Most people either cringe or yawn when the word insurance is mentioned but regardless of whether you find it scary or boring, managing risk is a necessity in the world in which we now live. Let’s cover all of the bases to help make your home run as easy as possible.

First Base – Income Protection

Considering that over 530,000 people in Australia suffered a work-related injury or illness in 2013/14, what would your future look like if suddenly you were unable to work?

For most of us, the ability to earn an income is our most valuable asset. Depending on your age, your future income may well be worth far more than a house and its contents, a couple of cars, a boat or caravan all combined. Yet few people properly insure their income, and if illness or injury prevents them from working, financial hardship often results. With around half of us likely to spend more than three months off work due to ill health during our working lives, Income Protection insurance should be the first item on the personal insurance list.

Income Protection or Salary Continuance insurance can pay you a regular amount, usually up to 75% of your normal income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. Benefits are taxable, and commence after a waiting period. Payments continue to be made until you return to work or until the benefit period expires. The waiting period and the benefit period are selected at the time of application.

Insurance is a complex area. Policies vary in their detail and insurance companies differ in their approach to processing both applications and claims.

Each type of insurance has a role to play and it is a job for an experienced professional to work out the right amount of each type for you. You should also seek expert advice whenever you consider allowing a policy to lapse to ensure you are fully aware of the potential consequences.

We can analyse your insurance needs and recommend cover that’s right for you and your budget. After all, you don’t want to strike out before reaching first base. Contact us today for an obligation free meeting.

This information is general information only. You should consider the appropriateness of this information with regards to your objectives, financial situation and needs.

GTC Financial Services Pty Ltd ABN 69 596 897 575 is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd ABN 47 097 797 049 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523