Income Protection for Casual Workers
Review 10+ income protection policies that cover part-time employees and casual workers.
Key takeaways
- Casual and part-time employees can still get income protection, but there are more restrictions around it.
- Most funds need you to be working a minimum of 20 hours to be eligible.
- You will also need proof of a year or more of steady income.
Conditions of casual or part time income protection
Income protection companies are generally building their products for people who work a traditional full time gig. Which is fine, except there are more people than ever working casual and part time gigs, thanks to capitalism mostly. Especially for young peoplel.
So, if you want income protection as a casual or part time worker, you're going to need to jump some extra hurdles. Here are 3 common rules:
Minimum hours worked in a week
Most policies will require you to work 20 hours a week to qualify for cover.
Minimum weeks worked in a year
Some policies will require you to wotk a minimum of 48 hours per year.
Age restrictions
Some policies will enforce a stricter age limit e.g. 18-59.
Income protection for less than 20 hours per week
You'll notice on the table below that most insurance companies won't cover workers with less than 20 hours a week regularly employment. Despite that, there are some other options available from select insurers. If you work less than 20 hours per week, you may be able to get cover under "homemaker" income protection policies, but should make sure that working on a casual basis does not disqualify you from "homemaker" status with a certain policy.
The exact ways that each company change over time, so you may need to speak to a broker if you don't neatly fit into the box the companies have built. BEcause of course you don't!
Who covers part-time or casual employment?
| Provider | Required employment status | Minimum hours* | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent part time | 20 hours | |
| Permanent and part time | 20 hours | |
| Permanent and part time | 20 hours | |
| Permanent and part time | 20 hours | |
 | Permanent and part time | 20 hours | |
| Permanent and part time or technically casual | 20 hours | |
 | Permanent part time | 20-25 hours | |
 | Permanent and part time | 20 hours | |
 | Permanent and part time | 20 hours | |
 | Permanent and part time | Not Stated | |
 | Permanent and part time | 20 hours |
*Can vary depending on the type of occupation. Always consult the Product disclosure statement (PDS) if you are unsure.
Part-time and casual income protection for different occupations
Depending on your job, your income protection insurance will have different benefits and requirements. Insurance providers categorise occupations based on risk level and it's important to know which category your job falls into. Some occupations such as farming are also susceptible to unpredictable income fluctuations, and you should ensure that you have good income protection insurance to help cover these unexpected shortfalls. Learn more about income protection insurance to make sure you have the best cover for your job.
Can I get income protection as a stay-at-home-parent?
Stay-at-home parents or 'homemakers' can also claim income protection. A growing number of insurers in Australia are recognising homemakers as eligible recipients for income protection benefit payments. Insurers recognise the financial strain of losing a homemaker as it often results in needing to pay for the services of a professional worker to carry out day-to-day tasks. For single parents, injury or illness can mean that they can’t care for their children.
Tips for finding the right income protection policy
Look at the cost of the plan and make sure you can afford the premiums.
Check to see which providers offer cover for part-time workers and how many hours you need to be working to get it.
Compare the maximum coverage levels available with different providers to find a plan that offers you a good level of security. You may have a preference for a lump sum payment, or for ongoing payments.
Compare the benefit periods and the waiting times available with different providers to find one that works for your savings and income.
Consider cover from a range of different providers. Rule out the insurance companies that don't have plans you're eligible for.
If you're having trouble finding the best option, use the Income Protection Insurance Finder to compare a wide range of options and find the best cover for your situation.
Compare income protection quotes from these direct brands
Tip: If you want to compare policies side-by-side, simply click the 'Compare' tickbox. Then select 'Get a quote' to get started.
1 - 7 of 23
Compare other products
We currently don't have that product, but here are others to consider:
How we picked theseSpeak to an advisor and get a personalised quote
Frequently asked questions
More resources on Finder
More guides on Finder
-
ahm income protection review
With ahm income protection, you can over up to 70% of your income (up to $10,000 monthly) if you can't work after sickness or injury.
-
Income protection insurance: A beginner’s guide
Income protection can be super valuable for when times get tough. Learn the basics with our beginners guide.
-
Income protection for over 50s Australians
You can get income protection insurance if you’re over 50. Find out more here.
-
TAL Income Protection Insurance review
Learn the built-in benefits of TAL income protection to understand how it could work for you. Compare features and get a quote today.
-
AAMI Income Protection Review
Find out what is and isn't covered by AAMI Income Protection and how to apply.
-
Zurich Ezicover Income Protection Review
Read the Finder review of Zurich income protection and receive a quote based on your details. Compare Zurich income protection to other income protection policies available.
-
Suncorp Income Protection Insurance Review
Receive income cover for illness or injury with Suncorp Income Protection.
-
NobleOak Income Protection Insurance review
NobleOak has been offering personal insurance solutions direct to Australians for over 137 years. Discover the benefits and features available on the NobleOak Income Protection policy and make a secure enquiry for cover.
-
Insuranceline Income Protection Insurance review
Looking to protect your income if you suffer a serious illness or disability? Insuranceline Income Protection can cover up to 75% of your income
-
Best income protection, Australia
Looking for the best income protection insurance but not exactly sure where to start? Compare the Finder Awards 2024 insurance winners.