What is the difference between trauma insurance and income protection insurance?

Trauma insurance and income protection insurance are fundamentally different products that serve distinct purposes. Trauma insurance pays a one-time tax-free lump sum when you're diagnosed with a specified critical illness or serious injury, regardless of whether you can work. You can use this money for any purpose - medical bills, mortgage, lifestyle changes, or simply peace of mind. Income protection insurance, on the other hand, pays you a regular monthly benefit (usually 70-85% of your pre-disability income) for as long as you're unable to work due to illness or injury, up to a maximum benefit period (commonly 2 or 5 years, or until age 65). Income protection replaces your lost earnings while you're off work, with benefits typically paid monthly like a salary, and these payments are taxable income. The key differences include: trauma pays a lump sum vs income protection pays ongoing monthly income, trauma pays on diagnosis vs income protection pays while unable to work, trauma benefits are tax-free vs income protection benefits are taxable, trauma premiums aren't tax-deductible vs income protection premiums generally are tax-deductible, and trauma can't be held in super vs income protection can be held in super. Ideally, you should have both: income protection covers your ongoing living expenses if you can't work, while trauma insurance provides additional funds for medical costs and financial flexibility that you can access even if you eventually return to work. Together, they provide comprehensive financial protection against illness and injury.