Your online income protection claim depends on your ability to provide relevant evidence of injury or illness.
Income protection covers loss of income due to any medical condition. It is not difficult to demonstrate incapacity, but you’ll need to meet your insurer’s ‘definition of incapacity’ to receive benefits. Basically, their criteria for deeming you unfit to work. Another thing to consider is that all policies have a waiting period.
It is important to be honest and accurate during the application process. Misrepresentation is a common reason for claims being declined – meaning you failed to disclose something about your health or lifestyle when you applied. Read our guide to know more about making a valid income protection claim.
When are income protection claims accepted?
- Any loss of income caused by a medical condition
- When a medical professional signs you off work
- When you meet your insurer’s ‘definition of incapacity’
- After the expiry of your chosen waiting period
When are income protection claims not accepted?
- You haven’t been signed off work by a doctor
- The insurer doesn’t recognise your incapacity
- Before your waiting period has expired
- Any other cause of income loss, such as resignation or redundancy
Here are steps for a successful income protection claim:
Identify your income protection policies:
The first step is to identify all your income protection policies. If you have multiple super funds, you might have multiple income protection policies. Make a list of which of your super funds includes income protection insurance in your member statements.
Find out what policies were valid when you are temporarily disabled:
A valid income protection insurance policy must have existed when you became injured or ill to make a claim. If you’re uncertain, think about when you first became aware of your injury or illness. Identify which income protection policies were valid then.
To substantiate your claim, submit all papers and medical records:
This step must be taken to file an income protection claim successfully. People just fill out the forms and assume their claims will be approved. The insurer may simply keep asking for more information if you do that without supplying all the evidence needed to support your claim.
Follow up with the insurer to make sure they have everything they need:
Being proactive can help you avoid income protection claim delays and the accompanying frustration. Make sure you follow up with the claim assessor to check on the status of your claim and make sure they have everything they need.
Aspect Underwriting’s has a reputation for paying legitimate claims. If you have any questions about your insurance cover or the claims process, feel free to call us at 1300 979 458 or send an email to info@aspectuw.com.au. Our team of professionals will be happy to guide you through the steps and make sure you are taken care of throughout the process. Our commitment to personal service is built on empathy, professionalism, and trust. That’s what we pride ourselves on.
Mike Wallis
Mike has over 25 years experience, having spent his first seven years working as a Broker at Jardine Lloyd Thomson in Melbourne and in 2002 was transferred to JLT’s Accident and Health Department in London. For four years (2002 – 2005) Mike was a specialist A&H Lloyd’s Broker and during this time developed excellent relationships with the Lloyd’s A&H underwriting fraternity. In 2006 he returned to Australia in a senior broking position with overall responsibility for Placement Strategy, including the implementation of underwriting facilities and the various authorities granted by Lloyd’s. Mike was the underwriter at two specialist Underwriting Agencies prior to founding Aspect Underwriting in 2016.
