The maximum amount you can apply for is $30,000 a month or 85% of your salary, whichever is lower — that's 10% more than most providers who offer income protection as a standalone policy (though 10% will be paid to your super).
Unlike standalone policies, premiums come out of your super. This could be good if you want cover but want one less bill to come out of your bank account each month.
If you're worried about it eating into your super, you might be better with a standalone income protection policy.
You'll get a basic level of income protection cover if you're 25 or older when you join Australian Super (and when your super balance reaches $6,000) which is similar to other funds.
No health information is required for cover.
Cover is based on your age, so the amount and cost of it will change as you age.
The benefit payment period is up to two years and comes with a 60 day waiting period – this is fairly standard among insurers. You can also choose a different benefit payment period or waiting period.
Premiums are automatically deducted from your super account.
Note: Be sure to check the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for terms and conditions.
Applying for cover
Applying for Australian Super cover
You will need to have a super account with Australian Unity.
Income protection is available for people aged 15 to 69.
You will be automatically provided with cover if you're over 25 and $6,000 in your super but you can apply to change or cancel your cover anytime if it doesn't suit your needs.
Australian Super income protection pros and cons
Pros
Premiums are automatically deducted from your super.
It gives you more cover than many other providers.
It's convenient if you're an Australian Super customer.
Cons
It's only available to Australian Super customers.
You may not want to eat into your retirement savings.
How do I make an Australian Super income protection claim?
To make an Australian Super income protection claim, you can call 1300 667 387 from 8:30am to 5pm AEST/AEDT weekdays.
You'll be assigned a case manager to help you through the process who will ask you some questions to see if you're able to make a claim. They'll then send you some forms to fill out to get the application process underway. It's likely that they'll need a medical report proving why you're temporarily unable to work.
Once the insurer makes its decision, they'll let you know in writing and confirm payments.
What are some of the key exclusions of Australian Super income protection?
Australian Unity won't pay an insurance benefit if an illness or injury is directly or indirectly caused by:
an intentional self-inflicted act or suicide attempt
your service in the armed forces of any country, other than service in the Australian Armed Forces Reserve
normal pregnancy or childbirth or assisted fertilisation techniques
war
Read the PDS for more information on the general exclusions that apply to your policy.
Frequently asked questions
Income protection insurance is provided automatically if you're 25 or older and you join AustralianSuper – that's assuming you're working and your super balance has reached $6,000. Premiums are taken directly out of your super balance.
The most cover you can apply for with AustralianSuper is $30,000 a month or 85% of your salary (whichever is lower). You can also apply if you're under 25. Start by calling AustralianSuper on 1300 667 387.
AustralianSuper offers 3 main waiting periods: 30, 60 and 90 days. Be aware that you can only get a 90-day waiting period if your employer has arranged this. A waiting period is how much time needs to pass until you get your first payment after your illness or injury stops you from working. It usually costs more to have a shorter waiting period.
AustralianSuper offers 3 benefit periods: 2 years, 5 years and up to the age of 65. A benefit period refers to the maximum length of time your income protection claim can be paid for. You can check the My insurance section of your AustralianSuper account to see details of your benefit period.
Yes, AustralianSuper offers total and permanent disability (TPD) insurance as a standard inclusion. It is available for those aged between 15 and 65. TPD insurance pays a one-off, lump-sum payment if you become permanently disabled and can no longer work. The maximum cover limit is $3 million, which is competitive against most direct life insurers.
As with any income protection policy, there are maximum limits that your cover can increase up to. AustralianSuper caps its monthly payment to $30,000 or 85% of your salary, whichever is lower. If you choose to transfer any income protection that's held in another policy, your maximum benefit can't exceed $20,000 per month.
Gary Ross Hunter was an editor at Finder, specialising in insurance. He’s been writing about life, travel, home, car, pet and health insurance for over 6 years and regularly appears as an insurance expert in publications including The Sydney Morning Herald, The Guardian and news.com.au. Gary holds a Kaplan Tier 2 General Advice General Insurance certification which meets the requirements of ASIC Regulatory Guide 146 (RG146). See full bio
Gary Ross's expertise
Gary Ross has written 649 Finder guides across topics including:
One of the benefits of income protection insurance is that you may have the ability to claim a tax deduction on your premium benefits. Find out if the same rules apply for policies inside super.
Find out how much your income protection insurance policy will pay out in the event of a claim. Receive quotes for income protection and apply securely.
Find out what an income protection waiting period actually is and how the longer you wait can impact your premiums and benefit payments.
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