Dealing with illness..

Dealing with illness is often unexpected and stressful. Getting emotional and financial support can help you manage  Here, we explain how you could get additional support.


Work out your medical costs


Medicare

When managing unexpected medical costs, take some time to find out what is covered by Medicare. If you find any of the information confusing to navigate, you can call Medicare for help on 132 011.


Private Health Insurance

If you have private health insurance, contact your insurer to see what is covered, and how much of any cost will be covered. You can also learn more about private health insurance generally.


Smart Tip: The Australian Government’s Medical Costs Finder helps you find and understand costs for general practitioners (GPs) and medical specialist services across Australia.


Make a financial plan

If you need to take time off work, financial assistance may be available. You can contact us if you need to talk about your financial needs and goals


Leave from your employer

Most employees — but not casual employees — have various types of paid leave available. This includes paid sick leave and carer’s leave. You may also have some annual leave, long service leave, and compassionate leave.

If you have used up all your paid leave, you might also be able to take unpaid leave.


Government assistance

If you’re a carer, you may be able to get financial assistance from Centrelink. For more information, see Carer allowance and Carer payment.


Insurance cover

Some insurance policies cover costs related to illness. Check any policies you hold. Importantly, don’t forget to check any insurance you hold through your superannuation fund – you may have insurance through your super that you weren’t aware of.

Types of insurance you may be able to claim are:


Income protection

Income protection replaces some of your income if you can’t work due to injury or illness.


Trauma cover

Trauma cover covers you for specified illnesses or injuries.


Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) cover

TPD cover covers the costs of rehabilitation, debt repayments and the cost of living.


Getting your super early

In addition to insurance that you hold in your super, there are some circumstances where you can access your super, or some of your super, before retirement.

You may be able to access your super if illness or injury stops you from working.

Alternatively, you may be able to apply for compassionate release, to cover specific expenses for you or your dependant if you have no other way to pay.

This includes expenses like:

  • medical treatment
  • medical transport
  • home modifications needed due to disability
  • palliative care
  • funeral costs
  • mortgage payments to stop your home being sold.

Learn more about when you can access your super early.

Important: Stay away from people who say they can help you get your super early for a fee. To ask about getting your super early, you can just call your super fund yourself, for no cost.

Contact us or your super fund if you are unsure.


Get financial support


Redo your budget

Unexpected medical costs mean it’s a good idea to do a new budget. Knowing what you spend your money on can help you find any areas where you might be able to cut back, if possible. You can use our budget planner to set up a new budget.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, we can or a financial counsellor can help you manage your money during a difficult time. We can help you review your budget, your bills and your debts, and find ways to improve your situation.

Financial counselling is a free and confidential service offered by not-for-profit community organisations.

Dealing with illness can be stressful, especially when it affects you financially. We are always here to help.


Source:
Reproduced with the permission of ASIC’s MoneySmart Team. This article was originally published at https://moneysmart.gov.au/family-and-relationships/dealing-with-illness

