There have been a lot of questions from clients lately about why they need all the different types of personal risk insurance; Life, Total & Permanent Disability (TPD), Trauma and Income Protection. Each insurance covers something different and it is important to understand how all of these insurances work together. Below I’ve detailed a brief summary about the different types of insurance and how they work together.
Life
Life insurance is pretty straightforward. A lump sum amount will be paid out in the event of death or terminal illness. The purpose of life cover is to pay down any debts, provide an income to your surviving spouse or children, contribute to future education expenses if you have children, and assist with funeral expenses.
Total & Permanent Disability
Total and Permanent Disablement (TPD) is payable in the event you become totally and permanently incapacitated due to sickness or injury, and it is unlikely that you will ever be able to return to work. Again, this cover will provide a lump sum to reduce or extinguish debts, and provide an income to you and your family. It may also help with home and car modifications following your disability and can assist with ongoing medical bills.
Trauma
Trauma cover also pays a lump sum should you be diagnosed with a serious medical condition, or if you suffer from an event covered under the contract. Trauma insurance covers a wide range of conditions such as Heart attack, Heart surgery, Cancer, Stroke and other neurological conditions, organ failure and various blood disorders. Benefits can assist with the costs of specialist treatment and medication which are not covered via Medicare or private health cover. Trauma protection can help with every day costs of living, and offer support financially should you or your partner need to take time off work to assist in recovery.
It is important to note that some people who suffer from a trauma event return to work before they can claim on their Income Protection policy. Due to advances in medical technology, and less invasive treatment for many of the diseases covered via a Trauma policy, there is also a reduced likelihood of becoming totally disabled and a much higher survival rate.
Income Protection
Income Protection (IP) covers you for partial or total disability based on a waiting period and a benefit period. If you suffer an injury or illness that leaves you unable to work for longer than your waiting period, you will be eligible to claim on your policy. Income Protection typically provides a monthly payment whilst you are unable to work. Your claim will continue until you are able to return to work, or you have reached the end of your benefit period. It is important you know what your waiting and benefit periods are. The maximum entitlement for IP insurance is 75% of your taxable income, and you may also be able to cover ongoing superannuation contributions under some contracts.
As always, if you have queries or concerns about your insurance you should speak with your friendly adviser. We are here to help.
Are you interested in getting your current insurance reviewed or wanting to get the right cover for you and your family? Contact us today for your free initial consultation, one of our friendly advisers would be delighted to speak with you.
Please note: The information provided in this article is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account any person’s Individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on anything in this article you should consider if it is appropriate for you, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs.