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Income protection

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Money Smart
(ASIC)

An income safety net

Income protection insurance, also known as salary continuance, can help you manage your expenses if you are unable to work for a certain amount of time if you are sick or injured.

When purchasing income protection, consider what other types of life insurance you need as well, such as life cover and total and permanent disability cover.

  • Do you need income protection?

  • Choosing an income protection policy

  • Things you need to tell your insurer

  • Making a claim on your income protection policy

Do you need income protection?

Income protection insurance replaces the income lost through your inability to work due to injury or sickness. It is especially suitable for self-employed people, small business owners or professionals whose business relies heavily on their ability to work.

Choosing an income protection policy

Each income protection policy has its own definition of disability and range of benefits. Income protection usually offers cover for up to 75% of your gross wages for a maximum time period (e.g. 2 years or to age 60).

Income protection policies may be stepped or level, so make sure you understand what sort of policy you are getting.

Case study: Bob cuts his premium

Bob wanted additional income protection insurance so he paid more money through his super fund to get the maximum cover. After realising he had 10 weeks of annual and sick leave up his sleeve, he opted for a 3-month waiting period to reduce his premium. If he ever needs to make a claim, he can cover the first 3 months with his saved leave payments.

Smart tip

Income protection premiums (outside super) are generally tax deductible.

You will need to pick a waiting period when you select your level of cover. This is the period of time (often 30 to 90 days) before you can make a claim.

Take into account your leave balances (e.g. annual, sick and long service leave) and access to emergency cash when choosing your time period.

Many super funds offer income protection. To see what cover is available:

Compare how long it takes different insurers to pay an income protection claim and the percentage of claims they pay out.

life insurance claims comparison tool

Redundancy insurance

Some insurers offer redundancy insurance as optional cover on income protection policies. Redundancy insurance can provide short-term financial assistance if you lose your job.

To be eligible for redundancy insurance, you need to meet the insurer’s definition of ‘involuntary unemployment’ which can mean for example, if you are:

  • an employee and you have been ‘let go’ from a job that has been paying you a salary, wage or commission.

  • self-employed and your business has stopped trading because you haven’t been able to meet the business’ financial commitments.

  • on a fixed term contract (e.g. 12 months or more) and the contract ended before a date you previously agreed on, and not by your own choice.

Before you take out redundancy insurance, consider the following:

  • Likelihood of redundancy – How likely is it and could you find another job quickly?

  • No claim period – how long do you have to wait before you can claim?

  • Waiting period – how long must you be out of work before you will receive any benefits?

  • Payment limits – how much will you receive, and will it be enough?

  • Expiry age – most policies expire when you reach a certain age, e.g. 65.

You may also be eligible to receive a redundancy payment, which may reduce the need for separate insurance. Visit the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website for information on redundancy pay and entitlements.

Before you take out redundancy insurance, check the PDS to find out what exclusions apply.

Things you need to tell your insurer

You need to tell your insurer anything that could affect their decision to insure you when you apply for, renew or change an income protection or life insurance policy. You also need to tell the life insurer about things that have happened between the time you apply and when the insurance cover starts.

Some insurance companies need you to give them details of your medical history. If you don’t have this information, you can get it from your doctor. The insurer may refuse your claim if you don’t give them this information, and this could affect any income protection or life insurance you apply for in the future.

Making a claim on your income protection policy

If you need to make a claim on your income protection policy, you will have to provide evidence of your illness or injury. Ask your insurer exactly what they need from you so your claim gets processed as quickly as possible.

The income protection payments you receive from a successful claim will be for the period you are unable to work, in line with the policy.

Income protection gives you a steady source of cash in case you get injured or sick and cannot work. This means you can focus on getting better and not on how you’re going to pay the bills.