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Chronic illnesses are long lasting diseases with persistent effects. They can have significant social and economic consequences for peoples’ quality of life. According to research, just under half of all Australians will experience a chronic condition at some point in their lives. We know that chronic illnesses and conditions can look different in different people, and manifest in a variety of ways. During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many people with chronic illnesses have found themselves feeling particularly vulnerable, and even unable to maintain employment or return to work in an environment of rising unemployment. In these circumstances, it is important that you understand all of your rights and options. This blog busts some common myths, and provides practical information about what you need to know about total and permanent disability (TPD) insurance if you have a chronic illness.
Read more here:
Are you living through the COVID-19 pandemic with a chronic illness? Know your rights! – Littles
I have a chronic illness. Am I eligible for TPD benefits? – Littles
Chronic illnesses are long lasting diseases with persistent effects. They can have significant social and economic consequences for peoples’ quality of life, and include
• Multiple Sclerosis
• asthma
• cancer
• Motor Neurone disease
• Parkinson’s disease,
• cardiovascular disease
• chronic kidney disease
• depression
• chronic fatigue syndrome
and a range of other illnesses and conditions. We know that chronic illnesses and conditions can look different in different people, and manifest in different ways. This includes the effect of chronic illness on people’s ability to continue working – let alone managing family and personal responsibilities.
Read more here: Information on TPD claims for people with Multiple Sclerosis – Littles
…busted! Many people think that TPD insurance is for people who have been injured at work, or have recently become unwell. At Littles, we want people to know the facts around TPD and income protection insurance, and what you might be entitled to. After all, this insurance is often paid for through your super fund – money you have worked hard for! Importantly, people who suffer from a chronic illness are unaware that they may be entitled to TPD benefits. We’ve heard from clients with chronic illnesses such as MS that they didn’t bother taking out income protection insurance, or didn’t make a claim on their insurance, because they believed they were not eligible to claim on the basis of a chronic illness. This is not the case! Most people who are diagnosed with MS and have worked at some time during their life will be entitled to claim income protection and TPD benefits.
…busted! Sometimes the doctors are simply unable to agree about whether you will work again. Usually, what we see is your treating doctors saying you will never return to work and supporting your claim, whilst doctor/s engaged by the insurer says that you will. Your insurer will usually prefer the opinions of their doctors over the opinions of your treating doctors. This can seem unreasonable and frustrating when:
· you have only briefly consulted with the insurer’s doctors
· the insurer’s doctors don’t know your situation or circumstances well, or have got many of your details wrong in their report, or
· all of the above!
At Littles, we’ll fight for you. This means ensuring that the insurer properly considers all of the available medical evidence, including reports from your own doctor or independent medicolegal doctor. If your claim has been rejected due to conflicting medical opinions, Littles can help.
…busted! A TPD claim doesn’t have to be stressful – it’s all about seeking high quality legal advice. If you’re suffering from a chronic illness or condition, your health needs to be your number one focus. While insurers say that they’ve made the process of claiming easier so that you don’t need legal representation, our clients tell us differently. Insurance policies continue to be full of legalese and fine print, use different definitions and criteria, all of which provides insurers, super funds and their lawyers with loopholes to avoid paying claims. Seeking legal advice early on in the process can ensure that your claim is considered quicker, and is more likely to lead to a successful outcome. We can also manage all the communication between you and your insurer, pushing back on unreasonable requests, using pressure where the insurer seeks to delay, and presenting evidence so that you put your best foot forward.
Do you have an injury or illness that prevents you from working, or just want to know more about what insurance you have under your super? Get in touch with Littles for a free super claims check. We can help you understand what you’re entitled to. Know where you stand, and get peace of mind.
Not only do we offer a FREE claims check – we handle most insurance claims on a no win, no fee basis. Our Head of TPD and General Insurance, Rowan McDonald, is an insurance law expert. If you think you might have a claim, get in touch with Rowan and his team for high quality legal advice.
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