Can I have both salary continuance and income protection policies at the same time?

Generally you can. However insurers will coordinate benefits meaning the total payout from all policies cannot exceed your pre-disability income often capped at 70% or 75%. It is crucial to disclose all existing cover when applying for a new policy.

What common exclusions apply to income protection and salary continuance insurance?

Common exclusions include intentionally self-inflicted injuries, criminal acts, normal pregnancy and overseas travel to certain high-risk countries. Some policies may also exclude pre-existing conditions if not properly disclosed or if specific waiting periods apply. Redundancy is also generally excluded as mentioned in the main comparison.

How long does an income protection or salary continuance claim take to process?

The processing time for a claim can vary significantly depending on the complexity of your situation, the completeness of your documentation and the insurer's internal processes. Simple claims with clear medical evidence might be resolved in a few weeks while more complex cases could take several months.

Can I increase or decrease my cover amount after taking out a policy?

For individual income protection policies you generally have the flexibility to adjust your cover amount based on changes to your income or financial needs. This might require providing updated financial evidence and could affect your premiums. Salary continuance policies offered through super funds are typically less flexible as they are part of a group plan.

Do I need a medical exam for income protection if I get it through superannuation?

If you acquire income protection through your superannuation as part of a default group policy you generally do not need a medical exam or detailed health questionnaire for a basic level of cover. However if you apply for a higher level of cover or tailored benefits within your super fund a medical assessment may be required.

Salary continuance vs income protection: Pros & cons

Salary continuance is often cheaper than income protection insurance, but cover is tied to your employer.
Income protection premiums are 100% tax-deductible if paid directly, offering customisation and longer benefit periods up to age 65.
Individual income protection typically requires medical checks, unlike salary continuance which often has automatic acceptance via super.

We break down the similarities and differences between salary continuance insurance and income protection, so you can make an informed decision as to which one is right for you.

Key things to consider

Salary continuance insurance and income protection both pay out up to 75% of your regular earnings each month to cover general living expenses if you're unable to work due to an accident, illness or injury.
You can take out income protection as an individual, but salary continuance insurance is generally only available through your employer.
Salary continuance insurance premiums are taken from your superannuation fund, but you'll normally pay for income protection premium directly from your bank account.

Compare salary continuance insurance and income protection in detail

The extent of coverage for both products is similar; however, you there are some differences in the features that salary continuance insurance and income protection offer. Here's the full rundown:

Feature	Salary Continuance Insurance	Income Protection
Maximum benefit period	2 years is standard, but some insurers may offer 5 year benefit periods. Your employer will normally choose this for you.	Choose to receive payouts for 2 or 5 years, or up until the age of 65. You can choose a benefit period that is most suitable to your needs and financial situation.
Level of cover	Usually part of a group policy, features and benefits tend to be generalised and quite limited.	With individual policies, you'll have the choice of customisable features and benefits so you can choose how much payout you'll receive and specify a benefit and waiting period.
Availability	You'll pay premiums and receive benefits through your superannuation. If your super falls below $6,000 or if you stop paying into your super, you will void your policy.	Most choose to pay income protection premiums directly from a bank account. You can pay premiums from your super too, but they will become non-tax-deductible.
Best for?	Primarily taken out within a group super plan or through your employer.	Usually taken out by individuals that don't qualify for group insurance. For example, if you are: Self-employed Small business owner Not entitled to workers compensation benefits
Tax-Deductible	Premiums are not tax-deductible.	Premiums are 100% tax-deductible if paid directly from your bank account.
Flexibility	Usually purchased as part of a group plan, salary continuance insurance is harder to tailor to your exact needs.	Policies can be tailored to you. This includes additional benefits with a choice of benefit periods, waiting periods, premium payment frequency and cover amount.
Medical exam requirements	You don't usually need to undertake any blood tests or medical examinations to take out a policy.	In some cases, you will have to complete health questionnaires, blood tests and/or medical exams.
Premium costs	Salary continuance insurance is typically bought in bulk by employers. By purchasing many universal policies at once, employers usually receive a discounted price on insurance premiums. This is why salary continuance premiums tend to be cheaper than income protection premiums. You can get a policy starting from around $14 per month (ages 20-29) to $45 (ages 50-59).	Income protection is usually purchased as a standalone policy. Premiums tend to be more expensive, as policies are catered to an individual's specific needs. You can choose exactly how much cover you'd like, including your waiting and benefit period. You can get a policy starting from around $59 per month (ages 20-29) to $170 (ages 50-59).
What happens in the case of redundancy?	Salary continuance insurance does not provide coverage for involuntary unemployment.	Income protection does not provide a benefit if you have been made redundant. However, some insurers may provide some assistance by freezing your cover or waiving your premiums.
Future insurability	You will continue to be covered provided that premium payments are met. If you are covered under group salary continuance insurance through your employer, your cover will cease if you change your job.	If the premium payments are met, you will continue to be insured, regardless of any changes in your health.
Learn more	Compare salary continuance policies	Compare income protection policies

Cost comparison: Salary continuance insurance vs income protection

Salary continuance insurance typically demands lower premiums compared to income protection insurance. This is because it is usually purchased as a bulk insurance policy, and can enjoy group discounts. Income protection insurance, on the other hand, tends to demand higher premiums as it is normally customised to an individual's exact needs.