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what our clients say

As a self employed single woman it has been important that my finances be well looked after. Although my superannuation is not very high, Priy has met with me every year and has diligently and painstakingly taken the time to explain suggested changes that will benefit me. Apart from this he is obviously keeping up to date with everything, as suggested changes are made throughout the year. When, for health reasons, I retired a couple of years ago, Priy spent a great deal of time with me "revamping" my fund to lower risk and transferring it to a tax free fund. Now as I approach 65, Priy is again taking the time to advise me how to best deal with Centrelink and make my money last the remainder of my life. It is obvious that Priy is enthusiastic and passionate about his work, and a great comfort to me to know that I am in good hands.
Sue Lay
Mark Dunsford has assisted us in the construction of the Maddocks Group Salary Continuance and Group Life & TPD insurance. In addition, Mark assists many of our Partners in a personal capacity. We have found Mark's service to be of an excellent standard. His service is specific and relevant to the needs of our business. Our policies and options are clearly explained in respect of what is and what isn't covered. All claims have been dealt with efficiency and effectively. Nothing is too much trouble or too difficult when we speak to Mark about our insurance needs. I highly recommend Mark as an insurance broker.
David RennickCEO Maddocks Law Firm
We would like to thank Priy Wijesekera for his help with our financial situation. He has been handling our account for the past few years and we have been very happy with the results. In particular over the last 6 months which have been very difficult due to sickness and early retirement. His help and advice have been outstanding and despite our situation constantly changing, he has been of immense help, patient and never made us feel rushed or annoying. The final results have been excellent and put us exactly where we wanted to be in our retirement moving forward. Once again Priy, thank you
Pat & Derek Rowe
I just want to write to say thank you for all that you have done for me in putting in place and then managing my various insurances including income cover and cover in respect of particular events or illnesses known as trauma insurance. As a busy lawyer, I often find that I, and I am sure other lawyers tend to attend to other people’s business and affairs more diligently than we attend to my own. In this regard, I am very thankful that you were (and still are) attending to my insurance related affairs.
Terry MontebelloPartner Maddocks Lawyers
Mark has been very helpful and efficient over the years and has looked after our interests well. When my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer, he did his best to help us try and recover under our trauma cover (even though the diagnosis was made just within the 90 day no claim period). When, after a long illness, my wife died, Mark dealt with the claim under her life policy and quickly arranged for payment to be made by the insurer. Being properly insured has meant that I have had peace of mind from a financial perspective. Mark's team has also been most helpful in advising me on my investment and superannuation plans.
Jonathan Ambler
Over the past 5 years, I’ve had two major, but unrelated, health issues. On both occasions, Mark and the team at Dunsford Financial Planning were fantastic – not lonely did I receive trauma payments promptly and with a minimum of fuss, but Mark personally ensured that I received the maximum possible payment. In all my dealings with Dunsford Financial Planning, I have been impressed with their knowledge, professionalism and care.
Guy O’Connor Property Practice Group, Maddocks
I just wanted to send you a big thank you for how well you support my mum. She thinks very highly of you, and you've really been a big support through this stressful time. You have a knack for keeping her feeling ok about things, I honestly can't thank you enough.
Zoe
Mark Dunsford and Dunsford Financial Planning have made a huge financial support to the local sporting organisations such as, Frankston Cricket Club, Frankston Peninsula Premier Cricket Club, Pines Cricket Club, Pines Football & Netball Club and Frankston VFL Football Club. His constant and ongoing financial support have significantly impacted the broader Frankston community for long over two decades. Dunsford Financial Planning's unwavering commitment to these organisations has provided invaluable resources and opportunities for the next generation of aspiring athletes across a multiple of different sporting clubs. The generosity and support shown by Mark and the team at Dunsfords should be commended and they should be really proud around their commitment to the Frankston region. I personally live in the region now and amazed at the quality of the sporting infrastructure, sporting clubs rely heavily on support shown by Mark and the team at Dunsfords. They should be proud of the contribution they have made to the region for a long period of time.
Brett EddyBusiness Development Manager - Platform/Investments - Colonial First State
My husband Bruce and I have been clients of Daniel Baschera for 8 years now. Daniel has provided us with sound financial advice of which we are truly grateful for. Daniel also recommended us to set up insurances to protect us in the event of a significant illness or injury. We took on Daniel's advice and set these up and I am so pleased we did. Earlier this year I was diagnosed with breast cancer and I faced a number of medical procedures and I continue to have treatment. I was extremely worried about the financial impact this would have on us. I phoned Daniel and he took care of everything and made a claim for us under our insurance policy. He kept me updated and I was pleased that my claim was approved and I did not need to worry about the financial impact whilst dealing with significant health issues. Luke Caspersz who works with Daniel is also absolutely outstanding in terms of his communication and support. We are truly grateful to be clients of Daniel's he is professional, honest and incredibly supportive and I cannot thank him and Luke enough I am truly grateful for everything they have done for us.
Samantha & Bruce Vivian
Luke and the team at Dunsford Financial were incredible during a challenging time in my life. They handled all the paperwork for my insurance claim, allowing me to focus on my treatment and recovery. The process was seamless, and Luke's regular check-ins provided reassurance and support every step of the way. I’m so grateful for their professionalism and care!
David DuongTrauma & Income Protection Claims
My husband Bruce and I have been clients of Daniel Baschera for 8 years now. Daniel has provided us with sound financial advice of which we are truly grateful for. Daniel also recommended us to set up insurances to protect us in the event of a significant illness or injury. We took on Daniel's advice and set these up and I am so pleased we did. Earlier this year I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and I faced a number of medical procedures, and I continue to have treatment. I was extremely worried about the financial impact this would have on us. I phoned Daniel and he took care of everything and made a claim for us under our insurance policy. He kept me updated and I was pleased that my claim was approved and I did not need to worry about the financial impact whilst dealing with significant health issues. Luke Caspersz who works with Daniel is also absolutely outstanding in terms of his communication and support. We are truly grateful to be clients of Daniel's – He is professional, honest and incredibly supportive and I cannot thank him and Luke enough. I am truly grateful for everything they have done for us.
Samantha VivianTrauma & Income Protection Claims
Since my diagnosis of a chronic illness that affected my ability to do my prescribed job, insurance that i never really thought would even qualify, Richard at Dunsford Financial suggested I make claims on both my Income Protection and TPD polices that I had with the Insurer and had paid for a long time. With Luke on board as my main contact, they fought for me over a rather long time period on my TPD claim, and in the end we won both claims and it has made an enormous difference to my life now that I can't work as a 4wd mechanic Full Time anymore. They have always been there to answer any questions from me or the insurance companies, and took on the insurance companies for me to get terrific results. I can’t thank them enough for their hard-fought efforts on my behalf. I would highly recommend their financial services as they have changed my life with their knowledge, skills and negotiations.
Tony WhiteheadTotal and Permanent Disability Claim
For years I paid my Income Protection insurance not ever expecting to need to call upon it. When life happened, it was reassuring to have the team at Dunsford Financial looking after me and assisting me with my affairs. Everyone has been amazing from the outset. In particular, Luke and Silvia have been always available, professional and knowledgeable and have helped navigate the claim process efficiently. They have always taken time to address all my questions and concerns and their follow-up and genuine interest and concern for my welfare is much appreciated. I am grateful for the ongoing support, patience and kindness shown to me throughout this challenging time. Their professionalism, courtesy and kindness are hallmarks of their service, and I cannot thank them enough for their positive energy, efforts and assistance which has been truly exceptional.
ClaimantOngoing Income Protection Claim