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 TPD claimtotal and permanent disablement cover with HESTA
If you can’t work anymore because of a serious illness or injury, Total and Permanent Disablement (TPD) Cover pays a lump sum. This can help cover medical costs, home care, and everyday bills.
what is total and permanent disablement (TPD) cover?
TPD Cover pays you a lump-sum benefit if a serious illness or injury means you’re unlikely to work again.
Unlike Income Protection (IP) Cover which pays a monthly amount for a period of time, TPD Cover pays a lump sum which can help with one-off costs. These could include costs to modify your home, pay off your mortgage, cover medical expenses, or to pay for long-term care.
You generally can't get TPD Cover by itself. To get it, you also need Death Cover. TPD Cover doesn't start on its own — you must apply for it.
Fixed cover vs unit-based cover
You can choose between fixed or unit-based TPD Cover. Fixed cover means your fees will increase as you get older, but the amount you’re insured for will generally stay the same. With TPD Cover, your fixed amount starts reducing each year from age 61, reaching zero at age 70.
Unit-based cover means the level of cover and fees you pay change depending on your age. You can change between fixed and unit-based cover any time through your online account.*
Paying for TPD Cover
Fees for your cover are automatically deducted from your account balance. To keep your TPD Cover active, you'll need enough money in your HESTA Super account to pay your insurance 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 lump sum. Tax may apply depending on your age and personal circumstances.
Cover period
Your cover stays active until you turn 70, as long as you remain eligible.
Cover type
Fixed or unit-based. You can choose cover that changes with your age (unitised), or cover that stays the same dollar amount (fixed).*
Maximum cover
You can apply for more units of cover up to a maximum of $2 million.*
Parental leave waiver
If you take employer-approved parental leave, insurance fees can be waived for 12 months. If your baby is born early (before 37 weeks), this waiver period doubles to 24 months.
eligibility for TPD Cover
To be eligible for TPD Cover, you generally need to:
- be a HESTA member
- be at least 15, and under 70 years of age
- not have received a TPD or terminal illness benefit under any insurance policy before.
- hold or apply for at least some Death Cover alongside your TPD Cover.
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.
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).
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.
Apply for TPD Cover
TPD Cover doesn't start on its own - you need to apply for it. TPD Cover is only available combined with Death Cover, so you must hold, or apply for Death Cover at the same time.*
Change your cover
You can apply to change your cover any time if it doesn’t suit you. You can increase or reduce your cover, or switch between unitised and fixed.*
Transfer your cover
You may be able to move your existing TPD 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