If you have a mortgage, dependants, or both, almost certainly yes. The question is how much, what type, and how it's structured. If you're single, debt-free, with no dependants, you probably don't need life cover at all (TPD and income protection usually still matter).

TPD pays a lump sum if you can never work again. Whether that triggers depends on whether your policy uses the own-occupation or any-occupation definition. Income protection pays a regular monthly amount if you can't work for a period (typically up to 70% of your income, for a defined benefit period). Most pre-retirees with debt or dependants need both.

We work it out from your debts, your income, your dependants, and how long they'd need support. As a starting point: life cover should typically clear all debt and replace 5 to 10 years of income. TPD similar. Income protection at 70% of pre-tax income.

Inside-super premiums are tax-effective and paid from your super balance instead of cash flow. Cover types and definitions are usually weaker (especially for TPD and IP), and policies sometimes lapse if your super stops contributing. Outside-super gives stronger cover and policy continuity, but you pay from after-tax income. We model both.

Stepped premiums start cheaper but rise with age, often sharply after 50. Level premiums start higher but stay roughly flat. If you'll only need cover for 5 to 10 more years, stepped usually wins. If you need cover for 20+ years, level usually wins.

For a 45-year-old non-smoker on average rates: roughly $30 to $60 per month for $750K life cover, $40 to $90 per month for $750K TPD, $100 to $200 per month for income protection at 70% of $100K income. Indicative only. Actual premiums depend on age, occupation, health, smoker status, and chosen structure.

"Any occupation" TPD pays out only if you can't work in any job suited to your training or experience. "Own occupation" pays if you can't work in your specific occupation. Own occupation is broader (more likely to pay out) but more expensive and only available outside super.

Probably yes. The underwriter will load the premium, exclude the condition from cover, or in serious cases decline the application. Honest disclosure is critical. Trying to hide a pre-existing condition usually voids the policy at claim time.

Typically 4 to 8 weeks. Underwriting (medicals, blood tests, GP reports) takes most of the time. Simple cases with no health issues can be quicker. Complex cases (existing conditions, high-risk occupations) can take longer.

Insurance is for the worst-case scenario, not for return on investment. If you never claim, the premiums you paid bought peace of mind during years where you had real exposure. Most clients view it the way they view car insurance: you hope you never need it, but you'd never drive without it.