Life insurance pays a lump sum to your nominated beneficiaries if you pass away or are diagnosed with a terminal illness (typically with a life expectancy of less than 12–24 months, depending on the policy). This benefit can be used to:

• Repay debts (e.g. mortgage, business loans)
• Replace lost income for dependents
• Fund children’s education
• Cover estate costs or taxes

Technical considerations:

• Can be owned personally or via superannuation
• Premiums can be stepped (increase with age) or level (higher initially but stable over time)
• Beneficiary nominations can be binding or non-binding (especially important in super)
• Terminal illness definitions vary – we assess this at policy selection

TPD insurance pays a lump sum if you become permanently disabled and are unlikely to ever return to work. It’s designed to help cover:

• Medical and rehabilitation costs
• Debt repayment
• Long-term living expenses

Technical considerations:

• Definitions vary: “Any occupation” vs “Own occupation”
• Can be held inside or outside super (but definitions and tax treatment differ)
• Super-held TPD may be subject to condition of release rules
• Tax may apply to lump sums paid from super depending on age and components

Trauma insurance pays a lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a specified serious illness or injury – such as cancer, heart attack, stroke, or major surgery. It’s designed to provide financial breathing room during recovery.

Technical considerations:

• Paid regardless of ability to work – based solely on diagnosis
• Not available through super (must be held personally)
• Definitions and severity thresholds vary significantly between insurers
• Can be used for medical treatment, time off work, or lifestyle adjustments

Income protection replaces a portion of your income (typically up to 70%) if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. It provides regular monthly payments after a waiting period.

Technical considerations:

• Benefit periods can range from 2 years to age 65
• Waiting periods typically range from 14 to 90 days
• Premiums are generally tax-deductible when paid personally
• Policies can be indemnity-based (based on recent income) or agreed value (based on pre-agreed income) – though agreed value is now largely unavailable for new policies
• Offsets may apply if you receive other benefits (e.g. workers comp)

Specialist cover for medical professionals who may be exposed to blood-borne diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B or C through occupational exposure.

Technical considerations:

• Typically pays a lump sum upon confirmed diagnosis
• Often bundled with trauma or income protection policies
• Particularly relevant for surgeons, dentists, and emergency workers
• May require proof of exposure and follow-up testing

Provides a lump sum if your child suffers a serious illness or injury. It allows you to take time off work and focus on their care without financial stress.

Technical considerations:

• Can be added as a rider to an adult trauma policy
• Covers a defined list of conditions (e.g. cancer, meningitis, major burns)
• Typically available for children aged 2–18
• Benefit amounts are usually capped (e.g. $100,000)

Tailored cover for business owners to protect ownership, revenue, and capital in the event of death, disability, or serious illness.

Buy/Sell Insurance

• Funds the transfer of business ownership if a partner dies or becomes disabled
• Typically structured with a legal buy/sell agreement
• Can be funded via life and TPD cover
• Ownership and beneficiary structure must align with legal and tax advice

Key Person Insurance

• Protects the business from financial loss if a key employee or owner is lost
• Can be structured for revenue protection (lost income) or capital protection (repaying debt)
• Premiums may be deductible depending on purpose and ownership

Capital & Revenue Protection

• Helps repay business loans or inject working capital
• Often used in conjunction with key person or buy/sell cover
• Requires coordination with lenders, accountants, and legal advisers

We work closely with your accountant and legal adviser to ensure your business cover is structured correctly and integrated with your broader financial plan.

Insurance is often connected to broader financial planning, superannuation and taxation strategies and considerations.

For self-employed clients, proving income can be tricky. We work closely with our in-house accounting and tax experts to get it right – from application to claim.

We work with multiple leading insurers to find the best combination of

• Underwriting outcomes
• Competitive pricing
• Strong policy features

We provide ongoing claims assistance for our insurance clients – helping you navigate the process when life doesn’t go to plan.

Many advisory firms and advisors avoid insurance due to legislative changes and underwriting challenges. At Bartons, we embrace it – because we know how critical this protection is.

situation

A couple in their early 30s had recently purchased their first home and welcomed their second child. With a growing mortgage and young dependents, they were concerned about how their family would cope financially if something unexpected happened.

why they sought advice

They wanted to ensure their children would be looked after and the mortgage could be repaid if either parent passed away, became seriously ill, or couldn’t work.

bartons’ integrated solution

• Structured life and TPD cover through super for affordability
• Added trauma cover and income protection outside super for flexibility and faster access
• Balanced cost and cover levels to suit their budget
• Reviewed existing policies and consolidated cover for simplicity

outcome

The couple now has a comprehensive, cost-effective insurance plan that protects their family and home – giving them peace of mind as they focus on raising their children.

