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Income Protection for Casual Workers

Review 10+ income protection policies that cover part-time employees and casual workers.

As a part-time or casual worker, income protection will pay you a portion of your regular earnings to help you get by till you're recovered from your injury or illness and can return to work.

3 key conditions include:

Number 1

Minimum hours worked in a week

Most policies will require you to work 20 hours a week to qualify for cover.

Number 2

Minimum weeks worked in a year

Some policies will require you to wotk a minimum of 48 hours per year.

Number 3

Age restrictions

Some policies will enforce a stricter age limit e.g. 18-59.

Who covers part-time or casual employment?

ProviderRequired employment statusMinimum hours*Apply

Nobleoak logo

Not stated20 hours

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AAMI insurance logo

Permanent and part time20 hours

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Insuranceline logo

Permanent and part time20 hours

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Suncorp Insurance logo

Permanent and part time20 hours

More info

TAL logoNot stated20 hours

Get quote

Zurich Income Protection logo

Permanent and part time or technically casual20 hours

More info

AIA LogoPermanent part time20-25 hours

More info

Asteron logoPermanent and part time20-30 hours

More info

BTNot statedNot stated

More info

Clearview logoGainfully employed20 hours

More info

commbankPermanent and part time20 hours

More info

MLC Life Insurance LogoPermanent and part timeNot Stated

More info

OnePath Life Insurance LogoPermanent and part time20-30 hours

More info

*Can vary depending on the type of occupation. Always consult the Product disclosure statement (PDS) if you are unsure.

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Can I get income protection insurance when I work less than 20 hours per week?

Yes. While it is typical for income protection policies to require one to work at least 20 hours per week, there are still other options available. Zurich Ezicover, for example has a special level of cover for those who work less than 20 hours per week, and Onepath Living Expenses Cover can cover those who may not be working enough hours to qualify for standard income protection insurance.

If you work less than 20 hours per week, you may be able to get cover under "homemaker" income protection policies, but should make sure that working on a casual basis does not disqualify you from "homemaker" status with a certain policy.

Part-time and casual income protection for different occupations

Depending on your job, your income protection insurance will have different benefits and requirements. Insurance providers categorise occupations based on risk level and it’s important to know which category your job falls into. Some occupations such as farming are also susceptible to unpredictable income fluctuations, and you should ensure that you have good income protection insurance to help cover these unexpected shortfalls. Learn more about income protection insurance to make sure you have the best cover for your job.

Can I get income protection as a stay-at-home-parent?

Stay-at-home parents or 'homemakers' can also claim income protection. A growing number of insurers in Australia are recognising homemakers as eligible recipients for income protection benefit payments. Insurers recognise the financial strain of losing a homemaker as it often results in needing to pay for the services of a professional worker to carry out day-to-day tasks. For single parents, injury or illness can mean that they can’t care for their children.

The BT Income Protection plan, for example, provides a benefit payment of up to $5,000 per month for up to two years if the homemaker is unable to perform normal home duties as a result of serious illness or injury.The BT Protection Plan also allows homemakers to take out a Children's Benefit under the income protection plan for homemakers. This insures their children for a lump sum amount in case of major medical events. In order to qualify for the Home Duties benefit which covers work around the house, applicants must be engaged in at least 20 hours of work per week.

Tips for finding the right income protection policy

Number 1
Look at the cost of the plan and make sure you can afford the premiums.
Number 2
Check to see which providers offer cover for part-time workers and how many hours you need to be working to get it.
Number 3
Compare the maximum coverage levels available with different providers to find a plan that offers you a good level of security. You may have a preference for a lump sum payment, or for ongoing payments.
Number 4
Compare the benefit periods and the waiting times available with different providers to find one that works for your savings and income.
Number 5
Consider cover from a range of different providers. Rule out the insurance companies that don't have plans you're eligible for.
Number 6
If you're having trouble finding the best option, use the Income Protection Insurance Finder to compare a wide range of options and find the best cover for your situation.

Compare income protection quotes from these direct brands

Tip: If you want to compare policies side-by-side, simply click the 'Compare' tickbox. Then select 'Get a quote' to get started.

1 - 6 of 10
Name Product Minimum Hours Eligibility Maximum % of Income Covered Maximum Monthly Benefit Average Claims Acceptance Rate Sum Insured Apply
TAL Accelerated Protection Income Protection
20
Up to 70%
$30,000
Data not available
$1,305 million
AAMI Income Protection
20
Up to 75%
$10,000
Data not available
$222 million
NobleOak Income Protection
20
Up to 70%
$30,000
97%
$65 million
Medibank Income Protection
Medibank Income Protection
20
Up to 70%
$12,500
Data not available
Data not available
ahm Income Protection
20
Up to 70%
$10,000
Data not available
Data not available
Insuranceline Income Protection
20
Up to 75%
$10,000
95.70%
$222 million
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