Life Insurance Claims

• Check every super fund — most have default life cover attached
• Check bank statements for insurance premium debits
• Check mail and email for annual policy statements
• Ask their accountant or financial adviser
• Check the ATO for multiple super accounts (which may have separate insurance)

For super-based insurance, the super fund coordinates the claim. For standalone policies, call the insurer's bereavement team. You will need: the death certificate, a claim form, proof of identity, and sometimes a statutory declaration about your relationship to the deceased.

Simple claims: 4-8 weeks. Contested or complex claims: months. If a claim is rejected, you can escalate to AFCA (Australian Financial Complaints Authority) for free.

Most life insurance inside super includes a terminal illness benefit that can be claimed while the person is still alive, if two registered medical practitioners certify a life expectancy of 24 months or less. At least one of the two doctors must be a specialist practising in an area related to the illness — not just any two GPs. This benefit is tax-free and can make the final months much easier. Ask the super fund specifically.