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Who Needs Disability Insurance?

Why is disability insurance important for those who aren't financially independent?

Who Needs Disability Insurance?

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

If you are like most people on this planet, you are not financially free. You would not be able to stop working and still support yourself and your family from your financial resources. Your continued ability to work to earn an income would therefore be one of your greatest assets.
Your ability to work for a salary or wages would therefore be one of your greatest assets.
Have you insured this asset?
If disability suddenly stops you from being able to work, how would you earn an income?
How long would you survive without a paycheck?
If the situation described above is a cause for concern, you need disability income insurance.
You can become disabled either from an accident or for medical reasons.
One life insurance company defines disability as "the inability of the life assured to perform any part of any occupation in which he was engaged immediately before the onset of the incident
Insuring your most valuable asset
Image for Insuring your most valuable assetWhile many people would consider their home or their car to be their most valuable asset, it's your ability to earn an income that is most important in shaping your financial future. Statistically, two thirds of working Australians will suffer an injury or illness that will sideline them for 90 days or more. The majority of these people would not be able to pay their mortgage or meet car finance and other loan commitments without adequate income insurance.
Further, the life assured must not be following any other gainful occupation"
Disability is often referred to in life insurance circles as the worse hazard, because if you become disabled: - 
  • You stop earning salaries or wages, 
  • Your life insurance policies will not pay a claim, since you didn't die, 
  • Your illness
will consume a significant portion of available funds.
Here are a few facts on disability: - 
  • Each year, 1 person in 8 will suffer disability 
  • 1/3 of all people between the ages of 30 and 64 will become disabled sometime in their lives 
  • At age 32, the chance of being disabled for 90 days is 6.5 times greater than the chance of death 
  • 75% of disabilities are caused by an illness rather than an accident 
  • Workers today are 3 times more likely to suffer a long-term disability than die during their working years 
  • The likelihood of being disabled for more
than 3 months is greater than dying in any given year
As you can see, the risk of disability due to illness or injury is great.
The cost of not being prepared is severe. Why take the chance? Even substantial savings can run out quickly if it is your only source of financial support.
If you are like most people who need to work in exchange for money, there is a need to protect one of your most valuable assets, i.e. your ability to earn an income.
Disability income insurance should therefore, be an important part of your long-term financial security plans.
It can help to secure your dreams, lifestyle and income, regardless of your occupation or industry.
This valuable income replacement plan is available from your local life insurance companies.
Call your life insurance advisor or enquire online for more information on this useful long-term financial security plan.

Published: Sunday, 1st Aug 2021
Author: 151


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APRA Calls for Sustainable Reforms in Income Protection Insurance
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The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has expressed concerns regarding the sustainability of income protection insurance, following significant losses within the industry. Over a five-year period, insurers have reported losses totaling $2.5 billion on this product. - read more
HCF Life Recognised for Excellence in Income Protection Insurance
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HCF Life, part of Australia's largest not-for-profit health fund, has been honored with the 'Best for Income Protection Insurance (Direct)' award by WeMoney for the third consecutive year. This accolade underscores HCF Life's commitment to providing competitive and customer-focused insurance products. - read more
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Recent data from the Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) reveals a significant shift in the landscape of income protection insurance in Australia. Mental health conditions have emerged as the leading cause of total and permanent disability (TPD) claims, accounting for nearly one-third of all claims paid. In 2024 alone, insurers disbursed over $2.2 billion for retail mental health claims, a figure that has almost doubled compared to five years prior. - read more
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