Super Insurance Guide

6 min. readlast update: 03.11.2025

How to Read Your Superannuation Statement and Check Your TPD & Income Protection Cover

Many Australians don’t realise they have insurance inside their superannuation that can provide financial support if they are unable to work due to illness or injury. If you have Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) or Income Protection (IP) insurance in your super, you may be entitled to a lump sum payout or regular payments to help cover your financial needs.

This guide will help you understand your superannuation statement, identify your insurance cover, and take action if you need to make a claim.


Why Checking Your Superannuation Statement Matters

Super funds send out statements at least once a year, but many people ignore or overlook them. Understanding your insurance coverage inside your super is crucial because:

  • You may have a claim if you are unable to work due to illness or injury.
  • Your policy could be inactive if no contributions have been made recently.
  • You might lose cover automatically if your balance is low or your account is inactive.
  • You may have multiple super accounts with duplicate insurance policies.

Knowing what you’re covered for could be life-changing, as a successful claim can provide financial security when you need it most.


How to Find TPD and Income Protection Cover on Your Super Statement

1. Locate the ‘Insurance’ or ‘Cover’ Section

Most superannuation statements have a section called "Insurance Cover", "Your Insurance", or "Death & Disability Cover". This section outlines the type of insurance you hold and the amount of cover available.

2. Identify Your Cover Type

Look for the following terms in your statement:

  • Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Cover – Provides a lump sum payment if you are permanently unable to work due to illness or injury.
  • Income Protection (IP) Cover – Provides monthly payments if you cannot work temporarily due to illness or injury.

Some funds may list these as Disability Cover, Salary Continuance Insurance (SCI), or Sickness & Accident Cover.

3. Check Your Benefit Amounts

Your statement should show how much you’re insured for. This is usually listed under:

  • TPD Cover – The total lump sum amount payable if you qualify.
  • Income Protection Cover – The monthly payment amount and the benefit period (e.g., 2 years, 5 years, or until retirement age).

4. Understand the Waiting Periods & Conditions

For Income Protection, your statement will show a waiting period before payments begin. Common waiting periods are 30, 60, or 90 days.

For TPD claims, policies may have definitions such as:

  • "Any Occupation" – You must be unable to work in any job suited to your skills and experience.
  • "Own Occupation" – You must be unable to return to your specific job (this is a more favourable policy).

Understanding these details is crucial when assessing your claim eligibility.


What to Do If You Need to Claim TPD or Income Protection

If you can’t work due to illness or injury, follow these steps:

1️⃣ Check your latest super statement to confirm your insurance cover and benefit amounts.
2️⃣ Find out if you have multiple super funds—you may have insurance in more than one account.
3️⃣ Get a free claim check with Claimsplus Lawyers to assess your eligibility.
4️⃣ Let us handle the claim process for you—we take care of paperwork, negotiations, and insurer communications.


Common Reasons TPD & Income Protection Claims Are Denied

Many claims are rejected due to:

Not meeting the fund’s definition of "Total and Permanent Disability."
Failing to provide enough medical evidence.
Insurance cover being cancelled due to inactivity.
Pre-existing condition exclusions.

At Claimsplus Lawyers, we fight for our clients and challenge unfair denials. If your claim has been rejected, you may still have options.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do all superannuation funds include TPD and Income Protection insurance?

Not all funds offer insurance, and some may have opt-in requirements. It’s important to check your super statement or contact your fund to confirm your coverage.

Can I claim both TPD and Income Protection?

Yes, if you have both types of cover, you can claim TPD for a lump sum payment and Income Protection for ongoing monthly payments.

What happens if I have multiple super funds?

If you have multiple super accounts, you may have multiple insurance policies. You can potentially claim from more than one fund, increasing your payout.

How long does a TPD or Income Protection claim take?

  • TPD claims typically take 3 to 12 months, depending on complexity.
  • Income Protection claims may be processed faster, especially if medical evidence is clear.

Do I need medical evidence to claim?

Yes. You will need supporting medical reports from your doctor and specialists confirming your condition and work restrictions.

What if my claim is rejected?

We can review your case, challenge the decision, and appeal if necessary. Many rejected claims are overturned with the right legal support.

How much does it cost to get legal help?Learn how to find TPD & Income Protection cover in your super statement.

We operate on a No Win, No Fee basis, meaning you only pay if we win your case.


Why Choose Claimsplus Lawyers for Your TPD or Income Protection Claim?

At Claimsplus Lawyers, we specialise in superannuation insurance claims and provide a free claim check to help you understand your entitlements.

No Win, No Fee – You only pay if we win your case.
We handle everything – No confusing paperwork, no legal hassle.
Fast, efficient claims process – We work hard to get results quickly.
Expert legal support – We fight for the maximum payout.
Compassionate & professional team – Your case is our priority.


Contact Claimsplus Lawyers Today

Most Australians don’t realise they have TPD or Income Protection insurance inside their super. Checking your statement now could mean financial relief when you need it. If you can’t work due to illness or injury, don’t wait—get a free claim check today and find out what you’re entitled to.

📞 Phone: 1800 252 460
📧 Email: claims@claimsplus.com.au
🌐 Website: https://claimsplus.com.au

Let us help you navigate your super claims and secure the financial support you deserve


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