Make a claim
We know that during a difficult time, dealing with things like making a claim can add to the stress. We’re here to guide you through the process step by step.
Make a Terminal Illness claimterminal illness cover with HESTA
With Terminal Illness (TI) Cover, you may be able to access your Death Cover insurance benefit, your super account balance, or both.
what is Terminal Illness (TI) cover?
TI Cover is part of your Death Cover. If you’re diagnosed with a terminal illness, you may be able to access some or all of your Death Cover. A TI benefit is paid early, as a lump sum, instead of being paid to your loved ones after you die.
If you're paid a TI benefit, your Death Cover will end. This is because your TI benefit is paid from your Death Cover. Accessing it early means there's no Death Cover left for your beneficiaries to claim later.
If you also have TPD Cover, getting a TI benefit will reduce your TPD cover by the same amount you’re paid. It the TI benefit is the same as or more than your TPD Cover amount, your TPD Cover will end.
Paying for TI Cover
TI Cover is part of your Death Cover, so there’s no extra fee or cost to pay. To keep your TI Cover active, you'll need enough money in your HESTA Super account to pay your Death Cover fees.
Keeping your HESTA Super account active
Your HESTA Super account needs to be active to maintain your insurance cover. Your account becomes "inactive" if no money goes into it for 16 months in a row. This includes regular payments and money moved in from other super accounts.
If your account becomes inactive, insurance cover will stop, and your account balance may be transferred to the ATO if it’s less than $6000.
You can let us know you want to keep your insurance by:
- Logging in to your online account
- Going to the ‘My Profile’ section under ‘Permissions’, and selecting ‘Please keep my insurance cover if I become inactive’
Alternatively, you can let us know in your application form in the HESTA Super PDS (PDF).
How it's paid
Lump-sum payment into your super account, then released to you as a tax-free lump sum.
Early access to money you’re entitled to
You may be eligible to access your Death Cover while you’re still alive if you meet the definition of “terminally ill”.
No extra cost or separate application
Your Terminal Illness Cover is part of your Death Cover. You don’t need to pay extra, or apply for it separately.
Super account balance
You can access your super account balance if you meet the definition of “terminally ill” – even if you don’t have Death Cover.
eligibility for TI Cover
Because TI Cover is part of your Death Cover, it works a little differently to other types of cover.
To be eligible for TI Cover, you generally need to:
- be a HESTA member with active Death Cover
- be at least 15, and under 75 years of age
- not have received a TPD or terminal illness benefit under any insurance policy before.
Qualifying for a terminal illness benefit
You need to meet the medical definition of “terminally ill” to qualify for this benefit. This means two registered medical practitioners must certify that your illness or injury is likely to cause death within a set period. One of these practitioners must be a specialist practising in an area related to the illness or injury. The set period differs based on your age:
- Under age 70 – likely to result in death within 24 months of certification
- Aged 70 up to the cover’s expiry age of 75 – likely to result in death within 6 months or less of certification.^
Both certifications need to be valid when your claim is assessed.
Accessing your super account balance
Along with your insurance benefit, you may also be able to access your super account balance. You’ll need to meet the definition of terminally ill.
What is a "unit" of cover?
HESTA insurance is measured in units. Each unit represents a set amount of cover. How much each unit is worth in dollars depends on your age and the type of cover. The more units you have, the higher your benefit.
What is Default Cover?
Default Cover is the basic level of cover you get automatically. You don't need to apply or choose anything — as long as you're eligible and haven't opted out.
You have Default Cover (including 2 units of Death Cover and 2 units of IP Cover) if:
- you're 25 years of age or over when cover begins
- you have a balance of at least $6,000 in your HESTA Super account, and
- you’re receiving employer Super Guarantee (SG) contributions.
If you want your cover to start sooner, you can you can ask for it when you join.
New Events Cover
New Events Cover may apply when your cover first starts or restarts. This means you’re only covered for illnesses or injuries that first occur after your cover began.
You can find out more about New Events Cover in Insurance Options (PDF).
Anytime Voluntary Cover offer
You can apply for, or increase, your existing Death and IP Cover. You can have up to 6 units for Death Cover and up to 12 units for IP Cover. Cover you already hold counts towards these limits. You can apply to increase one type of cover, or both.
You can find out more about Default Cover, New Events Cover, and Anytime Voluntary Cover offer in Insurance Options (PDF).
calculate your insurance needs
Use the insurance cover calculator to find out how much insurance you might need. This handy tool compares your current cover to what you might need. It covers Death, TPD, and IP Cover.
Check your cover
Not sure what insurance cover you have? You can check by logging in to your online account, and clicking on the Insurance tab.
Change your cover
You can apply to change your default cover any time if it doesn’t suit you. You can reduce your cover, apply to increase your cover, or cancel your cover online.*
Transfer your cover
You may be able to move your existing Death Cover at another super fund to HESTA without full health checks.* Any existing exclusions or restrictions will still apply.
Wait until your insurance transfer is approved before cancelling your existing cover, to avoid a period without cover.
You can apply by filling out the Insurance transfer form and returning it to us.
Supported workers
A supported worker is a person with a disability, brain injury, or similar condition. Their employer gives them extra help to do their tasks.
When super contributions are low, insurance fees can affect your balance. Supported workers, or their Power of Attorney, can reduce or cancel cover using the Supported workers insurance alterations form.
the importance of nominating a beneficiary
Your super isn’t automatically included in your estate, even if you have a Will. Having a valid non-lapsing binding or binding beneficiary nomination in place when you die means we’ll pay your super as you’ve requested.
Speak to a super expert
Our super consultants are ready to talk to you over the phone or in person to help you understand your insurance needs.
Make a time to talk
Insurance options guide
Find out more about your cover options and how to apply.
Insurance options (PDF)* Subject to the insurer’s approval
^ Only applies if you hold Death Cover