Choose your level of cover
You can decide how much of your monthly mortgage payment you want to cover. With some insurers, you may be able to add extra cover to help with related household bills, subject to policy limits.
Mortgage protection
Compare mortgage protection cover.
What is Mortgage Payment Protection Insurance?
Mortgage Payment Protection Insurance (MPPI) is a type of insurance designed to help cover your mortgage payments if you’re unable to work because of accident, sickness or unemployment.
The idea is that these payments provide financial support, helping you keep up with your mortgage commitments during unexpected periods of reduced income.
MPPI policies typically pay out a set amount each month, rather than a lump sum.
Most pay out for a limited period, typically between 12 and 24 months, or until you return to work, whichever happens first. There is usually a ‘deferred period’ before payouts begin.
MPPI may be available to employees, the self-employed and contract workers, though eligibility cover and exclusions will vary between insurers.
Mortgage Payment Protection Insurance FAQs
What is a ‘deferred period’ on an MPPI policy?
Generally speaking, Mortgage Payment Protection Insurance policies do not pay out straight away after you stop working.
Instead, there is usually a ‘deferred period’ – the length of time you have to wait before you can start receiving payments. This is often between 30 and 90 days, though it can vary between policies.
Typically, the shorter the deferred period, the higher your premiums are likely to be as the insurer may need to start paying out sooner.
Is Mortgage Payment Protection Insurance the same as income protection?
No. While both products can provide financial support if you are unable to work because of illness or injury, they work differently.
MPPI is designed to cover your mortgage payments, whereas income protection provides a replacement income to help cover a wider range of day-to-day living costs.
Is MPPI the same as PPI?
No. Even though both are types of payment protection insurance, they are different products. MPPI is a product which covers your mortgage payments if you’re unable to work because of accident, sickness or unemployment, whereas payment protection insurance (PPI) was typically sold alongside loans, credit cards, and other borrowing, to help cover those repayments if you were unable to work – or lost your job. PPI policies generally covered a single debt from one lender and usually paid out for a limited period.
PPI is now rarely available following the widespread PPI mis-selling scandal.
How does Mortgage Payment Protection Insurance work?
MPPI is designed to cover part or all of the cost of your mortgage payments if you’re unable to work. Rather than paying a lump sum, it pays a monthly benefit for a limited period.
Here’s how it typically works:
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Pay a monthly premium
The amount you pay depends on factors such as your age, occupation, health, the level of cover you’ve opted for, and the length of your deferred period.
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Make a claim
If you’re unable to work and make a successful claim, you’ll usually need to wait for the ‘deferred period’ before payments begin. This is typically between 30 and 90 days, though it could be longer.
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Receive monthly payments
Once the deferred period has ended, your policy will pay the agreed monthly benefit until you return to work, or your benefit period ends. Most MPPI policies pay out for up to 12 or 24 months per claim.
What can MPPI cover?
MPPI is designed to help cover your monthly mortgage repayments if you’re unable to work.
Depending on the policy, you may be able to cover:
Your monthly mortgage repayments – you can choose to cover part or all of your monthly repayments, subject to the insurer’s limits
Additional household costs – some insurers allow you to increase your cover to help with other essential bills and living expenses, once again, subject to policy limits
You can usually choose cover for one (or more) of the following:
Accident – if you’re unable to work following an accident
Sickness – if illness prevents you from working
Unemployment or redundancy – if you’re made redundant involuntarily
Combined cover – some insurers will let you combine accident, sickness and unemployment cover into a single policy
What does MPPI not cover?
It’s important to understand what your MPPI policy doesn’t cover before you buy it. Exclusions vary between insurers, but commonly include:
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Voluntary redundancy
If you choose to leave your job
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Expected redundancy
If you already knew your role was at risk when you purchased the policy
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Dismissal for misconduct
If you lose your job because of your conduct or actions at work
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Pre-existing medical conditions
Conditions that you had prior to taking out the policy may not be included
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Some mental health conditions and back conditions
These may only be covered if they meet the insurer’s policy definitions
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Self-inflicted injuries
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Being self-employed
If you’re self-employed, unemployment cover may not be available, or may be subject to different eligibility criteria
How do I make a claim on my MPPI policy?
