Words matter in a TPD claim. Subtle differences in how you describe your condition — to your doctor, on the claim form, or in communications with the insurer — can significantly affect the outcome. Here are the most important things to be careful about.
Don't minimise your condition on your best days
People naturally describe how they feel on average or on a decent day, particularly with health professionals. In a TPD claim, what matters is your typical experience — including bad days, fluctuations and the full range of your symptoms. If you clean up well for appointments but struggle on most days, make sure your doctors know what your worst days look like.
Don't say you "could work if" there were accommodations
Comments like "I could manage a desk job if I had regular breaks" or "I might be able to do light work" are routinely used by insurers to deny claims under any-occupation definitions. If you don't believe you can genuinely sustain employment, frame it that way — or don't speculate at all.
Be consistent across all documents
What you write on the claim form must be consistent with what your doctors write in their reports, and with your employer records. Inconsistencies — even innocent ones — trigger queries and give the insurer grounds to challenge your credibility.
Don't downplay your history on the claim form
The claim form may ask about prior medical history. Omitting conditions you think are unrelated can come back as a non-disclosure argument. Disclose fully and let your specialist explain why a past condition is unrelated to the current claim.
Don't volunteer information the form doesn't ask for
Stick to answering what's asked. Volunteering information about part-time work you've tried, activities you can do, or conditions you've managed gives the insurer material to work with that may not help your claim. Our free eligibility check can help you prepare.