Once you take out income protection, the length of time that your income protection is paid for is known as your benefit period. During the benefit period, your insurer will pay your agreed monthly earnings up to a percentage.
Typical benefit periods on policies in Australia
Insurers typically offer the following benefit period options:
1 year
2 years
5 years
Up to the age of 65
Long-term benefits are usually accompanied by a higher premium (the cost you pay for the insurance), as opposed to a lower premium for short-term benefits where the payout period is shorter.
Compare benefit periods from these direct income protection brands
1 - 6 of 12
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*Disclaimer: The figures outlined above were accurate for September 2021. Maximum cover relates to the maximum amount of cover that is equal to up to a percentage of your monthly income. The percentage of income covered can vary between brands. Additionally, the amounts and benefit periods listed above may change depending on your personal circumstances and occupation.
What should consider when selecting my benefit period?
It’s vital you consider all the factors relative to selecting the optimal benefit period for your future circumstances. Here’s a list of what you should weigh up before deciding on a benefit period for your income protection insurance:
You daily expenses. Consider how much it will cost to finance your ongoing daily life without an income. You must evaluate your income vs your ongoing expenses and the cost of daily necessities including education for children and potential medical expenses that may arise.
Any debts that you owe. You must think about whether you’ll be able to continue paying off debts such as your credit card, various loans or car repayments if you are unable to work and your income is cut off.
How much you are will to pay in premiums You need to look at whether you can afford a longer benefit period with a higher premium, or a shorter benefit period at a lower cost.
Longer or shorter period? How to decide
For protection against serious illness and accidents
If you’re looking at your insurance as a way to safeguard you against major accidents and illnesses that could see you permanently disabled or unable to work, a policy with a longer benefit period and a higher premium will be more beneficial to you.
For more general protection
If you are concerned about injuries or illnesses that could see you off work for a short to medium period of time, but not indefinitely, a policy with a lower premium and shorter benefit period could be for you.
When does my benefit end?
Your income protection benefit will end under the following circumstances:
You pass away. Your benefits will end if you pass away and your policy doesn’t include any beneficiaries.
Your policy expires. If your policy expires it will be cancelled. It’s up to you to keep your insurance policy up to date by paying your premiums regularly and on time.
You are able to return to work. If you are no longer disabled and can return to work then your benefit period will end.
The benefit period is over. If you reach the limitations of your benefit period post claim, you will not receive any more benefits.
It’s important to remember that your contract can be cancelled at anytime if your insurer finds you have acted outside the contractual parameters outlined in your policy. You must disclose all relevant medical information to your fund to avoid termination of your income protection insurance policy.
Is this the same as the waiting period?
No. The waiting period is the amount of time before your benefits kick in (as opposed to the length of the benefit). Longer waiting periods are generally less expensive than shorter waiting periods, as shorter waiting periods allow for you to receive monthly benefits sooner.
When does my benefit period start and how long will it go for?
Your benefit period begins as soon as your GP or medical practitioner determines that you are unable to work due to injury or sickness. From here, your claim for benefits under income protection insurance will be approved, given you have fulfilled your waiting period requirements. If you can’t work once the benefit period is over, you may be eligible for total or partial disablement benefit option.
It’s important to note, benefits generally don’t begin on the first day of your injury or illness, due to the time it takes to see your doctor and notify your fund.
Typical waiting periods
Insurers typically offer the following waiting period options under salary continuance:
14 days
30 days
60 days
90 days
180 days
1 year
2 years
Can I tailor my benefit period for specific injuries
Certain insurance policies will offer lump-sum payouts for specific injuries and illnesses. When you are comparing policies, review the product disclosure statement (PDS) for specific circumstances or injuries that offer additional payouts.
How does it work?
A specific injury benefit is designed to help those needing immediate assistance following an injury or illness that sees them unable to work. It differs to a normal monthly income protection benefit, as it’s paid whether you’re still working or not. You’re typically paid in advance as a lump sum benefit (that isn’t part of the standard income protection benefit).
How long can I receive a specific injury benefit for?
This is dependent on the nature of your injury.
What does this include?
How long can I receive the benefit for?
Common injuries
Fractures, sprains, etc
1-3 months
Serious injuries
Loss of a limbs or body parts, etc
1-2 years
Paralysis
Spinal cord injuries, paraplegia
Up to 5 years
Here is a list of injuries that are generally covered under your lump-sum specific injury benefit:
Paralysis
Loss of both hands or feet
Total blindness
Loss of two feet, plus a hand and sight in one eye
Loss of one leg or one arm
Loss of sight in one eye
Loss of thumb or index finger on one hand
Thigh fracture
Pelvis fracture
Leg fracture (below the knee and above the ankle)
Kneecap fracture
Upper arm fracture
Shoulder blade fracture
Jaw fracture
Forearm fracture
Collarbone fracture
Heel fracture
Speak to an insurance expert to find the right cover for your needs
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Frequently asked questions
The benefit period is the amount of time that you can be paid a monthly allowance for, in the event you become to sick or ill to work. You choose this maximum amount of time when taking out your income protection insurance.
The waiting period for income protection is how long must pass while you’re off sick or hurt before you can start claiming your monthly benefit. The benefit period is how long you can be paid that benefit.
The highest benefit period we’ve seen in Australia up to the age of 65.
James Martin was the insurance editor at Finder. He has written on a range of insurance and finance topics for over 7 years. James often shares his insurance expertise as a media spokesperson and has appeared on Prime 7 News, WIN News, Insurance News, 7NEWS and The Guardian. He holds a Tier 1 General Insurance (General Advice) certification and a Tier 1 Generic Knowledge certification, both of which meet the requirements of ASIC Regulatory Guide 146 (RG146).
One of the benefits of income protection insurance is that you may have the ability to claim a tax deduction on your premium benefits. Find out if the same rules apply for policies inside super.
Looking for the best income protection insurance but not exactly sure where to start? Compare the Finder Awards 2023 insurance winners.
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