One of the most common questions Australians ask is simple: “If I can't do my job anymore, can I claim TPD?” In many cases, yes — that's exactly what TPD cover is designed for.
What “unable to work” means
TPD (Total and Permanent Disability) insurance pays a lump sum when injury or illness stops you from working on an ongoing basis. The key test is your capacity to work — not whether you've been formally diagnosed as “disabled”.
Own occupation vs any occupation
- Own occupation: you can't return to your specific job. Easier to satisfy.
- Any occupation: you can't do any job suited to your training, education and experience.
Which definition applies to you changes everything, so it's worth identifying early.
You don't have to be bedridden
Many successful claimants can still do day-to-day activities — they simply can't return to the kind of work they used to do. If that sounds like you, a claim may be possible.
The quickest way to find out is our free eligibility check — it takes about 60 seconds.