Income protection benefit periods

In Australia, insurers typically offer 2 and 5 year benefit periods. Some go as high as the age of 65.

Income Protection

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 - 5 of 7
Product AUFLI-INC Finder Score Maximum monthly benefit Maximum % of income covered Maximum benefit period Minimum entry age Sum insured
Finder score
$30,000
Up to 70%
Up to
Age 65
19
$1,305 million
Get up to 70% of your income covered with flexible short and long term benefit periods.
Finder score
$10,000
Up to 75%
Up to
5 years
18
$222 million
Take out an AAMI Income Protection policy and get a $100 eGift card after 4 months of cover. Offer ends 03/03/2025. T&Cs apply.
Finder score
$12,000
Up to 70%
Up to
5 years
19
$5 million
Get your first month of cover free when you buy Zurich EziCover Income Protection.
Finder score
$10,000
Up to 70%
Up to
5 years
18
Data not available
Get 10% off your first year of ahm income protection when you apply by 10 Dec 2024. T&Cs apply.
Finder score
$12,500
Up to 70%
Up to
5 years
18
Data not available
Save 10% on your first year of Medibank Income Protection when you apply by 10 December 2024. T&Cs apply.
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Finder Score - Income Protection

Income Protection is a little complicated and a lot overwhelming. That's why we made the Finder Score, to make it easier to compare Life Insurance products against each other. Our experts analysed over 12 products and gave each one a score between 1 and 10.

But a higher score doesn't always mean a product is better for you. Your situation is unique, so your policy choice will be too. Don't think of Finder Score as the final word, but as a good place to start your life insurance comparison.

Read full Finder Score methodology

Why compare life insurance with Finder?

  • You pay the same price as buying directly from the life insurer.

  • We're not owned by an insurer (unlike other comparison sites).

  • We've done 100+ hours of policy research to help you understand what you're comparing.

How much cover can I receive and what's the benefit period?

ProviderMaximum Monthly Cover*Benefit Period*Apply
TAL Life Insurance LogoMaximum of $12,000Up to 5 yearsGo to Site

Nobleoak logo

Maximum $30,000Age 65 More info

Zurich Income Protection logo

Maximum of $30,000Up to 5 years

More info

AIA Life Insurance LogoMaximum of $30,000Up age 70

More info

Asteron Life Insurance Logo

Maximum of $60,000Up to 5 years to the age of 70

More info

BT Life Insurance LogoMaximum of $60,000Up to 5 years to the age of 70

More info

Clearview Income Protection LogoMaximum of $30,000Up to 5 years to the age of 70

More info

Picture not describedMaximum of $10,000Up to 2 years

More info

MLC Life Insurance LogoMaximum of $30,000Up to To Age 70

More info

OnePath Life Insurance LogoMaximum of $30,000Up To Age 65

More info

*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 injuriesFractures, sprains, etc1-3 months
Serious injuriesLoss of a limbs or body parts, etc1-2 years
ParalysisSpinal cord injuries, paraplegiaUp 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


Get a quote for income protection

Frequently asked questions

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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). See full bio

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