How Death cover can help
Death cover can provide financial support for your family should the worst happen. It can help cover expenses like:
• rent or mortgage payments• family-related costs, such as education
• funeral costs
• terminal illness-related necessities.
More benefits
Receive a lump sum payment
Help cover important expenses in the event of your death or terminal illness diagnosis.
Top up your cover after key life moments
Apply to increase your Death cover after significant life events.
Apply for more cover when you need it
Apply for unlimited Death cover including $3 million terminal illness cover.
Not sure how much cover you need?
Our calculator factors in things like your salary, financial commitments and family needs to estimate your ideal Death cover amount.
If you’d prefer to chat about your cover over the phone or in-person at a UniSuper member centre, you can also book an appointment with someone from our advice team.
How to get Death cover
When you first join UniSuper
When you become a member, you can get default Death cover without providing any health information.
• If you’re an Accumulation 1 member, you automatically get cover and have the option to double your cover.
• If you’re a Personal Account member, you must opt-in to get cover when applying to join.
If you apply later
You can apply for Death cover at any time. Our insurer will then review your application, including any health information you’re asked to provide.
Adding more cover after a life event
If you already have Death cover, you can apply to increase it without providing health information if:
• you take out a mortgage and buy a home
• you start or end a marriage or de facto relationship
• you have a child or adopt a child
• your dependent child starts tertiary education
• your partner passes away.
Learn more about Life Events cover and what conditions apply
How Death cover works
How your death benefit is paid
-
If you’re diagnosed with a terminal illness
If you’re diagnosed with a medical condition that reduces your life expectancy to 24 months or less, you may (subject to eligibility) be paid your Death cover amount as a lump sum. If you were covered for over $3 million, you’ll receive the remaining benefit amount as your total death benefit when you pass away.
-
If you pass away
Your super account balance is generally paid at the same time as your insurance cover. This combined amount is called your total death benefit. Nominating an eligible beneficiary helps your death benefit go to people important to you, such as children or your partner. If you don’t nominate a beneficiary, we’ll make the decision on your behalf.
What it costs
Your premium is influenced by your age and sex at birth. If you’re a Personal Account member, your occupation rating also influences your premium.
What it doesn’t cover
- For default cover, pre-existing conditions aren't covered for at least 3 years if you’re a Personal Account member.
- For new cover and lapsed cover you restart, death benefits aren't payable for death caused by:
• war
• self-inflicted harm or suicide that occurs in the first 12 months of your cover starting.
How your cover can change over time
You’ll generally receive age-based cover, so your cover amount and cost changes over time. This can help provide more cover at life stages you’re likelier to need it.
If you want to keep the same level of Death cover as you get older, you can convert your age-based cover to fixed cover. With fixed cover, your cover amount stays the same, but your premiums increase over time.
Learn more about Death cover
The Insurance in your super booklet offers detailed information about our insurance cover options, including costs, eligibility, definitions, and terms and conditions.
FAQs
-
How much Death cover do I need?
Everyone’s insurance needs are different. As your life changes, your insurance needs can change too. To ensure the amount of Death cover you have is right for you and your situation, you should review your cover frequently.
If you’d like some guidance from an experienced financial planner, consider speaking to our award-winning advice team. Our handy Insurance calculator can also be a helpful way to work out what the right level of cover might look like for you.
-
What is a beneficiary?
A beneficiary is a person you nominate to receive your super and insurance benefits if you pass away. Your beneficiaries could be your spouse, children, financial dependents or a legal personal representative.
Your beneficiary nomination can be binding or non-binding. To learn more about how nominations work, see our beneficiaries page.
Explore more cover options
TPD cover
Total and Permanent Disablement cover can provide you with a payment if you can’t work due to a permanent disability.
Income Protection cover
Income Protection cover provides monthly payments if you temporarily can’t work due to an illness or injury.
