Deadlines, newsrooms and the field
Journalism ranges from subediting at a desk to reporting from courts, protests and disaster zones. Deadlines are constant, and the news cycle carries on at weekends and overnight. Many journalists juggle shifts for several outlets at once.
Most of the work is low risk physically, but the pressure can affect mental health, and covering traumatic stories can leave a lasting mark. Long hours on laptops cause back and neck problems. Income protection pays a monthly benefit if illness or injury keeps you off work beyond the deferred period.
Staff jobs and freelance life
Staff journalists may get sick pay and sometimes group benefits, though these vary widely between national titles, broadcasters, regional papers and digital start-ups. Freelancers have no sick pay and are paid per piece, per shift or per day.
Insurers usually average freelance earnings over a few years, which helps when commissions dry up for a month. Keep your accounts and tax returns up to date. A shorter deferred period may suit freelancers without much in savings.
- Staff: check sick pay and group benefits
- Freelance: plan for no income from day one
- Keep invoices and accounts as evidence for claims
Foreign assignments and hazardous stories
Reporters who travel to conflict zones, areas of civil unrest or places with official travel warnings face extra questions from insurers. Some will exclude claims arising from those trips or charge more. A few may decline cover for frequent hazardous travel.
Be honest about where you work and how often. Hiding a trip could put your whole policy at risk, while disclosing it lets a broker find an insurer comfortable with your work.
Rating a writing job
Insurers sort occupations into risk groups, and desk-based journalists usually sit in lower-risk groups. Own occupation cover is often available, so a claim is judged on whether you can work as a journalist.
Broadcast roles with camera kit to carry may be rated a little differently from writing roles. Describe your duties as they are.
Life cover for journalists and how we help
Life insurance can protect your mortgage and family. If you travel to dangerous regions, some policies may exclude deaths there, so check the wording carefully before you buy.
We help journalists find insurers that understand their working life, compare policies across our panel and explain any exclusions clearly before you commit.