Australia Life Insurance: Your Basic Guide
In Australia, an estimated 44% of adults don’t have any form of life insurance policy, even though having a policy can provide significant peace of mind. When you have a policy, there’s less anxiety about how your loved ones would fare without the financial stability you’re able to provide.
At this time, slightly more than one in four Australians are finding it challenging to get by on their current income. Now, imagine how your family would feel without your earnings. Ultimately, having life insurance can alleviate significant stress should a primary earner pass away, ensuring they have the necessary funds during a difficult time.
Fortunately, life insurance in Australia isn’t overly complex. Here’s a basic guide to Australia life insurance that can help you get on the path toward finding a suitable policy.
What Is Life Insurance, and How Does It Work?
Life insurance is a financial product that people can use as a source of funds should the covered person pass away. While each policy is different, most involve a lump sum payment to a selected beneficiary — typically a family member — that’s provided in the event of the covered person’s death.
Generally, the payout occurs if the person’s death falls into specific categories. Accidents, medical complications, natural causes, and acts of violence are typically covered. Some policies may also include benefits for terminal illnesses.
The funds provided through life insurance are usually designed to cover specific costs. For example, it may provide money for living expenses, allow the family member to pay off high-cost debt, or support the ongoing raising of surviving children.
However, some policies do offer payouts before the person’s passing. Usually, these are designed to assist with costs after a specific type of medical diagnosis, such as a terminal illness or an incident that causes a total and permanent disability.
Different Types of Life Insurance
There are several types of life insurance policies in Australia. First, there’s life cover, which provides a cash payout to a selected beneficiary, with the maximum amount being as high as $1 million. Funeral cover is specifically designed to assist with final expenses, namely the cost of funeral services.
Trauma cover policies offer funds if the covered person is diagnosed with a particular medical condition. These policies provide funds that allow the insured to focus on recovery. Income protection policies offer monthly financial support to assist with ongoing bills if you’re unable to work due to a qualifying injury, accident, or illness.
With total and permanent disability insurance policies, funds are provided to cover medical costs or address debts after a person becomes disabled. There can also be a lump sum to assist with living or rehabilitation costs.
Who Needs Life Insurance?
Generally, anyone with family members or other dependents who rely on them for financial support benefits from having a life insurance policy. It ensures that family members have enough funds to make ends meet after the primary earner’s passing.
Individuals in high-risk professions may want to consider other types of policies, too. For example, total and permanent disability or income protection policies could prove valuable if an incident prevents you from being able to return to work.
However, which options are best do vary depending on your personal situation. Consider what kind of protection can provide critical peace of mind, then explore your options.
Tips for Choosing Life Insurance
When you’re choosing a life insurance policy, you need to consider a few points. First, look at the monthly premiums. While they’re often low, you need to ensure they’re affordable before committing.
Next, look at any waiting periods. Some policies may not pay out until a specific amount of time passes. The amount of time required can vary from weeks to months, depending on the policy.
You also want to explore the claims process and the insurer’s reputation for customer service. Ideally, you want to ensure the procedure is straightforward and quick, and that other policyholders are satisfied overall. That leads to more peace of mind, making sure that you or your family will get the help needed without issue.
