Insurance cover when it matters
If you have death cover and have been diagnosed with a terminal illness you may be able to receive a terminal illness benefit payment. This payment can be made up of an insurance payment which is based on how much death cover you had at the date your terminal illness was diagnosed and your super account balance. Terminal illness benefit payments are generally tax-free.
What is terminal illness cover, and how does it work?
Our death cover includes a lump sum payment if you are diagnosed with a terminal illness.
This payment can be considered if your condition is likely to lead to your death within 24 months of being diagnosed.
Applying for a terminal illness benefit
You may be able to claim a terminal illness benefit payment if:
- You had death cover when your terminal illness was diagnosed
- Two doctors approved by our insurer certify your condition is likely to lead to your death within 24 months from when you were diagnosed
- One of the doctors specialises in your condition
- Our insurer is satisfied that you meet the definition of terminal illness in the insurance policy
If your application for a terminal illness insurance payment is not approved by our insurer, you may still qualify for access to your super. You may be able to qualify for a Total and Permanent Disablement (TPD) benefit if you have TPD cover.
- Learn more about what terminal illness cover means (PDF)
- Find out how to claim a terminal illness benefit
What if you do not have death cover?
If you do not have death cover when you’re diagnosed with a terminal illness, you can still apply to access your super, tax-free. Please call us on 1300 361 784 and we’ll explain what you need to do. Find out more information on how to claim a terminal illness benefit.
Things to remember
Your terminal illness cover is part of your death cover. You may be able to claim a terminal illness payment if you had death cover when your terminal illness was certified.
There is no waiting period for a terminal illness claim. You can apply straight away once your condition has been diagnosed by a treating specialist practicing in an area relevant to your condition.
If you do not work for an employer or you are unemployed, you can apply for death cover under Personal Super.
If you are not employed but work as a sole trader, you can obtain death cover automatically when you join Cbus Sole Trader Super.
If you do not receive automatic death cover, you can apply for it until age 70.
Make a terminal illness cover claim
Terminal illness cover can help protect you and your family. It can reduce some of the financial stress in the unfortunate event that you are diagnosed with a terminal illness.
How much cover do I need?
The terminal illness cover is included in your death cover, so the amount you require depends on your circumstances and financial obligations.
Learn more about the amount of automatic death cover you may receive.
Use our calculator
Use our insurance needs calculator to help work out how much cover you might need.