Income Protection Insurance

What is Income Protection?

Income Protection is an insurance policy that pays you a regular income stream if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. This benefit replaces a portion (usually up to 75%) of your pre-disability income for a set period, typically ranging from 2 to 5 years. It acts as a financial buffer, ensuring your essential bills are covered while you focus on recovery.

Benefits of Income Protection in Super

• Peace of mind: Knowing you have a financial safety net in place can significantly reduce stress during a difficult time. You can focus on recovery without worrying about immediate financial pressures.
• Maintains your lifestyle: Income Protection helps bridge the gap between your lost income and your regular expenses. This allows you to maintain your standard of living while you’re unable to work.
• Protects your savings: Without income, your savings can quickly dwindle. Income Protection helps prevent this by providing a steady income stream, protecting your hard-earned savings for the future.
• Debt management: Income Protection ensures you can continue making essential debt repayments like mortgages and car loans, preventing potential defaults and negative impacts on your credit score.

How Does Income Protection in Super Work?

Many superannuation funds offer Income Protection as an optional insurance add-on. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

1. Choose Your Cover: You select the desired benefit amount (percentage of your income replaced) and the waiting period (time before benefits start) that suits your needs.
2. Premiums: A small portion of your superannuation contributions are used to pay the premiums for your Income Protection insurance.
3. Making a Claim: If you’re unable to work due to illness or injury, you submit a claim to your super fund. The claim will be assessed based on the policy terms and your specific situation.
4. Receiving Benefits: Once your claim is approved, you’ll start receiving regular income payments for the agreed period.

Things to Consider

• Pre-existing Conditions: Existing medical conditions might affect your eligibility or premium costs.
• Benefit Period: Choose a benefit period that aligns with your potential recovery timeline and financial needs.
• Occupation: High-risk occupations might have higher premiums or exclusions.
• Review Regularly: Your income and needs change over time, so review your Income Protection cover periodically to ensure it remains adequate.

Super vs. Standalone Income Protection

Super funds often offer Income Protection at competitive rates due to their bulk-buying power. However, there might be limitations on benefit amounts or exclusions for certain pre-existing conditions. Standalone policies from insurance companies might offer more flexibility in terms of cover and benefit levels, but can be more expensive.

The Bottom Line

Income Protection in superannuation provides a valuable safety net in case of illness or injury. It ensures you can focus on recovery while maintaining financial stability. If you’re unsure whether Income Protection is right for you, consider consulting a financial advisor who can assess your individual needs and circumstances.