Self-employed: who pays me if I fall ill?
When you work for yourself, there is no paid sick leave. If the work stops, income stops almost at once, while the costs carry on.
In short
Without an employer, no one keeps paying you when you cannot work, while the costs go on. The first line of defence is a larger emergency fund; income protection, personal accident and critical illness cover answer different scenarios.
- Work out your fixed business and home costs for a month without income.
- Open a separate account for contributions and tax, and one for emergencies.
- Ask Social Insurance in writing what you are entitled to, and from which day.
- Write down who would keep the business going if you were away for a month.
At a glance
- Without an employer, no one keeps paying you when you cannot work.
- Check what you are entitled to from Social Insurance as self-employed, and from which day.
- Income protection, personal accident and critical illness cover answer different scenarios.
- A larger emergency fund is the first line of defence.
Income stops, costs do not
An employee who falls ill usually has sick leave and, after a while, a benefit. A self-employed person has themselves. If a fracture or an operation keeps them out for two months, clients wait or leave, while office rent, the accountant, licences, premiums and the home keep asking for payment.
Check with the Social Insurance Services what you are entitled to as self-employed in case of illness or accident, from which day, and how it is worked out. The amounts are linked to your contributions; if you declare low earnings to pay less in contributions, the support will also be smaller. For 2026 contributions, see Social insurance and GESY in 2026.
Three scenarios, three answers
| Scenario | What can answer it |
|---|---|
| I cannot work for weeks or months, through illness or an accident | Income protection: part of your income for as long as you cannot work, after the policy’s waiting period. |
| I am injured in an accident | Personal accident: a lump sum or benefits for an accident, depending on the plan. It does not cover illness. |
| I am diagnosed with a serious illness | Critical illness: a lump sum on diagnosis of a listed condition, to use as you need. |
The first line of defence is still an emergency fund, usually larger than an employee’s, because your income varies and there is no paid leave. And if you have business partners, see also the article on business partners.
Questions worth asking
- To Social Insurance: What benefit am I entitled to as self-employed if I fall ill, from which day, and how much?
- How long is the waiting period before income protection starts paying, and for how long does it pay?
- How is “unable to work” defined in the policy: for my own job or for any job?
- How is the income I insure worked out if it changes from year to year?
What you can do now
- Work out the fixed costs of the business and the home for one month with no income.
- Open a separate account for contributions and tax, and one for emergencies.
- Ask Social Insurance in writing what you are entitled to.
- Write down who would keep the business going if you were away for a month.
Every policy has its own terms. What we write here is general information, not advice; for your own case, what your policy says applies, and it is worth confirming it in writing with your insurer.
Read also: Personal accident guide · Social insurance and GESY in 2026 · Business guide
If you would like a second look, book an appointment with an advisor and bring your policy and your questions. You will go through them together, with no obligation.
