There is a good chance that your largest, most valuable asset is underinsured. It is not your car, it is not your home, it is your ability to generate an income. Income protection insurance can replace up to 75% of your income through your inability to work due to injury or illness. Knowing what cover is appropriate for yourself is an important step in safeguarding your financial life goals. If there are people dependant on you to provide an income, we recommend a review of your existing insurance cover.

Many Australians may not be concerned with insuring their largest financial asset, as it does not immediately impact them. A 2015 report completed by Rice Warner ‘Underinsurance in Australia’ states that, existing levels of Income Protection Insurance for Australians only meets 16% of their needs.

It is possible that you have some default cover within your Superannuation account.

This can be checked by calling you Superannuation provider or reading your Annual Superannuation Statement.

However, this level of cover may only provide you with Income Replacement for a period of two years. There is a possibility that you might not be able to return to work after a period of two years.

• What then?
• Can you still achieve your personal financial goals with no income?
• What happens if you cannot work because of injury or illness?
• Where will you get an income to meet your daily living expenses?

These are important questions you should ask yourself if others rely on you to provide for them. The best time to act is now.

By taking the time to talk to a Financial Advisor or completing an online insurance calculator you can determine what cover amounts and period is sustainable for your needs.

Do not put others in a worse off position because you did not take the time out to check what level of cover is appropriate for you.

Rice Warner. (2018). Australia’s relentless underinsurance gap. [online] Available at: https://www.ricewarner.com/australias-relentless-underinsurance-gap/

Any advice in this publication is of a general nature only and has not been tailored to your personal circumstances. Please seek personal advice prior to acting on this information. The information in this document reflects our understanding of existing legislation, proposed legislation, rulings etc as at the date of issue. In some cases the information has been provided to us by third parties. While it is believed the information is accurate and reliable, this is not guaranteed in any way. Opinions constitute our judgement at the time of issue and are subject to change. Neither, the Licensee or any of the National Australia group of companies, nor their employees or directors give any warranty of accuracy, nor accept any responsibility for errors or omissions in this document. Before making a decision to acquire a financial product, you should obtain and read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) relating to that product. Past performance is not a reliable guide to future returns. The information in this document reflects our understanding of existing legislation, proposed legislation, rulings etc as at the date of issue. In some cases the information has been provided to us by third parties. While it is believed the information is accurate and reliable, this is not guaranteed in any way