An income protection policy allows you to claim as many times as you require the benefit. For example, if you became ill, claimed the benefit, recovered and returned to work after 3 years. If you get ill or have a bad accident that prevents you from working, you can claim the benefit again. If you return to work and relapse with the same illness, you don’t have to serve the deferred period. On the other hand, if it's a different illness you have to serve the deferred period.