A Total and permanent disability insurance (TPD) policy provides financial security in the event that an illness or injury leaves you unable to work again, either in your usual occupation or any occupation, depending on the policy. The lump-sum payout can be used to cover medical bills, rehabilitation costs, debt repayments, and ongoing living expenses, giving you and your family peace of mind during a challenging time.

A Total and permanent disability insurance (TPD) condition is typically defined as an illness or injury that leaves you permanently unable to work, either in your usual occupation or in any occupation suited to your skills and experience, depending on the policy. Common conditions covered under TPD include severe injuries such as the loss of limbs, blindness, or major neurological damage, as well as illnesses like stroke, heart disease, or advanced stages of chronic conditions. Each insurance provider has specific definitions and criteria for what qualifies as a TPD condition, so it’s important to review your policy carefully to understand what is covered.

When taking out total and permanent disability insurance, you have the choice of an ‘accelerated’ or a ‘standalone’ policy.

Accelerated total and permanent disability insurance allows you to link it with your Life Insurance, meaning that any total and permanent disability insurance claims will reduce your Life insurance sum insured by the same amount. This option can be more cost-effective but will decrease your Life insurance coverage by the total and permanent disability insurance payout amount. You can add a Life Buy-back option to this policy, which reinstates your Life Insurance amount to its original level after a specified time period.

Alternatively, you can choose total and permanent disability insurance cover as a standalone policy, ensuring that any total and permanent disability insurance claims do not impact your Life insurance coverage.

You have the flexibility to choose the “policy owner,” who will receive the payout if a claim is made. This could be you, or if you are establishing coverage with a partner, you can opt for a “joint” policy, giving both of you ownership of the insurance.

Given that everyone’s situation is unique, an adviser can assess your specific needs and provide research to explain why they recommend one insurance policy over others. They can also compare your current insurance coverage to ensure you are getting the best protection for the premiums you pay. Advisers are independent, allowing them to choose from various providers to best serve their clients’ interests. They are licensed by the government, have met educational standards, and participate in ongoing education to maintain their license. Their work is also regularly audited to ensure compliance with these standards.

Yes, total and permanent disability insurance policies offer joint cover, so you and your partner can get covered in one policy. Some policies even allow an option to add your children (subject to eligibility) to the same policy, so the whole family can be covered.

You have the flexibility to change the ownership of your policy or convert it to a joint policy whenever you wish. This change requires the consent of all existing and new policy owners. For example, you can modify the policy ownership from just yourself to include joint ownership with your partner. An adviser can guide you through completing the Change of Ownership form.

Yes, most Total and permanent disability insurance (TPD) policies in New Zealand have a stand-down period, also known as a waiting period. This is the time you must wait after becoming disabled before you are eligible to make a claim. The length of the stand-down period can vary between providers but is commonly between three to six months. During this time, the insurer will assess whether your condition meets the definition of total and permanent disability.

Additionally, some policies may have specific waiting periods for certain conditions or exclusions, such as pre-existing conditions. It’s important to check the details of your policy and speak with a financial adviser to fully understand any waiting periods that apply.

Each provider has slightly different online questionnaires, but you will generally be asked about your health and lifestyle, age, occupation, height, weight, smoking/vaping status, gender, hazardous hobbies, family medical history and the amount of coverage you would like.

Insurance premiums are influenced by the type and amount of coverage you select, as well as your risk of insurability. Underwriters evaluate this risk based on your specific circumstances, with higher risks leading to higher premiums. Factors they consider include your health and lifestyle, age, occupation, height, weight, smoking or vaping status, gender, hazardous hobbies, family medical history, and desired coverage amount. Additional options, such as buy-backs and accelerated versus stand-alone cover, will also affect your premiums. Premiums can vary significantly among providers, making it important to compare options.

You have several options for how often your premiums are reviewed. At the end of each review period, your premiums will be recalculated based on your coverage amount, age-related changes, and any updates to your insurer’s rates or relevant laws. Your premiums will also change if you adjust your coverage. Generally, you can choose to have your premiums reviewed yearly, every 5 years, every 10 years, or to specific ages (65, 70 or 75). If reviewed yearly, this is called “Rate for Age.” Choosing a set period, known as “Levelled,” means premiums remain unchanged until the end of that period. You can also choose a mix of the two to suit your needs. Your adviser will work with you to help you choose the best premium review period or mix to suit your needs.

The type of policy you select influences how your premiums are calculated. Total and permanent disability insurance premiums can be categorized as Stepped, Level, or a combination of both. To determine the optimal structure for your needs, consult with your adviser.

