Personal Insurance Guide 2026.

Discover what insurance cover is right for you and your family.

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What is Income Protection Insurance?

Income protection insurance provides an income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. It is generally covers up to 70% of your pre-tax income.

Who Should Take Out Income Protection Insurance?

Income protection is suitable for people who:

  • Have debts, such as a mortgage or personal loans
  • Have dependants who rely on their income
  • Are self-employed (no employer sick leave benefits)
  • Need ongoing income to cover living expenses and lifestyle costs

If your ability to earn an income is your biggest financial asset, this cover is worth considering.

How is Income Protection Insurance Paid?

Income protection insurance pays a regular benefit:

  • Usually begins after a chosen waiting period, such as 30, 60, or 90 days
  • Continues for a selected benefit period such as 2 years, 5 years, or up to a certain agreed period

Income protection payments are typically taxable, as they replace your income.

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What is Trauma Insurance?

Trauma insurance pays a lump sum if you suffer a critical illness or serious injury, such as a heart attack, stroke, cancer or a major head injury. It is important to carefully read the product disclosure statement PDS to understand what prescribed conditions are covered and the medical definitions.

Who Should Take Out Trauma Insurance?

Trauma insurance is suitable for people who may require additional financial assistance to pay for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Living expenses for you and your dependants
  • Cost of therapy, nursing care, and special transportation
  • Mortgage and personal loans

Trauma may not be suitable if you require a regular income or to replace existing health insurance. Trauma Insurance may compliment income protection insurance.

How is Trauma Insurance Paid?

Trauma insurance is paid as a tax-free lump sum upon the diagnosis of a specific, defined critical illness or injury. There is often a waiting period built in the policy.

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What is Total and Permanent Disability Insurance (TPD)?

TPD insurance provides a lump sum payout if you become totally or permanently disabled or diagnosed with a terminal illness and can no longer work as a result. It is important to carefully read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and understand what the insurer defines as a total and permanent disability. It is also important to understand the level of cover related to working again either in your own occupation or any other occupation.  

Who Should Take Out TPD Insurance?

TPD insurance is suitable for people who in the event of a disability require additional financial assistance to:

  • Pay off mortgage debt and personal loans
  • Cover medical, rehab and special transportation costs
  • Pay for modifications to their home
  • Cover future living expenses to themselves and dependents

How is TPD Insurance Paid?

TPD insurance is commonly paid as a tax-free lump sum payment. It is important to consider tax implications if your TPD insurance is held and paid into your superannuation fund.

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What is Life Insurance?

Life Insurance pays out a lump sum to your nominated beneficiaries if you die or are diagnosed with a terminal illness. If you have not named beneficiaries, the trustee of your super or your estate will distribute the funds accordingly.

Who Should Take Out Life Insurance?

Life insurance is suitable for people that have a spouse or dependants that would need assistance to cover debts and living expenses if you pass away. For people that do not have a spouse or dependents, life insurance may not be required.

Determining how much cover you require will mean assessing the below expenses your dependents will have upon your death:

  • Mortgage and personal debts
  • Childcare, school fees, extra-curricular activities
  • Living expenses and bills
  • Future costs related to children

It is also important to consider if your spouse will be able to continue working to the same capacity if you have children. And if there would be a requirement to access superannuation, personal savings, or sell assets or investments to cover everyday expenses.

How is Life Insurance Paid?

A Life Insurance payment is paid out to your nominated beneficiaries or the policyholder themselves. This can include yourself, your spouse, your children or your estate. If your super fund provides life cover, the benefit is paid by the trustee to your beneficiary or estate. It is important to consider tax implications when life insurance is paid out from your superannuation, and we recommend seeking professional advice.

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Not sure what Insurance Cover is right for you? Our Financial Advisers can help.

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Client Testimonials.

Sharon T.

Our experience with Richard as our financial adviser has been very positive. Richard communicates clearly and tailors his approach to our needs, ensuring we understand complex financial concepts. His knowledge and experience in financial planning, superannuation, and retirement planning are extensive.

NSW

Greg

Richard stands out in providing very detailed and tailored financial advice and planning, complemented by regular communication and reviews as required.

Victoria

Barry L.

Richard has always answered any questions we have had at any time and via video call at least once a year. We believe we have greatly benefited from Richard’s financial advice during the period of time we have dealt with him.

