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Important information
- 4 reasons why you should get life insurance
- How will my health affect my life insurance?
- How much life insurance will I need?
- Life insurance through superannuation
- Do I need life insurance or income protection?
- Life insurance glossary
Process for getting cover
- What to consider when researching life insurance
- How does the life insurance application process work?
- How does life insurance underwriting work?
- How do life insurance payouts work?
Types of life insurance
- What is term life insurance?
- Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Insurance
- A guide to trauma insurance
- Life insurance for high risk individuals
- Stepped vs level premiums: What’s the difference?
- Own occupation vs any occupation: What’s the difference?
- Policy riders and the optional benefits for life insurance
- Life insurance for seniors
- Life insurance for women
- Life insurance for families: What to consider
- Funeral insurance
Income protection
- Important information about income protection
- What’s the application process for income protection?
- Income protection, redundancy cover and mortgage protection: What do they mean to me?
What is Total and Permanent Disability insurance?
Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance pays out a lump sum of money if you become permanently disabled and are unlikely to ever to return to work in your usual occupation or any occupation for which you are qualified by education, training and experience.
Some insurers may also pay out a TPD benefit if you’re diagnosed with a terminal illness.
This payout can be used however you wish. That said, you may want to consider using it to help pay off your debts, put the kids through school, pay for your medical rehabilitation if needed or for any other living expenses. If you’re unsure how best to use a TPD pay out, you may wish to consider obtaining professional advice from a financial planner.
You can take out TPD cover with your life insurance policy or as a standalone product.
What is covered?
Each insurerdefines TPD cover differently. Generally, in order for you to qualify for TPD insurance your illness or injury must cause you to be incapacitated to such an extent that you’re unlikely to ever return to work in any occupation you’re qualified for (through education, training or experience). So, if you are expected to make an eventual recovery from your illness or injury, you are unlikely to qualify for a TPD benefit.
Milder conditions may also not be considered for claims. For example, the loss of a finger may not be severe enough to stop you from working. However, such an injury mayqualify you for a limited insurance benefit (e.g. 25% of your full cover amount).
Essentially, anyone can apply to take out TPD insurance, but the success of your application will depend on your eligibility, which in turn is based on several factors. For one, your medical history and pre-existing medical conditions may mean you cannot get covered. For an exhaustive list of inclusions and exclusions, make sure you read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) when taking out cover.
Frequently asked questions
Am I insured if I can’t work in my usual job or any job?
TPD policies will generally insure either ‘any occupation’ or just your ‘own occupation’. Say, for example, you are a professional musician and you lose one of your hands.
- Own occupation cover: You could claim on your TPD insurance because the injury prevents you from carrying out the duties of your own occupation.
- Any occupation cover: You could reasonably carry out another line of work that doesn’t require both hands. Therefore, you may not be able to claim TPD.
Your policy premiums, terms and conditions will vary depending on your chosen insurance option, so be sure to read the relevant PDS and consider seeking financial advice before taking out TPD insurance cover.
How does TPD differ from trauma insurance or income protection?
TPD insurance claims pay you a lump sum when you’re injured and can’t work, while income protection usually pays a regular benefit (e.g. monthly) of a portion of your income for a period of time while you’re unable to work due to your illness or injury. Your income protection insurance also only lasts a set term, at which point the money will stop coming in. This term could be anything from two years to a nominated age (e.g. 65), depending on your policy.
Trauma insurance is different again. It issues a lump sum payment for traumatic, critical illnesses and incidents of specified severity, not for when you’re left permanently disabled.
How can I ensure my TPD claim is successful?
To make the claims process go as smoothly as possible, you’ll need to:
- Disclose all relevant information to your insurer when you make your application for your cover and at claim time.
- Satisfy the terms and conditions of your insurance policy.
- Provide as much evidence at the time of claim to proveyour disability is permanent and absolute.
Could I get TPD through my superannuation fund?
You can get TPD cover through your superannuation, but it isn’t a feature available in every super fund. Like any financial product, you should compare your options to ensure that you find a great-value product and have the right cover for your situation.
What if I qualify for workers compensation?
If you’re injured in a workplace accident, you can file a worker’s compensation claim, since your insurance is not conditional on you only receiving compensation from one institution. However, the benefit you receive from your insurer can be impacted by worker’s compensation claims.
Am I covered by the National Disability Insurance Scheme if I’m injured and can’t work?
The NDIS provides any Australian under 65 with reasonable support to live their lives. You must have a permanent disability and be a permanent Australian resident to qualify for the scheme. While it can be a great program, it may not cover all your expenses and needs. It’s in this circ*mstance that TPD becomes an attractive option.
Top tips for TPD insurance from Steven Spicer, Executive General Manager of Health, Life and Energy
- Consider bundling Total and Permanent Disability insurance with your life insurance policy and provide your beneficiaries with adequate cover if you are injured or pass away.
- When choosing a cover amount for your TPD insurance, think about whether you or your beneficiaries would be able to survive without your income if you become permanently disabled or pass away. Consider your income, future costs you may need to cover, any debts you have and your dependents’ needs.
- When searching for a TPD insurance policy, there are several features you should consider. These include the type of occupation to be covered, any waiting periods you need to meet, exclusions, limits and premiums you have to pay.
Get covered today
Compare TPD insurance at Compare the Market today through our online comparison tool, or speak to one of our experts on 1800 204 124
The information provided here is general only and does not consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before you decide to purchase a product, it is important to read the relevant PDS.
