What happens if I'm disabled while working overseas or traveling?

Coverage while overseas depends on your specific policy terms and the reason you're abroad. Most Australian Income Protection policies provide worldwide coverage, meaning you can claim if you become disabled while traveling or temporarily working overseas, provided you're still an Australian resident for tax purposes and return to Australia for treatment and ongoing claim management. However, there are important limitations: temporary travel (holidays or short-term work assignments) is typically covered, but permanently relocating overseas usually voids your coverage. If you become disabled overseas, you must notify your insurer within the required timeframe (usually 30-60 days), and you'll likely need to return to Australia to continue receiving benefits, as insurers require you to undergo medical treatment in Australia and attend Australian-based medical examinations. Some policies specifically exclude disabilities arising from travel to war zones or high-risk countries. If you're working on an overseas assignment for an extended period (such as 12 months or more), you should notify your insurer, as this may affect your coverage or require policy modifications. Benefits are typically paid in Australian dollars to an Australian bank account, and you must meet the policy's disability definition and ongoing claim requirements regardless of where you are. For extended overseas stays or expatriate situations, specialized international insurance or travel insurance with medical coverage may be more appropriate than domestic Income Protection. Always review your policy's specific geographical limitations and notify your insurer before extended overseas periods to clarify coverage.