TPD Cover
Compare total & permanent disability (TPD) Insurance to find the right protection. Secure your future with TPD insurance Aussies trust. Our free service connects you with top insurers, offering competitive rates and flexible plans.
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TPD Cover Quote Estimates
Total disability Insurance (TPD)
Total and permanent disability insurance (TPD) provides a lump sum payment if you are unable to return to work due to total and permanent disablement in the opinion of two medical doctors (usually your own and the insurance company’s). You can either have an own occupation or an any occupation TPD policy.
For a full checklist, see our guide on What TPD Policies Should Cover?
Own occupation
The payout bar is lower if you choose an “own” occupation policy, which means that the policy is more expensive. The criteria are that you are totally and permanently disabled and cannot work in any capacity in your own field of work in which you specialise and for which you are trained.
Any occupation
Any occupation is a little bit harder to claim on, but the term “any occupation” can be a bit misleading as well. The definition states that if you become totally and permanently disabled and cannot work in any capacity in ANY occupation based on your previous education, skills, training or experience.
TPD Case study example: Neurosurgeon
Let’s take the example of a neurosurgeon who develops Parkinson’s disease and can no longer operate on patients. Under an “any occupation” definition, he can no longer work as a neurosurgeon, and this would trigger a payout. Under an “any” occupation definition, he could work as a consulting doctor.
Own occupation TPD through super
According to super fund legislation, you cannot hold an own occupation policy through super, as it will not satisfy one of the conditions of release. Therefore, default cover through super is set at any occupation. However, there is an option to “superlink” your policy, where you pay a small amount outside of super (the “own” component) and the rest inside super (the “any” component), so that if you had to claim, the amount can get released from your super.
TPD and Tax Benefits
TPD benefits are typically tax-exempt when the policy is personally funded (self-owned) for personal protection purposes. However, if the TPD benefit is funded through superannuation, tax may apply.
Super vs. Non-Super Premium Calculator
Enter your details to see how much pre-tax income you actually need to earn to fund your TPD cover.
| Payment Method | Pre-Tax Income Required |
|---|---|
| Outside Super (Out of pocket) | ... |
| Inside Super (15% contributions tax) | ... |