Terminal illness fact sheet and claim form
Important information about terminal illness claims, as well as forms you need to start your claim.
Terminal illness claim form (PDF)making a terminal illness claim
Receiving a terminal illness diagnosis is incredibly difficult, and we understand that paperwork is the last thing you want to think about. Our team is here to help you through the claim process.
what is a terminal illness benefit?
If you have Death Cover and are under 75 (the cover expiry age), you may be eligible for a terminal illness insurance benefit.
You may also be able to access your super balance early. To be eligible, your doctors will need to confirm that your life expectancy is within a set timeframe (24 months if under 70; 6 months if aged 70–75).
If so, you may be able to claim:
- Early release of super - allowing you to access your super balance early.
- Death Cover benefit - an insurance payment that you can claim if you have death cover with HESTA.
what do I need to make a terminal illness claim?
To be eligible to access your benefits, you must be a HESTA member, and a terminal medical condition must exist. This means:
- two doctors have confirmed your diagnosis. One must be a specialist (practising in an area related to the injury or illness) in your area of illness or injury. Their reports must be no older than 12 months and made no more than 90 days apart from each other.
- they have certified that your illness or injury is likely to result in death within a set time frame
- that time frame has not yet ended.
Early release of your super
The two medical certificates (signed by your doctor and specialist) must confirm that your life expectancy is no more than 24 months (if you are under 70) or 6 months (if you are aged 70–75) from the date they are signed.
If you're not sure whether you're eligible, please call us. We're happy to help you understand your options.
Death Cover benefit
To be eligible to receive your Death Cover payment, your terminal medical condition must likely result in your death within a set time frame:
- Under age 70: the time frame is 24 months from the date of your medical certificate.
- Aged 70 and up to 75: the time frame is 6 months from the date of your medical certificate.
The terminal illness benefit payable is the lesser of your insured benefit or $3,000,000.
Please note: once a terminal illness benefit is paid, your Death Cover will cease.
Check if you have Death Cover
Check your online account to see if you have Death Cover. If you do have Death Cover, you may be able to claim both the early release of your super and the Death Cover benefit.
If you don't have Death Cover, your terminal illness early release payment will only be your super account balance.
Before submitting this claim, make sure you have the right documents. Getting them together upfront helps us assess your claim faster.
Documents you'll need
- a completed claim and payment authority form
- signed authority to release health information form (only if you’re claiming the Death Cover benefit)
- medical certificates or reports from your doctor and specialist
- copies of test results and diagnostic reports from your specialist (if you have Death Cover)
- a completed and certified identity form
We need these to follow the law, assess your claim, and prevent fraud.
Let us know as soon as you can. The fastest way is through your online account.
We'll need some basic details:
- your member number
- your full name and date of birth
- a short summary of your illness
- your GP or specialist’s contact details
- your contact details.
Notify us via your online account
Once your documents are ready, we’ll give you a case manager. But you’ll also need to:
- fill in, sign and date the terminal illness benefit claim form
- attach both medical reports and your diagnostic reports
- fill in the certifying your identity form
- send in all your information to us:
- by email to hesta@hesta.com.au, or
- by mail to HESTA, Locked Bag 35007, Collins St West VIC 8007.
Tip: Send us all the right documents before you lodge your claim. This helps us assess it faster. If details are wrong or documents are missing, it may take longer.
See the Terminal illness claim form (PDF) for more details.
Once we get your forms and documents:
- we'll check if you can access your super early as a terminal illness benefit payment.
- if you have death cover, we send your claim to our insurer, AIA.
If you have death cover, AIA will review your death cover claim. They may also ask your doctor or specialist for more medical details.
Your case manager will keep you updated along the way.
Tips to avoid delays:
- make sure all forms are filled in, signed and dated
- include all test and diagnostic reports from your specialist
- provide both medical reports (GP and specialist)
- check that your identity form is complete
- call us first if you're not sure about anything.
We'll send our decision to you in writing and explain the next steps.
Once your claim is approved, we’ll arrange payment as soon as we can.
If you have Death Cover, your payment may include your super balance and your Death Cover benefit.
If you don’t have Death Cover, your payment will be your super balance.
Important: if you take out your full super balance, any insurance cover you have will stop. If you want to keep some cover, you may wish to leave a small balance in your account.
 | Our commitmentWe must act in the best financial interests of our members. All claims are assessed fairly. Your case manager will help you through each step. |
what if I'm unhappy with the process?
Lodge a complaint with us
If you have a complaint about your claim or the claims process, please contact us to make a complaint.
If you're not happy with our response, you can escalate your complaint to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). Visit our Complaints page for more information.
more resources
Nominate a beneficiary
Your super isn’t automatically included in your estate, so nominating a beneficiary means there are clear instructions on who you want to receive your super.
More about beneficiaries
Check your insurance cover
You can check your insurance cover by logging in to your online account, and clicking on the Insurance tab.
Log in to your online accountWe're here for you
Our team can help with questions about the process, an existing claim, or starting a new claim. You can get in touch by calling 1800 813 327 or contacting us.