Stepped premium policies increase on the annual anniversary of your policy. As you age, your premiums will rise, and your insured amount may also increase to keep pace with inflation (this adjustment is known as “indexation”). These factors contribute to higher premium costs. You do have the option to decline the annual indexation of the insured amount, which would result in a smaller premium increase.

In contrast, Level premium policies are designed to remain consistent each year until a predetermined age or term (such as 5, 10 years, or until age 65, 70 or 75). Premiums for Level policies will only change if you alter your coverage or when the level term concludes.

You have several options for how often your premiums are reviewed. At the end of each review period, your premiums will be recalculated based on your coverage amount, age-related changes, and any updates to your insurer’s rates or relevant laws. Your premiums will also change if you adjust your coverage. Generally, you can choose to have your premiums reviewed yearly, every 5 years, every 10 years, or at specific ages (65, 70 or 75). If reviewed yearly, this is called “Rate for Age.” Choosing a set period, known as “Levelled,” means premiums remain unchanged until the end of that period. You can also choose a mix of the two to suit your needs. Your adviser will work with you to help you choose the best premium review period or mix to suit your needs.

Indexation means your coverage amount is adjusted each year to reflect inflation. For example, if your policy covers $100,000 and the inflation rate is 3% that year, your coverage would increase to $103,000. This process ensures that your coverage remains adequate as the cost of living rises. You have the option to opt out of this annual increase if you wish.

Your premium is influenced by several factors, including your health and lifestyle, age, smoking/vaping status, gender, hazardous hobbies, and the amount of coverage you choose

In New Zealand, Total and permanent disability insurance (TPD) insurance policies typically include several exclusions that specify what is not covered. Common exclusions often include disabilities caused by self-inflicted injuries, drug or alcohol abuse, or participation in criminal activities. Certain policies may also exclude pre-existing medical conditions that were known before taking out the policy, unless specifically covered by agreement.

Additionally, total and permanent disability insurance may not cover disabilities resulting from high-risk activities, such as extreme sports or dangerous occupations, unless agreed upon in the policy. It’s important to carefully review the exclusions outlined in the policy wording to fully understand the circumstances in which a TPD claim would not be paid. Consulting with a financial adviser can help ensure clarity on these exclusions.

When you request a quote, it is based on the initial information you provide. Once you submit your details to the underwriters online, they might ask more detailed health and lifestyle questions to assess your risk factors. Depending on your responses, certain aspects of your health and lifestyle may be deemed higher risk by the insurer, which could result in an increase in the original quoted price.

During the application process for T.P.D Insurance, you will need to complete an online questionnaire. Answer all questions to the best of your knowledge and if in doubt refer to your medical records if needed. Incomplete or incorrect disclosure of information can result in the denial of future claims and the cancellation of your policy. Moreover, failure to provide all necessary details may lead to application rejection, potentially affecting if you would like to apply with other insurers. It’s also essential to notify your insurer of any changes in your health status before your application is approved.

Typically, medical examinations or blood tests are not required if there is nothing that you disclose from your medical records that would concern an insurance Underwriter. However, if you are asked to undergo either, there will be no cost to you. Most insurers offer a Health Screening Service, where a registered nurse can visit you at your home or office at a convenient time.

Insurance premiums are determined by the type and level of coverage you choose, as well as your insurability risk. Insurers assess your risk based on your medical and family medical history. Higher risks result in higher premiums. Key factors considered when evaluating total and permanent disability insurance risk include your age, gender, health, lifestyle, medical history, occupation and smoking/vaping status.

Smokers and vapers pay higher premiums than non-smokers. The good news is that if you quit smoking or vaping, your insurer will reduce the cost of your insurance. Once you have been smoke-free or vape-free for 12 months, you qualify as a “non-smoker” in the eyes of insurers.

Most total and permanent disability insurance providers offer worldwide coverage. Regardless of your travel destination, the purpose of your trip, or the length of your stay, your coverage remains intact. This means you are protected even if you travel or relocate overseas from New Zealand for any duration. Be sure to review your insurance contract to understand the specific exclusions and details of what is covered and what is not.

Not a problem. If you decide you do not want the policy you can cancel it within 14 days of receiving your policy document (this is known as the “free-look period”). A signed cancellation letter is all that is required. Any premiums paid during the free-look period will be fully refunded to you.

You, your beneficiary, or your legal representative will need to call or write to your insurer (the contact details will be included in the Product Disclosure Statement of your policy), also your adviser can assist you. You’ll be sent a claim form to complete and return back to them, along with proof the insured event took place. Your insurer may also ask your doctor (if applicable) to fill out a form. If you want to make a claim on your policy, you should do so as soon as possible.