Bridges, roads and muddy boots
Civil engineering covers the design and delivery of roads, railways, bridges, flood defences, water networks and building structures. A graduate might spend most days modelling in an office. A site engineer might be setting out on a motorway scheme at dawn in the rain.
Site work brings real hazards: plant moving around, deep excavations, work beside live traffic or rail and time at height on structures. Office work brings the familiar desk complaints and deadline stress around design freezes. Income protection pays if any of it keeps you off work beyond your deferred period.
How site time changes the picture
Insurers want to know how your week splits between office and site, and what you do when you are out there. Supervising and inspecting is different from hands-on work. A mainly office-based engineer may be rated like other professionals, while a full-time site engineer may sit in a higher group.
That rating affects price and the incapacity definition. Own occupation cover is widely available for office-based engineers. For site-heavy roles, some insurers offer it and others use a suited occupation test.
- Estimate your share of time on site
- Mention work near live roads, rail or water
- Include any work at height or in confined spaces
Consultancies, contractors and going it alone
Engineers at large consultancies and main contractors often get sick pay, group income protection and death in service. Check the scheme rules, as group cover ends when you leave and may only pay for a set number of years.
Many experienced civil engineers move into contract work on major infrastructure schemes, often through a limited company. Executive income protection and relevant life cover can be paid by the company, and a shorter deferred period may suit if reserves are limited.
Working away on big schemes
Large projects can mean months in digs or hotels during the week. Long drives home on a Friday add to the risk of tiredness and accidents, and time away from family can affect mental health.
If your work takes you abroad for long spells, tell the insurer. Some limit cover for long periods overseas, and the wording on this varies.
Life cover and how Hi Tomorrow helps civil engineers
Life insurance protects your mortgage and family. A policy written in trust can pay out quickly, and critical illness cover can add a lump sum on diagnosis of a listed serious condition.
We take your actual duties to the insurers on our panel, so your rating is accurate and the definition suits you. We also explain how personal and company-paid options compare if you contract.