
What percentage of my income does income protection replace?
Most income protection policies replace between 75% and 80% of your pre-disability income. The benefit is not taxable in most cases, meaning you typically receive close to your take-home pay.
How long does income protection pay out?
Benefit periods typically range from two years to age 65. A to-age-65 benefit period provides the most comprehensive protection but comes at a higher premium. We help you assess the right balance for your situation.
What is a waiting period and how does it affect my premium?
The waiting period is the time between becoming unable to work and receiving your first benefit payment. Common waiting periods are four, eight, or thirteen weeks. A longer waiting period reduces your premium but requires you to self-fund the initial recovery period.
Does income protection cover mental health conditions?
Many income protection policies do cover mental health conditions, though the terms vary by insurer. We compare policies to find cover that includes mental health on terms appropriate for your situation.
Is income protection tax deductible?
For salary and wage earners, income protection premiums are generally not tax deductible but the benefits are not taxable. For self-employed people, premiums may be deductible. We recommend you confirm your specific situation with your accountant.
How is income protection different from ACC?
ACC covers loss of income due to accidents only. Income protection covers both illness and injury, including conditions that ACC does not cover. Most people need both.
Do you work with clients across New Zealand?
Yes. We advise clients throughout New Zealand on income protection via video call and phone.
Related insurance and financial protection services
With Collaborative Consulting by your side, we can help across a broad range of protection and financial planning needs.
Receive a lump sum on diagnosis of a serious illness — covering significant costs that income protection alone may not address.
Long-term cover for permanent or total disability — providing financial security if you are never able to return to work.
Ensure your mortgage repayments are covered if you are unable to work — protecting your home through illness, injury, or death.