It's insurance that pays you a regular benefit if you can't work due to an accidental injury – and if illness cover is included, also for sickness. It can help replace lost income so you can cover living costs while you recover.

Personal Accident & Illness (PA&I):

• Covers accident (and illness if added) for a shorter benefit period (often 12–104 weeks).
  
• Easier to get approved – fewer medical questions upfront.
  
• Insurer can choose not to renew each year.
• Generally offers more basic coverage.

Income Protection:

• Covers accident and illness, often to age 65.
• Requires full medical underwriting upfront.
• Guaranteed renewable – the insurer can't cancel as long as you pay premiums.
• Typically includes additional benefits not found in PA&I policies.

Because it's assessed year-by-year. If your health, job risk, or claims history changes, the insurer can choose not to offer renewal. Income Protection locks in cover terms for the long term.

It depends on your specific policy. Some policies include work-related accidents, while others may exclude them entirely. Where covered, Workers Compensation will apply first if eligible, and PA&I may top up or cover gaps.

Yes – PA&I generally covers you 24/7 unless a specific exclusion applies.

Yes – as long as you meet income verification requirements and are actively working at the time of injury or illness.

Most policies require you to be actively employed when the injury/illness occurs. Coverage while between jobs is highly policy-dependent and often limited or excluded entirely.

Sometimes – it depends on the insurer and the risk involved.

Usually yes (often called "journey cover"), unless Workers Compensation covers it first. This may be a specific inclusion or add-on in some policies.

Often yes for low- and medium-risk sports. High-risk sports (e.g., motorsport, martial arts, rock climbing) may be excluded unless agreed in writing.

Standard Personal Accident only covers injury. You can add illness cover for sickness-related time off work.

Most policies cover you worldwide but require Australian medical certification. Some destinations or activities may be excluded, and many policies limit the duration of overseas coverage (e.g., 90 days).

Yes, unless the injury is from an excluded activity.

Yes – but you must notify your insurer if your new job is riskier.

Aim to replace enough income to cover your essential expenses (mortgage/rent, bills, groceries, school fees).

Check your tax return or income statements for your average income. Your accountant can help. Most insurers cap benefits at 75-85% of your pre-disability income.

Agreed value: Your benefit is fixed at policy start.
Indemnity value: Your benefit is based on income at the time of claim.

Yes – but you may need updated income proof and possibly a new medical assessment, especially for benefit increases.

It depends on your benefit period – often 12, 52, or 104 weeks.

The time between your accident/illness and when payments start. Common periods are 7, 14, 21, or 28 days. Shorter waits cost more.

Yes – partial benefits may be paid based on reduced earnings.

Yes – but benefits may be reduced if total payouts exceed your pre-disability income.

• Contact us or your insurer promptly.
• Provide medical certificates and income proof.
• Complete a claim form and submit supporting documents.

Initial claim assessment may take several weeks. Once approved and the waiting period is over, payments are usually weekly or monthly.

Yes – with tax returns, payslips, or accountant statements.

Yes – Workers Compensation, Centrelink, or other insurance payouts may offset your benefit.

Yes – if it's a new injury. If it's the same injury within the relapse period (often 6 months), your claim may restart without a new waiting period.

Any injury, illness, or condition you had before your policy started – even if symptom-free for years.

Usually no, unless specifically accepted in writing by the insurer.

Many insurers use a defined lookback period (often 2-5 years) for pre-existing conditions, though some may consider your entire medical history depending on the condition.

It can be if your current claim is linked to it.

It can still be excluded if it existed before the cover began.

Sometimes – options include adding an exclusion, covering after a symptom-free period, extra premiums, or declining it.

Under Section 28 of the Insurance Contracts Act 1984, the insurer may deny related claims and could cancel your policy for non-disclosure.

No – only claims linked to that condition.

Tell us or the insurer so we can clarify and get confirmation in writing.

For income replacement policies, premiums are generally tax-deductible, and benefits received are taxable. However, tax treatment varies by policy type and purpose – check with your accountant.

They can – especially as you age and with changes in claims experience.

Yes – under Section 53 of the Insurance Contracts Act, they may increase premiums, alter benefits, or add exclusions at renewal.

Health changes, job risk changes, or claims history.