1. What is trauma insurance?
   Trauma insurance is a type of insurance policy that pays an insurance benefit if you suffer from an injury or illness, the type of which is specifically referred to in the policy.
2. Are trauma insurance policies known by any other name?
   Trauma insurance policies can sometimes be referred to as Critical Illness Policies, Recovery Insurance or Living Benefit Policies.
3. How would I know if I have trauma insurance?
   Unlike insurance you might have available through your superannuation fund, trauma insurance is arranged through a financial adviser or insurance broker or with the insurance company directly. Also, your employer may provide it as a staff benefit.
4. What do trauma insurance policies cover?
   Trauma insurance usually provides a lump sum benefit if you satisfy one of the listed injuries or illnesses contained in the policy. A trauma policy will cover dozens of health conditions, such as a heart attack, coma, kidney failure, cancer, blindness, brain tumour and many, many other ailments.
5. How do I get paid if I have health condition my trauma policy covers?
   Like all other insurance products, you need to lodge a claim to receive the benefit.
6. Is it that easy to get paid?
   Of course not. Not many things are easy when you’re dealing with an insurance company. You will need to provide medical evidence, often specialist medical evidence, showing that your health condition is precisely the condition defined in your trauma insurance policy.
7. Are there other claim conditions to satisfy?
   The insurance company might arrange for you to see an “independent” specialist for an opinion about your health condition.
8. Are Trauma Policies full of fine print?
   All insurance policies are full of fine print!
9. What if my trauma claim is rejected?
   You can ask the insurer to review their decision. It is recommended that you provide new material when you lodge a request for the insurer to review your decision to reject your claim; but, it’s not always required. What is important is carefully reading the insurer’s reasoning and addressing the reasons for their decision in any letter of review.
10. What else do I need to know?
    There is plenty to know that is not covered here. As the usual legal disclaimer goes – the information here is of a general nature because legal advice always depends on your circumstances.

Contact

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