We offer Death, TPD (Total & Permanent Disablement) and Income Protection insurance to eligible members. It’s a way of protecting you and your family if life were to take an unexpected turn.

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  • Premiums are typically lower than going directly through an insurance provider. We don't add a margin on top either, which means you only pay what our provider charges.
  • If you’re eligible, you don’t need to see a doctor or have a health check to receive default cover.
  • Premiums are taken out of your super account, so nothing extra comes out of your take home pay.

We hope you remain healthy and financially secure throughout your life and never need to use any of this cover. If something unexpected were to happen though, insurance can help support you and your family. For those who are eligible, we offer three types of cover through Vanguard Super:

Included in our default cover
If you are unable to work due to a permanent disability, TPD Cover can help ease the financial burden with a lump sum payment. You can only have TPD Cover if you also have Death Cover though, and your amount of TPD Cover can't be more than your Death Cover.
Included in our default cover
If you become terminally ill or pass away, you or your beneficiary/ beneficiaries will receive a lump sum payment to help alleviate some of the financial stress that might arise.
Not included in default cover
If you can't work temporarily because you're ill or injured, this cover provides a monthly payment for up to two years, or up to five years, to support you in your recovery.

When you join Vanguard Super and meet the eligibility conditions, you’ll automatically receive a basic level of Death and TPD Cover. You can cancel this default cover at any time. 

Our default cover needs to suit a broad range of members, which is why we've designed it to change with you as you age. 

This default cover starts low when you’re young and most likely to be independent. In your 30s and 40s, your default cover increases to accommodate life changes – many people have more debt during these years, along with families to protect. Then, as you get older, your default cover will start to reduce again.

Find your level of default cover and the premiums that apply in our Insurance Guide.

Calculate your insurance needs

We’ve made it easy for you to work out how much cover you may need with our Insurance Needs Calculator.

The following link opens up in a new tabFind out how much cover you may need 

Our default cover isn’t compulsory – you’re free to cancel or adjust it at any point. You can also opt out before it starts. 

If you need more cover for any reason, you can apply for additional cover (including Income Protection) by logging in to your Vanguard Super account. You can also reduce your level of cover if it’s not right or your situation changes.

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Asher is 31 years old and will receive $198, 650 of Death Cover, and $99,325 of TPD Cover automatically when she joins Vanguard Super and meets the eligibility criteria.

On her next birthday, Asher's cover will increase to $214, 810 of Death Cover, and $107, 405 of TPD Cover. Her premiums will change as well, to reflect this increase.

Find your level of default cover and the premiums that apply in our Insurance Guide.

To be eligible for insurance cover, you need to:

  • Be a member of Vanguard Super
  • Be over 18
  • Be under the age of 65 for TPD and Income Protection Cover, and under the age of 70 for Death Cover
  • Be an Australian citizen or Visa holder
  • Have worked a minimum of 15 hours per week in the last 3 months to be eligible for TPD and Income Protection Cover
  • Be in a job that isn't considered a Hazardous Occupation for TPD and Income Protection Cover
  • Have not previously received, or be eligible to claim, a Terminal Illness or TPD benefit from us, or from another super fund or insurer
  • Have not previously received, or be eligible to receive, a benefit in accordance with the conditions of release under the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations 1994 (Cth) for terminal medical condition or permanent incapacity, either from us or another super fund

If you’re eligible for default Death and TPD cover, your cover will automatically start when you meet the following criteria (unless you've chosen to start your default cover early):

  • You're 25 years or older
  • You've got $6,000 or more in your account
  • Your employer has made a superannuation guarantee (SG) contribution into your Vanguard Super account on your behalf

Vanguard Super SaveSmart Product Disclosure Statement

A summary of key information about investing in Vanguard Super SaveSmart. Everything from how we invest your money, our fees and costs, to how your super is taxed.

Insurance in your super

Learn more about insurance through your Vanguard Super SaveSmart account, including types of cover, eligibility, costs, changing or cancelling cover, and how to claim.

Target market determination

More about the consumer suited to Vanguard Super's SaveSmart offer. Contains information on their likely objectives, financial situation and needs (the "target market"). Also contains details on the distribution conditions for Vanguard Super products.

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If you’re struggling to find the information you need, or you have questions that haven’t been answered yet, we can help. Call us on 1300 655 101 between 8am and 6pm (AET), Monday to Friday.