Default cover and insurer
MLC super products historically operated as retail-style super, where members typically applied for cover at joining or were assessed individually rather than receiving generous default cover. Cover is most commonly underwritten by MLC Life Insurance, although some products use other insurers — check your specific Insurance Booklet.
Cover varies enormously between MLC members because of the retail-style product design. Some members hold $1m+ of voluntary cover; others hold only modest default amounts.
Voluntary cover — where the value usually is
Unlike industry funds, MLC's product design typically expects members to actively choose insurance levels. Voluntary cover commonly:
- Was applied for at joining via a personal statement
- Was assessed by an underwriter who may have applied loadings, exclusions, or additional terms
- May include 'Own Occupation' definitions which are easier to satisfy than 'Any Occupation'
- May include occupational specific provisions for trades, FIFO, healthcare, and professions
Members who held voluntary cover should retrieve their original application, the underwriter's offer letter, and the policy schedule before claiming. These documents materially affect what the insurer can argue.
The TPD definition that applies to you
The applicable definition depends on the specific cover you held. Common variants in MLC products:
- Any Occupation — standard for default cover
- Own Occupation — sometimes available for voluntary cover, particularly for professions
- Modified TPD — some products combine Any Occupation with Activities of Daily Living tests in specific scenarios
How to claim
- Notify your specific MLC super product trustee of intent to claim
- Receive and complete the claim pack — member statement, employer statement, treating-doctor reports, authorities
- Insurer assesses against the policy definition
- The trustee independently reviews and decides
- Approved claims pay out subject to condition of release
If your claim is declined
Common reasons MLC TPD claims are declined:
- Pre-existing condition exclusions or non-disclosure findings — more common on voluntary cover than default cover
- Insurer's view that you can perform alternative work under an "Any Occupation" definition
- Disputed scope of any "Own Occupation" definition
- Disputed application of underwriting loadings or exclusions
Dispute pathway is internal dispute resolution (45 days) then AFCA. See our guide to rejected TPD claims.
MLC-specific tips
- Retrieve your application paperwork. The original underwriting application, offer letter, and policy schedule for voluntary cover materially affect what the insurer can argue. Request copies if you don't have them.
- Identify the exact product. MLC has many super products with different terms. The Insurance Booklet for your specific product (e.g. MLC Wrap Super, MLC MasterKey Personal Super, etc.) governs.
- Check for "Own Occupation" cover. Many MLC members held Own Occupation cover and don't realise the eligibility test is easier than under industry-fund "Any Occupation" defaults.
- Multi-fund check. MLC members often have other super accounts from prior employment. Check MyGov before lodging.