Common types of TPD claims

Mental health conditions can be just as disabling as physical illness. You can make a TPD claim for depression or other mental health conditions if your condition meets the insurer’s definition of permanent disablement, though these claims usually involve more detailed assessment.

Back injuries, chronic pain, arthritis, and repetitive strain injuries are common in physically demanding jobs. Even if you’re not in a heavy labour role, sitting for long periods with a spinal condition may meet TPD criteria if it significantly affects your ability to work.

Heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure often lead to long recovery times and can have lasting effects on physical stamina and cognitive function. TPD claims for cardiovascular issues usually rely on reports from cardiologists and rehabilitation professionals.

Conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, or acquired brain injuries can be unpredictable and progressive, making future work unsafe or impossible. TPD claims for these conditions typically involve neurologist reports, brain imaging, and assessments of cognitive and physical function. Traumatic brain injuries and strokes are common grounds for TPD claims.

Some long-term conditions may still qualify for TPD if they seriously limit your ability to work. Chronic pain, arthritis and other ongoing conditions can qualify, depending on how your policy defines work capacity. 

Some less common conditions can still support a valid TPD claim, depending on your policy wording. Coverage and assessment may differ from default superannuation cover, so the details matter.

Conditions that may qualify include:

• loss of limbs, vision or hearing, including impairments from spinal cord injuries
• respiratory diseases, such COPD, severe asthma, asbestosis, or mesothelioma
• autoimmune conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
• severe burns that significantly affect daily life and work capacity
• cognitive impairment from conditions such as acquired brain injury, stroke, or advanced neurological disease
• inability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADL), such as bathing, dressing, eating or moving independently

No condition should be ruled out without proper assessment. What often determines the strength of a TPD claim is not the diagnosis itself, but the quality of evidence showing how that condition limits your ability to work or meet your policy’s requirements.

Given how much turns on specific policy wording, early legal advice is strongly recommended.