What Is Indexation & How It Works

 

What is indexation

Indexation is an optional benefit on life insurance policies designed to ensure you’ll always have the same financial freedom in the event of a claim.

Not all insurance policies offer indexation. But for those that do, it works by offering you an increase to the sum insured in your policy at each policy anniversary. This increase is designed to help your insurance benefit keep up with the rising cost of living.

How the increase works

The amount of your increase is calculated in the following way:

For lump sum policies such as life cover, TPD cover and trauma cover the greater of:

  • The ‘indexation factor’ which we determine each year based on the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or A percentage amount we choose to offer, if no CPI amount is released by the government

  • A fixed percentage of 5%

For income protection policies

  • Indexation increases are related only to CPI

  • Should indemnity cover also be held, accepting indexation may mean that you’re over-insured

One thing that’s important to know is that as your cover increases, the premium you pay generally will also increase.

In the end, you’re in control

Indexation is optional and whether you accept it is up to you.

If you’d like to decline it in any given year, you simply need to let your insurer know — usually within 30 days of your policy anniversary. You may even be able to stop indexation permanently, but bear in mind you may need additional medical checks if you wish to turn it back on.


Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’d like to chat more - contact us via info@ultimumfinancial.com


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The advice contained within this document does not consider any person’s particular objectives, needs or financial situation. Before making a decision regarding the acquisition or disposal of a Financial Product, persons should assess whether the advice is appropriate to their objectives, needs or financial situation. Persons may wish to make their assessment themselves or seek the help of an adviser. No responsibility is taken for persons acting on the information within this document. Persons doing so, do so at their own risk. Before acquiring a financial product, a person should obtain a Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) relating to that product and consider the contents of the PDS before making a decision about whether to acquire the product.