NSW

Bernadette

Davone is always very helpful and explains everything in detail.

Some complex subjects are put in a very understandable way and I fully appreciate her patience in helping me.

What an asset to your company.

NSW

Wendy G.

Richard was originally dealing with my husband while we were living overseas and since coming back to Australia has been in constant touch advising and asking our opinion on all dealings financial. He is never pushy and I appreciate his advice. I highly recommend Richard as a financial adviser and consultant.

QLD

Simon

Richard’s approachable style and simplicity was very reassuring. I would thoroughly recommend him to anyone looking to change their investment management.

Victoria

Greg

Richard has been exceptional in providing financial advice services to myself and my partner since 2020. Unlike other financial planners I have dealt with over many years, Richard demonstrates a genuine personal commitment in attaining and maintaining a healthy financial future in our retirement.

Victoria

Peter Y.

Richard’s advice is easy to understand and very reliable. We find him and his staff to be friendly and always willing to help.

NSW

Dean H.

Richard has been diligent in providing pertinent financial advice to my wife and I since we retired back to Australia, having spent the best part of 30 years living and working in the UK as Australian expatriates.

NSW

Greg

Without hesitation, I would highly recommend Richard for financial planning services. He has certainly left us feeling confident in our financial future.

Victoria

Louise T.

Always personable, Richard is my go to person for all advice concerning my pending retirement, superannuation and how to invest my funds, working towards moving to a pension that will be able to support me.

NSW

Dean H.

Due to our fairly specific financial circumstances, we needed a specialist to help us secure a happy and successful retirement. Over the years we have dealt with Richard, he has always demonstrated he is well qualified to guide us through these matters, so thank you Richard!

NSW

Peter C.

Richard is very prompt with his communication and we are confident in his advice.

Perth

Tanja J.

Davone is always a delight to deal with. Very compassionate and understanding, and patient when explaining complicated insurance matters.

I value her help enormously.

SA

Greg

Based on his thorough understanding of our financial circumstances and needs, the investment and tax strategies Richard has recommended and implemented have proven to be successful over the past four years.

Victoria

John A.

We found Richard clear and reliable in explaining services for our needs.

NSW

Michael

Davone is very knowledgeable and experienced. She takes the time to explain everything to me and is very passionate about her job.

NSW

Louise T.

One of the things that stood out from the first time we worked together, is that Richard made it easy for me to fully understand the financial commitment I would be making. He’s made suggestions on how I can grow my investments that make sense and are within my risk profile.

NSW

Pauline C.

Richard is very prompt with his communication and we are confident in his advice.

WA

Patrick

Davone is a delight to deal with. She is very knowledgeable, patient and accommodating, explains things clearly and happy to come to you if you cannot go to see her.

NSW

Roger C.

Richard has always been great in managing our superannuation funds.

VIC

Jennifer B.

We have worked with Richard for a number of years and have found his services to be carried out efficiently, professionally and in a timely manner. Initially Richard undertook a comprehensive review of our superannuation and insurance needs, and this has been followed up regularly to keep up with changing markets and to meet our requirements.

NSW

Andrew

Davone was extremely knowledgeable and did everything she could to resolve my insurance issues as fast as possible!

NSW

Simon

Jacqui and I have recently switched to SMATS Wealth Pty Ltd and should have done it years ago. Richard has provided invaluable advice and restructured our portfolio to maximise our returns and minimise our tax exposure as we head toward retirement.

Victoria

Michael S.

Although Richard is based in Perth, he makes frequent visits to Sydney and is always available via telephone and video link, also via his Sydney support team. We have found his advice for our superannuation needs most detailed and tailored to our needs, a real expert who provides information in a friendly way that we can understand easily. We will not hesitate to recommend his services.

NSW

Sharon T.

Richard has provided valuable guidance on optimising our superannuation contributions, and in creating a comprehensive retirement plan for when we return to Australia after 25 years of living abroad as expats. He builds trust, maintains open communication, and genuinely cares about our financial well-being.

NSW

Johanne

Davone has always been very approachable with questions we have had. She is flexible with her time and contactable when needed. Davone is very happy to meet in person and give the time required to explain some of the complexities of super, pensions, tax, and the many other things. A truly lovely lady, that is very knowledgeable and helpful.

NSW

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