situation

A 42-year-old specialist doctor with both public and private income streams had recently started a family and was expanding her private practice. She had no formal insurance in place and was concerned about occupational risks and income protection.

why she sought advice

She wanted to protect her growing income, ensure her family was financially secure, and cover herself against medical-specific risks like needlestick injuries.

bartons’ integrated solution

• Structured life, TPD, trauma, and income protection policies tailored to her income mix
• Included needlestick cover for occupationally acquired illnesses
• Worked with our accounting team to verify income and optimise policy ownership
• Ensured tax efficiency and future flexibility

outcome

She now has a robust insurance portfolio that protects her family, her income, and her medical career – all coordinated through a single, integrated relationship with Bartons.

situation

A 45-year-old business owner with two partners wanted to ensure the business could continue if one of them passed away or became permanently disabled. They also had significant business debt and key staff whose absence would impact revenue.

why they sought advice

They needed a business continuity plan that protected ownership, revenue, and debt obligations – and integrated with their personal financial goals.

bartons’ integrated solution

• Implemented a buy/sell agreement funded by life and TPD insurance
• Structured key person cover to protect against revenue loss
• Added capital protection cover to help repay business debt
• Coordinated with their accountant and lawyer to align ownership and tax treatment

outcome

The business now has a clear succession plan and financial protection in place. The owners have peace of mind knowing their families and business interests are safeguarded.

situation

A 35-year-old professional had recently purchased an investment property and was carrying a large mortgage. With no dependents, her main concern was protecting her income and ability to meet financial commitments if she became ill or injured.

why she sought advice

She wanted to ensure she could maintain her lifestyle and avoid financial stress if she couldn’t work for an extended period.

bartons’ integrated solution:

• Recommended income protection with a benefit period to age 65
• Added trauma cover to provide a lump sum for recovery and flexibility
• Structured policies for tax efficiency and affordability
• Reviewed superannuation to ensure appropriate default cover was replaced

outcome:

She now has a tailored insurance plan that protects her income and financial independence – giving her confidence to continue building wealth without unnecessary risk.

Yes – in fact, that’s the best time to get it. Premiums are lower, and you’re more likely to be accepted without exclusions. It’s about protecting your future earning potential and lifestyle before health issues arise.

Yes, and in many cases it’s a smart way to manage cash flow. However, it’s important to be aware of the erosionary impact – premiums paid from your super balance can reduce your retirement savings over time. We help you decide which policies should be held inside or outside super for the best balance of cost, flexibility, and long-term value.

We work with multiple leading insurers and use market-leading software to assess policy quality at a micro level – including definitions, exclusions, and claims history. This allows us to recommend policies that offer the best combination of underwriting outcomes, competitive pricing, and strong policy features. Our goal is to find the best fit for your needs – not just the cheapest option.

We specialise in helping self-employed clients – especially doctors and business owners. Our in-house accounting team helps verify income and structure cover that works with your financials, ensuring your application is strong and your cover is sustainable.

General business insurance typically covers physical assets, public liability, or professional indemnity.
Buy/Sell, Key Person, and Capital Protection insurance are strategic financial tools that fund ownership transfer if a partner exits due to death or disability, protect revenue if a key person is lost, and help repay business debt or inject capital during disruption. We help you structure these policies correctly and align them with your legal and financial frameworks.

Our process is clear, collaborative, and tailored to your needs. It includes:

• A discovery meeting to understand your personal, family, and business risks
• A formal Insurance Needs Analysis to identify gaps and determine appropriate cover
• Strategy development and insurer comparisons
• Implementation and application support, including coordination with our accounting team if needed
• Ongoing reviews and claims support
  We guide you every step of the way – no jargon, no pressure.

Some types of insurance are tax-deductible, depending on how they’re structured:

• Income Protection premiums are generally tax-deductible when paid personally
• Business-related cover (e.g. Key Person revenue protection) may be deductible
• Life, TPD, and Trauma are usually not deductible unless held in specific structures
  We work with your accountant to ensure your cover is structured for maximum tax efficiency.

We offer transparent, tailored pricing based on the complexity of your needs. During your initial consultation, we’ll explain our fee structure clearly so you know exactly what to expect – no surprises.

Underwriting is the process insurers use to assess your health, occupation, and lifestyle before offering cover. While it can feel intrusive, it’s essential – because it results in a guaranteed renewable contract. That means once your policy is in place, the insurer can’t change the terms or cancel it due to future health changes. We help you navigate underwriting to get the best possible outcome.