Standalone TPD insurance is a separate policy with its own sum insured — claiming on it does not affect any other cover you hold. Linked TPD is structured as a 'rider' or attached cover to a life insurance policy, sharing a combined sum insured. The trade-off is cost versus flexibility. Linked TPD is typically cheaper because the insurer's total exposure across both events is capped at the shared sum, but if you make a TPD claim, your life cover is reduced by the same amount (or extinguished entirely). For example, if you have $1 million linked life and TPD, and you make a successful TPD claim for $1 million, your life cover ends and your beneficiaries will not receive a death benefit later. Standalone TPD costs more but preserves your full life cover regardless of TPD claim activity. The choice depends on your priorities: if your primary concern is permanent disability and ensuring your family has any death benefit later is less critical, linked TPD can be cost-effective. If you want maximum protection across both contingencies, standalone TPD (paired with separate life cover) provides the broadest outcomes. Some policies offer 'buy-back' options on linked TPD — after a TPD claim is paid, you can repurchase life cover up to the original amount without new medical underwriting, typically subject to a defined window and additional premium.