TPD insurance provides a lump‑sum benefit if you meet the insurer’s definition of total and permanent disablement. This generally means you suffer an illness or injury that results in you being unlikely to ever work again under the specific definitions set out in the insurer’s policy terms. 

The benefit can help support long‑term financial needs - such as medical expenses, rehabilitation costs or other living expenses - when returning to work is not possible based on the insurer’s assessment.   

Please note that the release of the insurance benefit is subject to the Trustee of the super fund being reasonably satisfied, on the basis of the evidence provided, that your illness or injury means you are unlikely to be able to work again in a job you are reasonably qualified to do by your education, training or experience (i.e. ‘permanent incapacity’ under superannuation law). 

TPD cover is not offered as standalone cover – it is always provided with Death cover. For more detailed information, please refer to the Insurance Guide.

TPD cover is held within your super account as Death and TPD cover.  Insurance fees are deducted from your balance, and your cover continues as long as your account meets eligibility requirements set out in the policy, such as active contributions and minimum balance rules. 

If you don’t currently have Default Death and TPD cover, or you’d like to change the amount of cover you have, you may be able to apply for voluntary Death and TPD cover, subject to eligibility and insurer approval. Full details, including eligibility conditions and exclusions, are outlined in the Insurance Guide.

If a claim is approved, the benefit is paid as a lump sum on the day you meet the Insurer’s definition of total and permanent disablement. 

Death and TPD cover can be provided in different ways. Voluntary Death and TPD cover may be held as: 

• Unitised cover, where your level of cover is based on a number of units selected, or 
• Fixed cover, where you choose a specific dollar amount of cover that generally remains fixed unless you change it or until you reach age 61 when it starts reducing each year. 

If a TPD claim is approved by the insurer and the Trustee is satisfied that the claim meets the requirements under superannuation law, the benefit is paid as a lump sum into your super account, rather than directly to you. How and when you can access that benefit will depend on  superannuation rules and your individual circumstances. 

For more information about Death and TPD cover types, eligibility and how claims are assessed, please refer to the Insurance Guide.

Holding TPD insurance through your super (as Death and TPD cover) may help reduce the financial strain that may come with a long‑term illness or injury. Because premiums are deducted from your super balance, it can be simpler to manage than paying premiums out‑of‑pocket. 

Other potential benefits include:

• Can be more affordable — Group insurance fees can be lower than retail insurance held directly with an insurer outside of super. Tax treatment may differ depending on your circumstances, and we cannot provide personal tax advice.
  
  
• Easy to manage — Insurance fees are paid from your super balance, which may reduce the need for separate premium payments. You should also consider the effect premiums may have on your super balance over time.
  
  
• Minimal health requirements — A default level of TPD cover may be provided without medical assessments. Eligibility criteria, exclusions and limitations still apply. 
  
  
• Complimentary MetLife 360Health support — Members and their families can access wellbeing services from MetLife 360Health at no extra cost. These services are subject to availability and may include mental health support, specialist medical guidance, and help with nutrition, fitness and mobility.

TPD cover may provide financial support when an illness or injury means you are unlikely to ever return to work in your usual or another suitable occupation, as assessed under the insurer’s definition. 

The lump‑sum benefit can assist with medical care, rehabilitation, home adjustments or other expenses during long‑term lifestyle changes. 

TPD cover may provide a lump‑sum benefit if you meet the insurer’s definition of total and permanent disablement. You can withdraw and use the benefit for any purpose once it has been paid into your super account.   

Exclusions and limitations apply, which may result from: 

• non‑disclosure of medical history
• pre‑existing conditions
• restrictions outlined in the insurer’s terms

For full details, refer here.

The level of Death and TPD cover suitable for you depends on factors like income, debts, dependants and long‑term financial commitments. We cannot tell you how much cover you personally need, but many people consider debts, ongoing living expenses and medical or care costs.  

If you’d like help understanding your insurance cover or reviewing your current level of TPD or other insurance cover, you speak with our team for guidance. You should read the Insurance Guide and seek financial advice before making an insurance decision.