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Contact your insurer
Let your provider know as soon as possible that you need to make a claim and find out what information you need to provide.
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Complete a claims form
Fill in the form and provide any supporting documents required, such as medical certificates.
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Wait for the ‘deferred period'
As most MPPI policies have a ‘deferred period’ before payments begin, you’ll need to cover your mortgage yourself during this time.
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Receive your payments
If your claim is approved, you’ll receive the agreed monthly benefit until you return to work, or until the benefit period ends.
Do I need Mortgage Payment Protection Insurance?
Working out whether or not you need MPPI depends on your circumstances.
If you would struggle to keep up with your mortgage repayments should you become unable to work because of illness, injury or redundancy, it may be worth considering.
MPPI can provide a financial safety net by helping to cover these payments – meaning you can keep a roof over your head – while your income is reduced.
It may be particularly useful if:
You have limited savings
You don’t receive generous sick pay from your employer
You would find it difficult to make your mortgage payments if you lost your job
But before taking out an MPPI policy, it’s important to take stock of the financial support you already have. This could include employer sick pay, redundancy pay, your savings – or other insurance that could help cover your mortgage if you were unable to work. Comparing these with the cost of an MPPI policy can help you decide whether this product is right for you.
Did you know? Statutory Sick Pay is just £123.25 a week.** For many people, this is not enough to cover all expenses, making it important to look at other ways to protect yourself should poor health mean you are unable to work.
How much does mortgage payment protection insurance cost?
Your mortgage payment protection insurance premiums will depend on a number of factors, including:
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Your income
This may have an impact on how much cover you take out and the premium you pay.
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Your occupation
If you’re in a job that insurers view as ‘higher risk,’ you may have to pay more due to being more likely to need to claim.
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Your ‘deferred period’
Opting for a longer ‘deferred period’ can reduce the cost of your premium. Just be aware that you will need to be able to financially support yourself for longer while you aren’t working.
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The size of your mortgage repayments
Higher monthly mortgage payments generally mean you’ll need more cover, which can increase the cost of your policy.
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The type and level of cover you choose
Policies covering accident, sickness and unemployment may cost more.
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Your health and medical history
Pre-existing medical conditions, or your overall health, may affect the cover available and, in some cases, the premium you pay.
Is it worth it?
Ultimately, whether MPPI is worth it comes down to your financial circumstances, the level of protection you already have and how much risk you’re comfortable taking. If you’d struggle to meet your mortgage repayments without your income, it could provide valuable peace of mind.
Comparing the cost of an MPPI policy with the support available from your employer – as well as savings and other insurance – can help you decide whether it’s right for you.
Did you know? More than one in five* working-age adults are out of the workforce, with long-term sickness one of the main reasons.
What are the alternatives to Mortgage Payment Protection Insurance?
MPPI isn’t the only way to protect yourself financially. Depending on your circumstances – or if you’re looking for broader cover – you may want to consider the alternatives:
Income protection
Is designed to replace a proportion of your monthly income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. This can provide either short or long-term cover. Long-term policies may continue until you return to work, retire or die, while short-term policies usually paying out for a fixed period of between one and five years. Unlike MPPI, income protection can help pay for a range of living costs, including your mortgage repayments.
Accident, sickness and unemployment cover (ASU)
Provides short-term monthly payments if you’re not able to work due to accident, sickness or, if included, redundancy. Depending on the policy, the payments can be used to help cover essential living expenses, including your mortgage.
Critical illness cover
This pays out a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of the serious illnesses specified in the policy, including stroke, heart attack or cancer. Policies and cover vary widely between insurers so check the detail carefully before buying.