With both salary continuance insurance and income protection, premiums are affected by your age, gender and occupation, along with the waiting and benefit period you choose, and how much cover you're looking for.

We gathered average quotes from 5 income protection brands and 2 salary continuance brands in August 2021. Quotes are subject to change.

Insurance Type	25-29 Male/Female	30-39 Male/Female	40-49 Male/Female	50-59 Male/Female
Income Protection Average Cost	$59.02	$61.27	$82.64	$170.44
Salary Continuance Average Cost	$14.01	$16.41	$24.72	$45.78

Compare income protection policies from these direct Australian brands

6 of 22 results

Finder Score	Maximum monthly benefit	Maximum % of income covered	Maximum benefit period	Minimum entry age	Sum insured
9.5 Excellent TAL Accelerated Protection Income Protection	9.5 Excellent	$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.	Get quote View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
8.6 Great HCF Income Protect Insurance	8.6 Great	$10,000	Up to 70%	Up to 12 months	18	$22 million	Discount: Get 6 weeks free with HCF Income Protect Insurance. Offer ends 10 Nov 2026. T&Cs apply.	Cover up to 70% of your monthly income by choosing a fund that puts members first.	Get quote View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
8 Great Medibank Income Protection	8 Great	$12,500	Up to 70%	Up to 5 years	18	Data not available	Discount: Get 10% off when you purchase by 30 Nov 2026. T&Cs apply.	Get quote View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
9.9 Excellent NobleOak Income Protection Finder Award	9.9 Excellent	$30,000	Up to 70%	Up to Age 65	18	$65 million	Discount: Get 2 months free with NobleOak Income Protection. Offer ends 30 Nov 2026. T&Cs apply.	With NobleOak, you can lock in a policy with a benefit period covering you up to the age of 65. Cover limits may go as high as $30,000.	Get quote View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
8.5 Great AAMI Income Protection	8.5 Great	$10,000	Up to 75%	Up to 5 years	18	$222 million	Discount: Get a $100 first year discount when you take out a new AAMI Income Protection policy. T&Cs apply.	Get quote View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
7.5 Great ahm Income Protection	7.5 Great	$10,000	Up to 70%	Up to 5 years	18	Data not available	Discount: Get your first month of cover for free when you purchase by 30 Nov 2026. T&Cs apply.	Get quote View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading

Showing 6 of 6 results

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 21 products and gave each one a score rank out of 10, to make it easier to compare Income Protection products against each other.

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 the full methodology

Available salary continuance policies in Australia

We gathered quotes from 2 salary continuance insurers in Australia to help you understand how much getting cover could cost you. Costs are based on a benefit period of 2 years, with a 60 day waiting period. Quotes were taken in August 2021 and are subject to change.

Provider	25-29 Male/Female	30-39 Male/Female	40-49 Male/Female	50-59 Male/Female	60-65 Male/Female
AustralianSuper	$3.15	$6.33	$10.47	$13.71	$17.74
Aspect	$24.87	$26.49	$38.98	$77.85	$159.73
Average Cost	$14.01	$16.41	$24.72	$45.78	$88.73

Still not sure? Speak to an insurance specialist to get personalised cover for your needs

How to choose between salary continuance insurance and income protection insurance

Read through these pros and cons of each to determine which insurance product may be more suited to your needs.

Salary Continuance Insurance
Income Protection Insurance

Hand holding money icon

Salary Continuance Insurance Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Since this cover is only available through superannuation, you may already have default cover that you are unaware of. Affordable cover for more basic needs. Suitable for individuals who may have just entered the workforce. You will get automatic acceptance when you apply for cover. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you are not required to undertake any medical exam. Smokers pay the same premium rates as non-smokers. Provide coverage for workers who have high-risk occupations.	Limited benefit period to cover for significant illness or injuries, which may require a longer period of recovery. Only offers basic cover and it is not suitable for more complex needs. Premiums are paid through your super fund, which will affect your retirement savings. Premiums paid are not tax-deductible. If you are covered under a group policy, your cover will cease when your employment has been terminated. Complicated claims process.

