Reading time: Most TWUSUPER members have Death and Total and Permanent Disablement (TPD) insurance cover included with their super.
If you're one of those members, there are some important things for you to remember at this time.
If you have cover, you're covered for COVID-19
On behalf of our members, when COVID-19 came to Australia we negotiated with our insurer to remove the exclusion on pandemics. This means you'll be covered for COVID-19 and any future pandemics.
End-of-cover conditions
Your insurance cover will be turned off if:
- You close your account. This may also happen if you request an early release payment and the amount you request is more than you have in your account, or your remaining balance no longer supports the payments of your insurance fees.
- You tell us you don't want the insurance cover anymore.
- You reach age 65 for basic TPD cover and income protection (IP) cover.
- You reach age 70 for all other insurance cover, including death cover.
- You're accepted for an insurance claim (some exceptions may apply).
- Your account becomes inactive. 'Inactive' means TWUSUPER hasn't received a contribution or a roll-in of money into your account for 16 months. We won't turn off your insurance before giving you the option to tell us you want to keep your cover. If you put money into your account before the cancellation date your cover will continue as long as you have sufficient funds to pay for the premiums (and the 16-month countdown will begin again from your last contribution).
- Your account balance no longer supports the payment of your insurance fees. You'll receive a written notice so you can top up your account to avoid your cover ending.
For full terms and conditions on how and when your insurance cover will end, please refer to the Insurance Guide.
IP cover when you're not working
If you have Income Protection (IP) cover on your account, and you are not working, any future payments you apply for through IP may be affected. You may need to review your insured amount and your income you have earned through gainful employment over the last 12 months. This is because your income protection payments are based on the salary you have earned from gainful employment.
If you're eligible to receive IP payments from TWUSUPER, your monthly benefit may also be reduced by any other disability income you may receive, such as sick leave, workers compensation and social security benefits.
For full terms and conditions on income protection benefits and amounts you may be entitled to receive please refer to the Insurance Guide.
If you need to lodge a claim
Insurance claims can be complex, so we have a dedicated team who can help you understand your benefits, explain the process and answer any questions you may have. Call us on 1800 222 071.
If you have a claim in progress
Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, claims assessment is taking a bit longer than we’d like. Thanks for your patience and understanding as we work with our insurers to obtain medical reports, Workers’ Compensation files and other information required to assess your claim. We are committed to providing you with the best service possible, as quickly as possible.
If you’re concerned about the length of time your claim is taking, it may be worth contacting your treating doctors to ask if they have any outstanding actions that our insurer has requested from them as part of your claim. Our insurer needs to receive all requested information before a claim process can be completed.
If you have a claim in progress, you will be provided with regular updates from our insurer or from your Case Manager at TWUSUPER.
If you need more information
To check what insurance you have on your account, or update your insurance options, login to Member Online. You can reduce or cancel your insurance online and apply for more insurance.
If you need any more information about your account and the benefits you have as a TWUSUPER member please call us 1800 222 071.