Life insurance
This pays a lump sum to your chosen beneficiaries if you die during the term of the policy, helping to provide financial support for your loved ones when you’re no longer around. A ‘term assurance’ policy covers a fixed period, say 10 or 20 years, and only pays out if you die in that term. A ‘whole-of-life’ policy provides lifelong cover and pays out when you die.
Mortgage life insurance
This is a type of life insurance designed to help repay your mortgage if you die during the policy term. It is often arranged as ‘decreasing term insurance’ where the potential payout reduces broadly in line with your outstanding mortgage balance.
Can I claim on my mortgage payment protection insurance policy immediately?
No. Most MPPI policies have a waiting period, known as a ‘deferred period’ before you can claim. This is usually between 30 and 90 days after you stop working. You need to check your policy terms carefully, as the ‘deferred period’ will vary between insurers. Generally, the shorter the wait before you can claim, the more expensive your premiums are likely to be.
How long will MPPI pay out?
Most PPI policies pay out for up to 12 or 24 months per claim, or until you return to work if that happens sooner. The exact benefit period depends on the policy you choose.
Will my job affect my mortgage payment protection insurance?
Yes, your job can affect your policy and the price you pay. Insurers may consider a range of factors when setting premiums, including your occupation, how risky your work is, and whether you are self-employed or employed. For example, someone working in construction may pay more than someone in an office-based role, such as a secretary or computer programmer, as their job could carry a higher risk of accident or injury.
Can I get a mortgage payment protection insurance policy if I’m self-employed?
Yes, you may be able to get MPPI if you’re self-employed, but just be aware that cover and eligibility criteria varies between insurers. You need to check whether the policy you’re looking to purchase covers self-employed workers. You must also familiarise yourself with any exclusions or conditions.
Can I take out mortgage payment protection insurance if I’ve got a pre-existing condition?
You may still be able to get a MPPI policy with a pre-existing condition, but it may affect your cover. Some insurers exclude certain medical conditions, while others may offer cover with specific terms. Always check the policy details before buying, and be aware that a doctor’s note may be required.
Can I claim for time taken off for mental health reasons?
Needing time off work to take care of your mental health is recommended. Helpfully, you may be able to claim on your MPPI policy if such issues leave you unable to work. The key is to check your policy terms. Also be aware you may need to provide medical evidence to demonstrate that your condition prevents you from doing your job.
What if I’m made redundant?
Before taking out MPPI, it’s worth checking whether your employer offers redundancy pay – and how much you might get. If you have worked at your company for several years, you may get a decent financial buffer. This could influence whether or not you need additional protection, and how much you might require. You don’t want to pay for the ‘unemployment’ element of MPPI unnecessarily if you don’t need it.
What if I receive statutory sick pay?
Statutory sick pay does not usually affect your MPPI claim.
That said, if your employer provides additional sick pay (over and above ‘statutory’), this may reduce the amount your policy pays out, depending on the terms of your cover.
State benefits may also be taken into account if they exceed the policy’s ‘maximum claim limits’ so be sure to check the details before buying.
What’s the difference between Mortgage Payment Protection Insurance and mortgage life insurance?
A mortgage life insurance policy pays a lump sum to help repay your outstanding mortgage if you die, while MPPI helps cover your monthly mortgage payments if you’re unable to work due to illness, injury or (if included) redundancy.
Whether you need mortgage life insurance, MPPI – or both – depends on your circumstances.
Some people opt to have both policies in place to protect their loved ones and home if they die or are unable to work (and can no longer provide for them).
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Reviewed on 31 Jul 2026 by
YouGov Survey 1st July 2024 to 30th June 2025. Net Recommend score derived from “Which of the following online service websites would you recommend to a friend or colleague, or tell them to avoid?” Base: Current Customers of (MoneySuperMarket n=18,382, Compare the Market n=16,802, Go.Compare n=10,162, Confused.com n=8,229, Uswitch n=528).
