Read the Product Disclosure Statement
You can either download the PDS (in PDF format), or read it in full below.
The Income Protector Plan is promoted by InsuranceLine Pty Ltd, and is insured by TOWER Australia Limited.
Who can apply for the Income Protector Plan?
All Australian residents aged 19 to 56 next birthday can apply, and once accepted you are guaranteed cover right up until the Plan's anniversary after you turn 60. You must also be in paid employment for at least 20 hours a week as an employee, or have been self-employed for at least 6 months.
What am I covered for?
The Income Protector Plan is an insurance policy that can replace up to 75% of your monthly income if you're unable to work due to an accident or illness. If your doctor advises that you can't work, and your claim is approved by TOWER, you can receive up to 75% of your monthly income, to a maximum payout of $5,000 per month (lower limits apply to part-timers and people aged over 50).
What happens if I return to work, only to find that I need more time to recover?
You can resume receiving payouts (providing TOWER agree that you're still unable to work and have not exceeded the payout period) without undergoing a new waiting period, if you resume your claim within six months of returning to work.
What's the cooling off period?
You get 30 days to make sure you are 100% happy with the policy. If not, simply return it for a full refund - there's no risk to you! It is guaranteed.
How much does it cost?
Lower cover amounts available from only $2.95 per week.
Here are some examples of how much premiums could be for people from different age groups, different jobs and with different incomes and financial needs.
| |
Ted, Age 40 |
Jason, Age 35 |
Caroline, Age 30 |
| Occupation |
Electrician |
Registered Nurse |
Receptionist |
| Normal Income |
$4,000 per month |
$3,500 per month |
$3,000 per month |
| Cover |
$3,000 per month (75% of income) |
$1,750 per month (50% of income) |
$750 per month (25% of income) |
| Weekly Cost^ |
$15.76 per week |
$7.79 per week |
$2.95 per week |
^ Examples based on standard rates for non-smokers taking out an Accident & Illness plan, with a 30-day waiting period and 6-month payout period. Premiums increase with age and cover, and subject to acceptance, take into account many factors including a person's age, gender, health and lifestyle. Naturally, rates are lower for less risky occupations such as receptionists, compared to say electricians.
How do I find out the premium that applies to me?
Just call InsuranceLine on 13 77 87. Answer a few simple questions over the phone to find out the premium that applies to you.
Will my premiums ever increase?
The underlying premium rates are not guaranteed, but once your plan has started, you will never be singled out for a premium rate increase, and any increase will be applied to all policyholders to which the same premium rate table applies, with 30 days written notice. Premiums also increase with age or if you increase cover. Unless otherwise requested, premiums also increase each year to allow for the automatic adjustment for inflation.
Will I get a discount if I pay my premiums annually?
Yes, if you pay annually you get a discount of one month's premium!
Are my premiums tax deductible?
Generally, the premiums paid for the Income Protector Plan are tax deductible. However, just as your income is subject to tax, any payouts you receive from the plan will also be assessable for income tax purposes. The taxation information in this PDS is based on the continuation of present laws and their current interpretation and is a general statement only.
Do I have to pay premiums while I'm unable to work?
No. If you are eligible to receive a payout, you won't pay premiums until you are either able to go back to work, or the payout period has been reached. Once your claim payouts start we'll even refund any premiums you paid during the waiting period.
If I cancel my policy, do I get anything back?
If you cancel within 30 days of your policy being issued you will get a refund of any premiums paid. The Income Protector Plan is not a savings plan and has no residual cash value, so if you cancel after the first 30 days you will not get anything back.
What happens if I stop paying my premiums?
The cover provided by the Income Protector Plan will cease. You will be informed in writing if your premium is overdue and if your cover has ceased. It is important to let InsuranceLine know immediately if you cannot pay a premium to help work out an alternative arrangement.
Who do I contact if I have a complaint?
In addition to promoting the Income Protector Plan, InsuranceLine is also currently responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Income Protector Plan under an agreement with TOWER to provide administration services for Income Protector Plan policies.
If at any time you have a dispute or complaint about your policy please contact the InsuranceLine Customer Service Centre in the first instance on 13 77 87 or in writing to Reply Paid 62, Carlton South, VIC 3053. Should you wish to escalate your complaint please ask to speak to the Complaints Officer who will handle your matter personally. InsuranceLine will be acting on behalf of TOWER in addressing any complaint relating to the policy. If you feel your complaint is not resolved within 45 days of reporting it to InsuranceLine, you may refer your complaint to an external dispute resolution service - the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) - on 1300 780 808 or in writing to GPO Box 3, Melbourne, VIC, 3001. To use this external free service you must have first used the above internal dispute resolution service.
The information in this PDS is general advice only. It does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider the appropriateness of this product having regard to your objectives, financial circumstances and needs.
If you have any further questions about the Income Protector Plan just call InsuranceLine on 13 77 87, 8am to 8pm (EST). Or write to InsuranceLine, Reply Paid 62, Carlton South VIC 3053, fax them on 1800 730 099 or email
insuranceline@insuranceline.com.au
The Income Protector Plan is promoted by InsuranceLine Pty Ltd, Level 3, 4 Martin Place, Sydney, NSW 2000, ABN 39 084 666 017, AFSL No 243260
The Income Protector Plan policy is insured by TOWER Australia Limited, 80 Alfred Street, Milsons Point, NSW 2061, ABN 70 050 109 450, AFSL No 237848
This PDS is issued by TOWER Australia Limited on 01/4/2006. From time to time updates about this product will be published by TOWER on the InsuranceLine web site at www.insuranceline.com.au
The InsuranceLine Income Protector Plan is a trademark of InsuranceLine Pty Ltd.
Direct debit request summary
This summary describes how the direct debit request system works. Upon issue of your policy, you will also receive a full copy of the Direct Debit Request Service Agreement. You should read the Agreement carefully as it explains your rights and obligations relating to your ongoing direct debits.
When you complete your bank details and sign the authority, you are authorising the direct debit of the appropriate premiums from your nominated account. Your authority will be kept confidential at all times.
If your premium cannot be paid (for example there's not enough money in your nominated account) your bank may dishonour that payment, in which case your policy may lapse and all cover cease.
If you have concerns about its operation or you subsequently need to change any aspects of the authority, please notify us.
From time to time updates about our services which are subject to change and which are not materially adverse to you may be found on the InsuranceLine website at
www.insuranceline.com.au and if you request a paper copy of any updated information, this will be provided to you without charge.