How to make a claim
After lodging a claim, you’re looked after by a dedicated UniSuper case manager. They’ll answer any questions you have and will keep you updated at every stage of the claims process.
How long this process takes depends on:
- the type of claim
- your circumstances
- how quickly we receive the required documents and information.
The earlier you let us know about your claim, the sooner we can help. To get started, call us on 1800 825 246.
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To learn more about our approach to insurance claims, consider reading our Claims Philosophy guide (PDF 192 KB).
Our insurance claims process
Death and terminal illness
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Lodging a claim
When you notify us about your claim we’ll let you know what information we will need. To get an idea of what this may include, you can find general requirements for death cover and terminal illness claims below.
Death cover
If a loved one has passed away, we may ask for:
- a certified copy of the death certificate
- a certified copy of the deceased members proof of identity
- a Statement of Dependants form
Terminal illness cover
To claim your insurance benefit, your medical practitioners will need to certify that your life expectancy is less than 24 months.
You can also access your super early, however there could be significant consequences, including forfeiting your insurance cover. Call us on 1800 331 685 and we can take you through your options.
As part of your claim, we may ask for:
- certification from two of your medical practitioners, one of whom is a specialist
- additional information from your doctors
- a Medicare history report.
For more information about medical practitioners qualified to provide certification, refer to the Insurance in your super booklet (827 KB).
If you’d like to talk through your options or requirements, please call us on 1800 331 685.
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Assessment
We’ll work with the insurer to assess the claim based on the information we receive. If we require more information, we may contact you or other people, such as doctors or other potential beneficiaries.
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Decision and payment
We’ll let you know the claim outcome and arrange payment if your claim is approved. We’ll pay the benefit according to the binding beneficiary nomination if there’s one in place. Otherwise, we’ll consider all possible beneficiaries before deciding who to pay. These may include:
- dependants listed in the non-binding beneficiary nomination, if there is one
- people named in the Will, or
- any dependants as defined under superannuation law.
To ensure payment reaches the right person, we’ll usually request certified copies of ID documents. This may include the ID of dependants and other beneficiaries.
Disability and Income Protection
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Lodging a claim
After you tell us about your intention to claim, we’ll let you know what information to provide. This may include:
- reports from your doctors, specialists and allied health providers
- a medical assessment from an independent specialist or practitioner on your condition or capacity to work
- financial information.
If you need help collecting information important to your claim, you can authorise us to collect it on your behalf.
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AssessmentWe’ll work with the insurer to assess your claim based on the information we receive. If we require more information, we may contact you or other people, such as your doctor.
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Decision and payment
We’ll let you know your claim outcome and make payment arrangements if your claim is approved. As part of your payment, we’ll:
- request certified copies of ID documents
- detail any waiting periods that may apply
- outline the conditions for ongoing payments.
We also conduct regular reviews of entitlements. How often we review your case depends on the type and cause of your claim, but as a guide we review:
- disablement claims every two years
- temporary incapacity and Income Protection claims every six months.
Defined Benefit Division (DBD) inbuilt benefits
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What DBD inbuilt benefits cover
If you’re a DBD member, you receive inbuilt benefits that cover you if you:
- become temporarily incapacitated due to illness or injury
- become totally and permanently disabled,
- have a terminal illness, or
- pass away.
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DBD inbuilt benefits fact sheets
To learn more about inbuilt benefits, including special conditions and limitations, refer to the following fact sheets:
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How to make a claimTo request your inbuilt benefit claim forms and learn what information you’ll need to provide for your claim, call us on 1800 331 685.
If you don't agree with our claim decision
You can ask us to review your claim if you believe our decision:
- doesn't meet your needs, or
- doesn't consider new or changed information.
If after your review you still don’t agree with our decision, you can lodge an objection with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA).