Trauma Insurance
Explained

Critical Illness or Trauma cover pays out a lump sum cash in case you become seriously ill or suffer a major injury. This can help you and your family cover medical costs, access rehabilitation, make required modifications to your home and pay for other expenses giving you financial freedom during a critical time.

Trauma insurance guarantees that a medical emergency does not turn into a financial distress.

What does Taruma Insurance cover?

Trauma, or recovery insurance, covers you for specified serious injuries and illnesses that require extensice medical treatment. These illnesses and injuries include sever burns, major head trauma injuries, and conditions such as cancer, heart attacks, strokes and transplants. It is important to keep in mind that conditions covered under trauma vary depending on the insurance providers, most importantly, the severity of the condition is an important criteria. You can find the details of these criteria in the product disclosure statement of every insurance provider.

How much trauma cover do I need?

When deciding out level of cover for trauma insurance, it is important to consider a few things. Firstly, think about how much money your family would need to cope with daily expenses if you were unable to go to work. Secondly, consider the costs of paying for your medical expenses and recovery on top of your existing financial obligations. It is also important to keep in mind any ongoing or future investments and debts you may have - these could be mortgage repayments, car loans or educational costs. You may also want to look at your contingency plans, savings and any assets you may easily be able to sell, e.g. shares, in case of a financial emergency. There is no one-size-fits-all policy when taking out insurance, the level of cover will depend on your financial situation and personal needs.

How will I pay for my trauma cover?

There are two different options to pay for your insurance premiums - level and stepped. Stepped premiums increase with your age every year, where as level premiums are calculated based on your age at time of the policy application and remain the same until the age of 65. Trauma cover can only be paid out-of-pocket since the change in law in 2014 no longer allows you to fund your trauma via your superannuation.

How is a trauma claim paid and where can I use the payout?

Trauma benefit is paid as a lump sum amount which can give you financial freedom at the time of a medical crisis. You can use the payout to cover a number of expenses such as: a substitute for your income to cover daily expenses if you're unable to return to work, to cover medical expenses that are not paid for by your health insurance, to make required adjustments to your lifestyle a result of the illness or injury, to repay any outstanding debts to reduce the financial stress on your family.

What else do I need to know about trauma cover?

In the event of an illness or injury covered under your trauma insurance, it is important that you keep your medical records handy. This will make the process of receiving the benefit quicker as your insurance company will request these documents to process your claim. It is difficult enough to deal with a medical emergency without the added strain of financial distress. Understanding the meaning of your trauma cover and how it works can help you focus on your recovery and loved ones when times are rough.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

If you would like to discuss the contents of this article, please call us at 02 8015 5507 or email us at info@angelicinsurance.com.au Please note that at Angelic Insurance, we can only provide you with general information, and do not consider your personal objectives and financial situation. You should consider whether the advice is suitable for you before making the final decision.

Tag
Find us on Instagram
Featured Article
About us

We are Australia’s leading risk management and consulting business, working in partnership with Mortgage Brokers in every State and Territory, to protect our local communities whether it be families or their businesses.

Read about our values that drive us everyday