Since this cover is only available through superannuation, you may already have default cover that you are unaware of.
Affordable cover for more basic needs.
Suitable for individuals who may have just entered the workforce.
You will get automatic acceptance when you apply for cover.
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you are not required to undertake any medical exam.
Smokers pay the same premium rates as non-smokers.
Provide coverage for workers who have high-risk occupations.

Limited benefit period to cover for significant illness or injuries, which may require a longer period of recovery.
Only offers basic cover and it is not suitable for more complex needs.
Premiums are paid through your super fund, which will affect your retirement savings.
Premiums paid are not tax-deductible.
If you are covered under a group policy, your cover will cease when your employment has been terminated.
Complicated claims process.

income protection icon

Income Protection Insurance Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
You can benefit from a comprehensive policy as you will have the flexibility to tailor your cover with features and benefits that suit your needs. Your choice of waiting and benefit period that will suit your financial circumstances. Your cover will continue regardless of any changes in your health and if you keep on top of your premiums. Income protection premiums are tax-deductible.	May be more expensive compared to income protection cover held inside superannuation. You may be required to undertake a medical exam or blood tests. Applicants with poor health will pay more in premiums and some exclusions may apply. Smokers will pay higher premiums, as much as 20% more. The nature of your occupation will have an effect on the level of premiums you pay. High-risk occupations will generally pay higher premiums.

You can benefit from a comprehensive policy as you will have the flexibility to tailor your cover with features and benefits that suit your needs.
Your choice of waiting and benefit period that will suit your financial circumstances.
Your cover will continue regardless of any changes in your health and if you keep on top of your premiums.
Income protection premiums are tax-deductible.

May be more expensive compared to income protection cover held inside superannuation.
You may be required to undertake a medical exam or blood tests.
Applicants with poor health will pay more in premiums and some exclusions may apply.
Smokers will pay higher premiums, as much as 20% more.
The nature of your occupation will have an effect on the level of premiums you pay. High-risk occupations will generally pay higher premiums.

Still not sure which product is right for you?

It's important to have some kind of income protection, especially if you're the primary earner in your household, are self-employed or not entitled to workers' compensation benefits.

Before you settle on one kind of insurance, ask yourself the following questions:

Do you have enough savings to keep on top of your financial responsibilities if your sick leave runs out? If not, income protection or salary continuation insurance could be a much-needed lifeline.
What kind of premiums can you afford to pay each month? If you're happy to pay more, income protection insurance offers a wider range of customisable features.
Is it important for you to customize your options or can you get by on a more generic policy? If you want to specify your waiting or benefit period, or request a specialist policy, you'll need to opt for income protection insurance.
Would you rather pay monthly premiums from your super or your current account? Both income protection and salary continuance insurance can be paid from your super, but only income protection can be paid directly from your bank account.

Both salary continuance insurance and income protection insurance have their advantages and disadvantages to consider. To make sure that you make the right decision when weighing up your options, you can talk to an insurance consultant who can provide guidance tailored to your needs and unique situation.

Speak to an expert to find the right product for you

What's next?

Life Insurance Quiz - Take this quick, 1-minute quiz to find the right life insurance cover for you.

Income Protection Insurance - Compare income protection insurance features and benefits in just a few seconds.

Salary Continuance Insurance - Discover the pros and cons of salary continuance insurance, compare providers side-by-side and get a quote.

Frequently asked questions

Common exclusions include intentionally self-inflicted injuries, criminal acts, normal pregnancy and overseas travel to certain high-risk countries. Some policies may also exclude pre-existing conditions if not properly disclosed or if specific waiting periods apply. Redundancy is also generally excluded as mentioned in the main comparison.
For individual income protection policies you generally have the flexibility to adjust your cover amount based on changes to your income or financial needs. This might require providing updated financial evidence and could affect your premiums. Salary continuance policies offered through super funds are typically less flexible as they are part of a group plan.

Finder writers are subject matter experts and use primary sources, in-depth research and interviews with other experts to ensure you're getting accurate, up-to-date information. Articles are fact checked in line with our editorial guidelines.

Thank you for your feedback!

Written by

James Martin

Journalist

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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, Insurance News, 7NEWS and The Guardian. An experienced journalist, James' work has featured in publications including The Irish Times, Companies100 and In Business. 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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James has written 167 Finder guides across topics including:

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Lily Jones is a writer at Finder. As well as specialising in travel, Lily also writes for the shopping and legal teams and is a dab hand at reviewing software for small businesses. Lily has a Bachelor of Arts in Russian and Management Studies from University College London. Her passion for travel, food and experiencing new cultures has taken her around the globe, and you’ll always find Lily planning her next adventure. See full bio

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Salary Continuance Insurance vs Income Protection

Salary continuance insurance and income protection both provide a financial safety net if you can’t work due to illness or injury. How you access them, your benefit period and the cost is where they tend to differ. Here's the key differences summarised.