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Total and permanent disability

Total and Permanent Disability

Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) cover pays a lump sum if illness or injury permanently stops you from working. It is designed for the worst case, where your earning capacity is gone for good and you and your family need long-term financial certainty.

Why it matters

Why TPD cover matters

TPD is the cover for the long tail. If a serious accident or illness means you can never work in your usual occupation again, a lump-sum TPD payout can clear debts, modify your home, fund ongoing care, and replace decades of lost income in one payment.

Who it is for

  • Mortgage holders and parents
  • Sole income earners
  • Tradies, drivers and physical-occupation workers
  • Anyone whose income is their biggest asset

Cover benefits

What's included

  • Lump sum on permanent disability

    Paid if illness or injury permanently prevents you from working. Use it however your family needs.

  • Own or any-occupation cover

    Cover defined against your own occupation or any occupation. Your adviser helps you choose the right fit.

  • Tailored cover amount

    We calculate a cover amount based on debts, dependants, and lifestyle costs, not a generic multiple.

  • Claims support included

    If a claim happens, our team helps you and your family through every step of the process.

How it works

How to get started

Three steps from first chat to cover in place. We handle the heavy lifting; you stay in control.

  1. No obligation online consultation

    Schedule a free 30-minute consultation over Zoom with a senior Safety Nest adviser. We listen first, then explain your options.

  2. Personalised recommendations

    Based on your unique situation, we'll provide personalised insurance recommendations across our panel of leading Australian insurers.

  3. Application and underwriting

    Our team handles the paperwork and walks you through underwriting end-to-end, so cover is in place without the run-around.

I couldn't be happier with the service provided by Safety Nest. They made the process of getting insurance easy and stress-free.

Zoe Goodhardt

Head of Growth and Marketing, TAG

Common questions

Frequently asked questions about TPD insurance

What does TPD insurance cover?
TPD pays a lump sum if illness or injury permanently prevents you from working. It is designed for serious situations where your earning capacity is gone for good.
What is the difference between 'own' and 'any' occupation TPD?
'Own occupation' pays if you cannot work in your specific job again. 'Any occupation' pays only if you cannot work in any job suited to your training and experience. 'Own' is more expensive but more protective.
How is TPD different to trauma insurance?
TPD pays only if you are permanently unable to work. Trauma pays on diagnosis of a covered condition, regardless of whether you can still work. Many people hold both.
How much TPD cover do I need?
A common approach: cover enough to clear debts, fund any home or vehicle modifications, and replace lost income to retirement. Your adviser will model the specific number for your situation.
Can I hold TPD inside superannuation?
Yes, and it is a common structure. Holding TPD inside super has tax and cash-flow tradeoffs. Your adviser will walk you through retaining, replacing, or topping up super-held cover.

Get started

Secure your family's financial future

Speak with a senior Safety Nest adviser. No obligation, no pressure, just clear advice.