What is the typical waiting period for TPD insurance?

TPD insurance policies require a waiting period - the time you must be continuously disabled before you can lodge a claim. Most policies have a waiting period of either 3 or 6 consecutive months where you must be unable to work due to your injury or illness. This waiting period serves two purposes: it ensures the disability is truly permanent rather than temporary, and it prevents fraudulent claims. The waiting period begins from when you first become disabled or stop working, not from when you lodge the claim. Importantly, most insurers waive waiting periods for certain catastrophic conditions including paralysis, loss of limbs, severe burns, heart attack, stroke, major head trauma, and blindness. During the waiting period, you typically need to provide evidence you're receiving ongoing medical treatment and unable to work. Some policies also include a 'survival period' - you must survive for at least 14 days after the sickness or injury that caused the disability.