Total or permanent disability (TPD) insurance pays you an amount if you are totally and permanently disabled due to illness or an injury.
Insurers will have a different definition as to what it means to be totally and/or permanently disabled, so it’s important to read the PDS or speak with your Insurer about this.
The cover can include whether you’re unable to work again in the position you were in prior to the disability. Or, if you are unable to ever work again in any job suited to your education and experience.
In this post, we look at the process to make a TPD claim to assist with your lifestyle and rehabilitation by the best TPD lawyers.
What is TPD?
TPD Insurance is designed to cover you and the expenses related to the changes in your life following an accident or illness.
Typically, people will arrange TPD Insurance as part of their superannuation investment fund. We recommend speaking with your Financial Advisor in choosing the right fund for your needs.
This insurance can fill the gap between private health insurance and help cover rehabilitation costs, changes to your home and mortgage/rent payments. This may work in conjunction with your income protection insurance or trauma insurance.
How do I make a claim for TPD?
If you, unfortunately, suffer an illness or injury and need to make a claim, you will need to contact the insurance provider or Financial Advisor to lodge the claim. You will then need to complete a series of claim forms and submit these to the provider.
The provider will typically request additional information including medical reports, test results, details of your work duties, payslips and tax returns. You may be required to undergo regular medical assessments/check-ups as part of the claim process.
It’s also important to note that some Superannuation firms will allow you to make one claim for insurance under your fund. This could be for a TPD claim or Life Insurance claim, whichever comes first. We recommend speaking with your Superannuation provider to make sure you have the right level of cover, policy type and claim restrictions.
How long does a TPD claim take?
The time duration to process a claim will differ between insurers. Usually, it will be within six (6) months. Check with your insurer to see what their duration is.
What can I do if my claim is denied?
If your claim is denied by the insurer, you may need to gather additional medical evidence to seek a review of the decision.
Alternatively, you can seek legal advice to see if you are entitled to take the claim to court. Thankfully, less than two percent of TPD claims go to court and are finalised in private.
In Queensland, there is a time limit in making a legal claim of six (6) years after the incident.
Need help with a TPD claim?
If you are in the position where your claim was denied, you can contact the team at Main Lawyers to arrange a free consultation to discuss the matter.
