How to check if you have income protection insurance

You may have cover through your superannuation fund, a retail policy (organised by your financial advisor) or your employer. Contact them and ask if you have income protection and what the waiting and benefit periods are, and what your benefit amount (replaced income) could be.

Understand your policy

Request a Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), if available to you, to understand definitions of disability, waiting period, benefit period, and any exclusions (e.g., pre-existing conditions). Contact the claims department of your super fund or life insurer to understand your next steps. If your income protection insurance is offered by your employer or financial advisor, work with them to understand your cover.

Initiate a claim

Contact the insurer to request a claim pack, which is likely to include forms to help with initiating your claim. Once received, complete all required forms, including the claim form, employer statement, and doctor’s report. You may also need medical certificates and reports/letters from your treating specialist and/or team. These should include your diagnosis, stage of cancer, treatment plan, prognosis, and how the illness affects your ability to work. Incomplete submissions may result in delays while your claim is being processed.

Maintain communication during the claim

Stay in contact with your claims officer. It is important to attend all required medical assessments and submit updated medical certificates as required.

Checklist Before You Submit

• Confirm you have a valid income protection policy
• Understand your waiting and benefit periods
• Gather medical certificates and reports from your oncologist
• Complete all claim forms accurately and include any medical reports and certificates
• Keep copies of everything you submit
• Follow up regularly with your insurer

Common barriers and how to overcome them

“I’m not sure if I have income protection?”

Contact your super fund, employer or financial adviser. A list of superannuation funds are available below as a starting point.

“These forms are complex and difficult to understand.”

Ask a social worker, nurse navigator, financial counsellor, financial advisor or the claims department of your super fund for help.

“My claim is rejected”

Request an internal review and read the decline/rejected letter carefully to understand your options. If needed, escalate to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). https://www.afca.org.au/make-a-complaint

“My cancer-related fatigue and/or mental health concerns are not documented.”

Ensure all functional impairments and treatment side effects are recorded by your medical team. Ask your doctor to note down those health concerns at your next appointment.

“The claim is taking a really long time.”

Keep detailed records, follow up frequently, and escalate if necessary.

Superannuation Fund Contact List for Income Protection Claims

Where to Get Help