If you spend your weekends horse riding, mountain biking, or taking part in other adventurous activities, you probably think of yourself as healthy and active. But when it comes to applying for income protection, those same hobbies can unexpectedly work against you.

Many high-street insurers treat certain pastimes as “high risk.” That can mean higher premiums, exclusions for specific activities, or even a straight decline. It can be confusing and frustrating – especially when all you’re trying to do is protect your income responsibly.

Imagine applying for cover, answering every question honestly, and being told that because you compete in local horse shows or enjoy downhill trails, you can’t be insured on standard terms.

It’s not about recklessness – most hobbyists are incredibly safety-conscious – but insurers rely on broad risk categories rather than personal context.
he result? You might:

• Be offered a policy that excludes any injuries linked to your hobby, making the protection incomplete.
  
• Be charged significantly higher premiums, even for occasional participation.
  
• Or be declined altogether, with no clear explanation of alternatives.
  

Without proper cover, one accident or period of illness could leave you struggling to meet financial commitments – especially if you’re self-employed or have dependents who rely on your income.

This is where specialist guidance makes all the difference. The income protection market is wide, and not all insurers take the same approach to hobbies or risk assessment.

Our Team at Zeo Protect – understand which insurers:

• Take a case-by-case view rather than applying blanket restrictions
  
• Consider your level of experience, safety measures, and competition history
  
• Offer flexible options, like modified premiums or partial exclusions, rather than outright declines
  

Having access to that knowledge means your application is positioned with the right providers from the start, saving time and avoiding unnecessary refusals.

With the right advice, you don’t have to choose between your lifestyle and your financial security.
A carefully selected policy can help you:

• Keep doing what you love without worrying about how a hobby injury might affect your finances
  
• Protect your income if illness or accident stops you from working – whether or not it’s hobby-related
  
• Enjoy peace of mind knowing that your cover reflects your real circumstances, not a generalised risk profile
  

Ultimately, getting income protection as an active person isn’t about fitting into the standard mould – it’s about finding an insurer and a broker who understand you.

Speak to Alison or Damion today to discuss your Income Protection needs