Am I better off buying insurance through my super?

When it comes to arranging insurance it’s important to decide what types of insurance are available to you and what you’ll need for your particular life circumstances. From here you’ll need to consider whether you should keep it inside your super fund or set it up separately.

What are the benefits of insurance through super?

1. Get more for less

It can be cost effective to buy insurance through super. That doesn’t mean you won’t find cheaper cover outside your super fund. But it’s likely you’ll be better off because tax benefits mean you could end up paying less overall and group buying power—which normally comes with insurance through super—often gives you more for less.

2. Boost cash flow

In super you can pay for your insurance using before-tax money rather than dipping into your take-home pay, which can also be a tax-effective way to pay your premiums. Or, you can simply have the premiums deducted from your existing account balance. Be sure to keep an eye on your super balance though—less super may affect your lifestyle in retirement.

3. Access government help

You could make after-tax contributions to your super and use these to pay for your insurance. If you do, you may be eligible for a government co-contribution.

4. Be covered more easily

You’ll usually be granted insurance cover automatically when you buy through super. Outside of super you may have to submit an application, undergo medical examinations and wait for approval.

What are some of the downsides?

1. Tax on claims

Depending on your circumstances, you may pay tax on disability claim payments when your insurance is held through super. And certain beneficiaries may be subject to tax on death benefit claims they receive.

2. Limited beneficiaries

Payments (following death) can only be paid to superannuation dependants. If you have insurance outside of super there are generally no restrictions (unless your insurer specifies otherwise).

3. Longer timing on payments

When it comes to payments for some policies, including life insurance, total and permanent disablement and temporary salary continuance, the money will normally be paid by the insurer to the super fund first. The trustees can then pass it to you or your beneficiaries in accordance with the fund’s rules and the Superannuation Industry Supervision Act—this means payments can take longer.

4. Restricted types of cover

Cover provided through super can be more limited than a policy held outside super. For example, trauma cover is generally not available through super, but a number of funds make it easy to link the cover you have inside and outside super.

What now?

After you’ve considered the pros and cons of holding insurance inside super, you need to determine the level of cover you need. Our insurance calculator can help you work out how much may be right for you. Regardless of how you choose to buy your cover, be sure you have the right type and amount for your needs.

Give us a call at 08 82314709 or you may also reach us at info@centrawealth.com.au. Get in touch with us to find out how insurance could help you and your lifestyle through your super.

Centra Wealth Group
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Zac Zacharia (Managing Director) has been assisting clients to create wealth and secure their futures for over 14 years.

He is also an accomplished presenter and educator

Co-authoring the popular investment book, Property vs Shares.