Respiratory Conditions

Respiratory conditions cover a broad range of illnesses affecting the lungs and airways — including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, sleep apnoea, bronchiectasis, and lung cancer. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) reports asthma as one of the most prevalent chronic conditions in Australia, affecting roughly one in nine people, while COPD remains a leading cause of hospitalisation and disability for older Australians. Some respiratory conditions are well-controlled with medication and lifestyle change; others progressively reduce lung function and ability to work.

From an insurance perspective, respiratory conditions intersect with several cover types. Trauma (critical illness) cover commonly lists chronic lung disease and lung cancer as specified conditions, with thresholds typically tied to lung-function testing or oxygen dependence. TPD cover is relevant where reduced lung capacity prevents return to occupation. Income protection responds during periods of acute exacerbation or post-surgical recovery. Smoking history, family history, occupational exposure (asbestos, silica, dust), and asthma severity all affect underwriting. Outcomes vary across the IMFL panel of 9 (AIA, Zurich, TAL, OnePath, ClearView, NEOS, Encompass, Acenda, Futura) — some insurers are more comfortable with mild well-controlled asthma than others, and approaches to ex-smokers also differ.

The pages below break down individual respiratory conditions with cost data drawn from Zurich's Cost of Care research. The information is general in nature and is not a personal recommendation. To compare how cover would apply to your respiratory history, generate an indicative quote or talk to an adviser.