Heart disease and other serious heart conditions can change life unexpectedly, whether through a heart attack, heart failure, surgery, or ongoing cardiac issues. For some people, ongoing fatigue, breathlessness, or reduced physical capacity can eventually make continuing work difficult or no longer realistic.
Alongside recovery and ongoing management of your condition, another important question often arises – how to support yourself financially if working is no longer possible.
At Superlaw Claims, you can be confident that our team deeply understands both the medical issues involved in heart disease and other heart conditions and the laws affecting your rights and entitlements. Our team has continued to help those living with heart conditions understand what they may be entitled to and guide them through the claims process.
Can I Claim Income Protection With Heart Disease?
Income protection insurance can sit within your superannuation or outside of it. Often, people are unaware they even have this insurance.
Typically, it covers a high percentage of your former wage after a short waiting period, usually between 30 and 90 days, and is paid for a fixed period. A common benefit period is two years, although some policies provide cover for much longer.
Income protection insurance doesn’t require you to prove you’ll never be able to work again. It simply provides financial support while you’re unable to work because of your condition.
Individuals with heart disease or another serious heart condition can claim income protection while recovering from a heart attack or surgery, undergoing treatment or managing symptoms that temporarily prevent them from working.
Often, this is a far better financial outcome than relying solely on Centrelink benefits.
Many of our clients are relieved to discover they already have this cover through their superannuation.
Does Heart Disease Qualify for a TPD Claim?
Yes, heart disease and other serious heart conditions can qualify for a TPD claim if they have stopped you working in your usual occupation and it is likely you’ll be unable to return to suitable work in the future.
Some people recover well following treatment, while others continue to experience lasting symptoms that make employment unrealistic.
The exact wording in your policy makes a big difference – not all TPD insurance is the same. We can check your cover and guide you about whether you’re likely to qualify.
Does the severity of my heart condition affect my claim?
Not necessarily – it’s the impact on your ability to work that is crucial.
Two people with the same heart condition can have very different work capacity. Some continue working, while others experience ongoing fatigue, breathlessness, reduced stamina or other complications that prevent them from returning to employment.
The key question is always: what can you no longer do, and does that prevent you from doing work you’ve usually done in the past or any other work you’re reasonably suited to?
What if my heart condition improves or comes and goes?
A period of stability does not automatically mean recovery or disqualification. It’s not rare for someone with heart disease to experience fluctuating symptoms, even if insurers sometimes use this to argue that a condition is not permanent. That argument can be countered with the right medical evidence and legal support.
What matters is your overall capacity to sustain work reliably over time, not how you feel on any single day. A strong claim documents the pattern of your limitations, not just their peak.
How Does the TPD Claims Process Work?
A TPD claim starts with us understanding your medical condition and how it affects your ability to work.
We take the time to listen carefully to your story, then gather the medical records, specialist reports and employment history needed to support your claim – helping you understand what’s required and managing the process on your behalf.
While you focus on your recovery and your family, we deal directly with your super fund and insurer and work to achieve the best possible outcome as quickly as possible.
FAQs
Absolutely. A significant number of heart attack survivors return to work after a cardiac episode, but others are left with ongoing limitations that prevent them from returning to suitable employment.
If your condition is likely to permanently affect your ability to work, you may have a TPD claim.
Yes.
Having surgery doesn't automatically qualify you for a TPD claim, but if your ongoing condition prevents you from returning to suitable work, you may be entitled to claim.
We'll explain how your individual circumstances fit with your insurance cover.
Many serious heart conditions cause ongoing fatigue, breathlessness and reduced stamina.
These symptoms can have a significant impact on your ability to work, even though they may not always be obvious to others.
We'll help you understand how your condition may affect your entitlement.
No.
Super funds do not make TPD claims on your behalf.
The fund and its insurers won't come knocking on your door with money. Claims must be made formally, and this can be a complex and stressful process.
We're here to guide you through every step.
Yes.
Psychological conditions that develop following a heart attack or another serious heart condition can contribute to a TPD claim and, in some cases, form part of the basis of the claim.
We'll carefully consider your entire medical situation and advise you.
Yes, this is common. Many people with heart disease also have both types of cover. However, it’s possible that making one type of claim can legally affect the other.
We understand these complexities and will advise you on your best options.
A declined claim doesn't necessarily mean the end of the road.
We successfully help people challenge rejected and disputed claims every day. We'll review why your claim was refused, explain your options and advise on the best path forward.
Living with a serious heart condition is challenging enough without having to navigate a complicated insurance process on your own.
If you can’t work and aren’t sure what insurance you may have, a free assessment with Superlaw Claims is a simple first step – no stress.
Our team has helped thousands of Australians in similar situations understand what they’re entitled to and pursue claims they didn’t realise they had.
Get in touch today – it costs absolutely nothing to find out where.
