Trauma cover comes in two main structures: standalone (sometimes called 'Trauma Stand Alone' or simply 'Trauma') and rider (also called 'accelerated', 'linked' or 'Trauma Buy-back'). Standalone trauma is its own policy — claiming for a covered condition does not affect any other cover you hold. The benefit is paid in addition to any life insurance, TPD, or income protection you have. Standalone trauma typically costs more for the same sum insured. A trauma rider is attached to your life or TPD cover and pays out as an advance against the linked benefit. If you claim, the linked life or TPD cover is reduced by the trauma payout. For example, with $500,000 life cover and a $200,000 trauma rider, a successful trauma claim leaves $300,000 of life cover. Some products offer a 'Buy-back' or 'Reinstatement' option that lets you restore the reduced life cover after a trauma claim, usually subject to a waiting period and a small premium loading — this is described in each insurer's PDS. Riders are cheaper because the insurer's total exposure is capped. Choosing between standalone and rider depends on your existing cover, budget, and how important it is for the trauma payout to be fully separate from your other protection.