Securing the right mortgage or income protection policy as a doctor, dentist, or locum consultant should not be a diagnosis in frustration. Yet, many medical professionals find that traditional high street lenders and insurers struggle to comprehend the nuances of NHS bandings, variable locum income, and personal service company (PSC) structures [1].
At Broadbench, we have spent over 15 years translating the complex earning patterns of clinicians into language that lenders and insurers understand. Today, we are incredibly proud to announce a major milestone: we have officially surpassed 500 reviews on Trustpilot, maintaining a perfect 5.0-star rating.
This achievement is a direct reflection of our commitment to providing tailored, whole-of-market financial advice to the medical community. Here is why so many of your colleagues trust us with their financial wellbeing.
Navigating the Mortgage Maze for Locums and Consultants
The flexibility of working as a locum or a private clinician is highly rewarding, but it often presents significant hurdles when applying for a mortgage. Standard affordability models rely on predictable, salaried income [1]. When lenders see gaps between placements, multiple income streams, or income drawn via dividends from a limited company, their confidence often drops [1].
Our team understands that a drop in lender confidence does not mean your income is less reliable; it simply means the lender lacks the criteria to assess it properly. We know exactly which lenders offer specialist criteria designed for medical professionals. This includes lenders who can use year-to-date earnings for locums, consider NHS employment contracts alongside private work, and offer higher income multiples that recognise a doctor’s long-term earning potential [1].
As one of our recent Trustpilot reviewers noted, our approach is “super tailored and personalised, while also very commercially sharp.” We prepare your application to highlight your true affordability, ensuring you do not miss out on the home you deserve.
Income Protection: A Non-Negotiable for Healthcare Professionals
In a profession characterised by high stress and exposure to illness, your ability to earn is your most valuable asset. While recent NHS pay adjustments are welcome news, they also serve as a critical reminder to review your wealth protection policies [2]. If your income has increased, an outdated income protection policy could leave you and your family vulnerable to financial instability should you become unable to work [2].
For doctors and surgeons, the definition of incapacity within an insurance policy is paramount. We strongly advocate for “own-occupation” cover. This ensures that if an injury or illness prevents you from performing your specific medical duties, the policy pays out, even if you could theoretically work in another profession [2]. We navigate the complexities of NHS sick pay and private practice income to build a safety net that seamlessly covers your essential expenses, from mortgages to daily living costs [2].
Real People, Real Advice
Reading through our Trustpilot reviews, a recurring theme is the “friendly, warm, and neuro-friendly approach” of our advisers. We do not operate call centres. Whether you are speaking with Tom, Mike, Jordan, or Joanne, you are dealing with a dedicated expert who takes the time to understand your unique circumstances without overwhelming you with financial jargon.
We believe in building lifelong relationships. We regularly monitor the market and check in with our clients to ensure their mortgage rates and insurance policies remain the best fit for their evolving careers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is it harder for locum doctors to get a mortgage? Lenders favour stability, and locum income can vary month to month. Many high street lenders use standard affordability models that do not account for multiple income streams, gaps between placements, or income drawn from a limited company (PSC) [1]. Specialist brokers like Broadbench know which lenders understand locum earning patterns.
What proof of income do I need for a locum doctor mortgage? If you are self-employed or operating via a limited company, lenders typically require two to three years of certified accounts or self-assessment tax returns (SA302s) [1]. If paid via PAYE through an agency, recent payslips covering three to six months are usually required [1].
What is “own-occupation” income protection for doctors? Own-occupation income protection ensures that the policy pays out if you are unable to perform your specific medical role due to illness or injury [2]. This is crucial for highly specialised clinicians, such as surgeons, who might be unable to operate but could theoretically work in another, lower-paying field.
Do I need to review my income protection policy if my NHS salary increases? Yes. As your income rises, your coverage should be updated to match [2]. An outdated policy taken out when your salary was lower may not provide sufficient funds to cover your current mortgage and living expenses if you are unable to work [2].
We want to extend a massive thank you to all the medical professionals who have trusted Broadbench and taken the time to leave a review. If you are a clinician looking for expert, zero-fee mortgage or insurance advice, get in touch with our team today.
References
[1] Medics Money (2026). Navigating Home Ownership with Irregular Income: Mortgages for Locum Doctors. Available at: https://medicsmoney.co.uk/navigating-home-ownership-with-irregular-self-employed-income-mortgages-for-locum-doctors-a-practical-guide-for-medical-professionals/ [2] Medics Money (2025). The Importance of Income Protection for NHS Doctors. Available at: https://medicsmoney.co.uk/the-importance-of-income-protection-for-nhs-doctors-time-to-review-your-policies/
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