What is an income protection policy?
Before looking specifically at income protection policies for farmers it makes sense to quickly look at exactly what this type of insurance policy provides the insured. In short, the person named on the policy can claim for a percentage of their income each month should they become unable to work due to illness or injury. There are of course limitations to every policy and criteria do have to be met before a claim can be made but when an illness or injury qualifies then up to 75% of the normal income from employment can be claimed on a policy.
Why Australian farmers need income protection
Farming is more than just a job, it’s a way of life. If you, as a farmer, become sick or injured to the extent that you can’t work your farm then everything grinds to a halt. You might miss your crop planting season, or you might be unable to harvest what you’ve grown and as a result you’ll struggle financially for years to come, literally.
In the short term, an income protection insurance policy can provide a guaranteed income to pay your bills and put food on the table. Long term though it can also pay to hire a farm labourer to complete the tasks you can’t because of your illness or injury. This way your crops get planted and harvested, your cattle get milked or taken to market and you don’t have to worry about your immediate future while you recuperate.
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