If you fall sick and are unable to work your income will stop. State support is not enough to meet your expenses. Income protection plan covers a wider range of illnesses and disabilities, and gives regular payments until you recover enough to return to work, retire or reach the end of the policy payment term or die. Normally, insurance companies allow up to 50-65 % of your income as the maximum cover till the age of 65. You can claim more than once during the term of the policy and claim can continue for as long as you are not fit to return to work.