A recent report from iRess highlights a concerning trend among insurers, revealing that some allocate as much as 47% of their Income Protection recommendations to products featuring monthly benefits that decrease to 60%, or even 48%, after a two-year period. This finding is particularly noteworthy as it contrasts sharply with my expectations and the prevailing discussions surrounding the reduction of Income Protection products. For a comprehensive comparison, please refer to the details below.
The disparity in potential benefits can be significant. Below is a straightforward example:
Age of Claim: 40
Income: $120,000
Benefit payable to Age 65 without indexation:
- A product that pays 70% continuously to Age 65: $2,100,000
- A product that decreases to 60% after two years: $1,824,000
- A product that decreases to 47% after two years: $1,465,200
- Only insuring 60% of the income: $1,800,000
It is likely that many individuals would find it difficult to manage a 30% reduction in income, let alone a 40% or 53% decrease. For those who can sustain themselves on 60%, there remains the option to establish the monthly benefit at that level from the outset.
Notably, every insurer in the market offers a product that provides 70% coverage through to Age 65. The following is a list of these offerings:
- Zurich Income Safeguard (Zurich offers a single Income Protection policy, with benefits that do not decrease)
- OnePath Income Secure (OnePath also provides one Income Protection policy, without a decrease in benefits)
- AIA IP Core (Flat 70%)
- ClearView Income Protection Flex (IP 70) Cover
- Encompass Income Protection Cover
- MetLife Income Cover
- MLC Income Assure
- NEOS Income Support (with Extended Care option)
- TAL Income Protection Extend
In conclusion, the iRess report highlights a significant concern in the Income Protection insurance sector. Consumers must carefully evaluate these options to select policies that provide comprehensive coverage and ensure financial stability in unforeseen circumstances.
Want to know more?
If you’d like to discuss any of the content in this article and how it may apply to you, please call me on 1800 668 153.
You can also book a discovery call thru our live calendar.
We love hearing from our readers! Please send us your questions, feedback or interest topic by clicking here.
Author Profile: Jeffrey Liu, JP, is the founder and principal adviser of Hippo Insurance (aka: Hippo Wealth), with a deep expertise in wealth protection. His extensive experience includes roles in the wealth management divisions of Westpac, ANZ, and a local multi-family office. As the host of “Riches Talk,” a podcast dedicated to cultivating personal and business growth, Jeffrey has established himself as a thought leader in developing life riches. His insights have been featured on SBS, The Australian, and Channel 7. Notably, he was a semi-finalist on Australia’s Got Talent in 2010. Learn more at http://www.hippoinsurance.com.au
