8 June 2023
If the unexpected happens, insurance through your super can provide you and your loved ones with a financial safety net. As an AustralianSuper member, you may already have insurance cover through your super. Read on to find out about the basics of insurance with super.
Most super funds offer some level of insurance for members. At AustralianSuper there are 3 types of cover available for members1:
- Death cover,
- Total & Permanent Disablement (TPD) cover, and
- Income Protection.
The cost of your insurance (also called a ‘premium’) is automatically deducted from your super account, not your take-home pay.
Take some time to understand each type, know what you’re covered for and how much your cover costs.
3 types of insurance cover through your super
Death cover (also known as life insurance)
Death cover pays out a lump sum of money in the event of your death. It can also be claimed if you’re diagnosed with a terminal illness.
With Death cover, the money is paid to a beneficiary – someone you nominate to receive your payout. It can be your spouse or anyone who depends on you financially, such as children. In some cases, the money may go to a legal representative, who can then follow any wishes in your Will, or pass the money to your nominated person.
READ MORE: WHAT HAPPENS TO MY SUPER WHEN I DIE – CHOOSING A beneficiary
Total & Permanent Disablement (TPD) cover
TPD cover can pay you a lump sum of money if you become totally and permanently disabled and you’re no longer able to work in any job - not just your current one. It can also be claimed if you’re diagnosed with a terminal illness.
TPD cover can help with a range of expenses, including:
- rehabilitation costs,
- renovations to your home to manage your disability,
- debt repayments or
- help with the cost of living.
FIND OUT MORE: INSURANCE IN YOUR SUPER
Income Protection
Income Protection can provide monthly payments to support you if you become ill or injured (at work or outside of work) and can't work.
Basic Income Protection may be unsuitable if you’re a low-income earner and the cover amount for your age is more than 85% of your salary. This is because you won’t be able to claim for the full amount of cover you’re paying for.
Income Protection doesn’t cover redundancy.
FIND OUT MORE: INSURANCE THROUGH SUPER
Eligibility
AustralianSuper automatically provides most members with basic cover2 (also referred to as default cover) with their super account.
You’re eligible3 for basic cover if you:
- are 25 or older; and
- have a super balance over $6,000; and
- are receiving employer super contributions.
Costs
Basic cover is age based, so the amount of cover and cost of it will change as you get older.
The cost of your basic cover is based on your age and your individual work rating (see section below). The cost is deducted monthly from your super account.
Check your insurance cover
Basic cover at AustralianSuper is designed to provide a minimum amount of cover for changing needs as you get older.
Check your cover anytime by:
- using the AustralianSuper app and going to Insurance, or
- by logging into your account online and going to Insurance, then Manage insurance.
Check your work rating
A work rating classifies the usual activities of your job into one of three ratings:
- Blue Collar
- White Collar, or
- Professional.
Your individual work rating is one of the factors that determines how much you pay for your insurance cover.
When you join AustralianSuper and have insurance cover, you pay what it costs to provide you with cover based on our default work rating, Blue Collar.
Insurance cover with a Blue Collar work rating is the most expensive.
You could pay less for your insurance cover if you’re eligible for a White Collar or Professional work rating.
Use the Work Rating Tool to check if you’re eligible for a different work rating by answering a few questions. If you are, you can apply to change your work rating. If your application is accepted by the Insurer, we’ll confirm your new rating and the new cost of your cover in writing.
To do this, simply:
- Log into your account online and go to Insurance, then Manage insurance, or complete the Change your individual work rating form (PDF).
Understand how much cover is right for you
The right level of cover for you depends on your personal circumstances, lifestyle and future needs. For example, do you have a mortgage, or a family? Or do you rent and live with housemates? Just like home insurance, your lifestyle will affect your needs.
When you look at insurance cover and how much you need there are several things to consider, including:
- Day-to-day living expenses that your salary covers (such as bills, food, transport).
- Any debts – mortgages, credit cards, personal loans.
- How much income you (and your family) need to live comfortably.
- Future costs such as medical care, education for your children or yourself, and the costs associated with anyone you support financially.
Making changes to your insurance cover
You can apply to change to cancel your cover anytime. If you cancel your cover now you might not be able to get cover later. That's because you'll need to reapply and provide detailed health information for the Insurer to consider.
To change or cancel your cover use the app, log into your account and go to Insurance, then Manage insurance or complete the relevant form.
LEARN MORE: CHANGING YOUR COVER
Speak to an insurance consultant for more help
Insurance may not be the easiest thing to make time for, as it can be a complicated area to get right. But insurance that’s right for you can provide peace of mind that you’ll be prepared financially if something unforeseen happens.
Download the Insurance in your super guide for more information about insurance through AustralianSuper. You can also speak to the AustralianSuper team to book an insurance consultation.
CONTACT US: BOOK AN INSURANCE REVIEW
References:
1. AustralianSuper insurance is provided by TAL Life Limited (the Insurer), ABN 70 050 109 450, AFSL 237848.
2. Basic cover depends on the division you join.
3. Age limits and other conditions apply.
This may include general financial advice which doesn’t take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision consider if the information is right for you and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement, available at australiansuper.com/PDS or by calling 1300 300 273. A Target Market Determination (TMD) is a document that outlines the target market a product has been designed for. Find the TMDs at australiansuper.com/TMD.