Why did my super insurance stop, and can I get it back?
The usual reasons are no contributions for 16 months, a balance too low to pay the premiums, a change of job or fund, reaching the age where cover stops, or opting out. Your fund must have written to you first in most cases. Getting cover back often means contributing again and either electing to keep it or applying with health questions.
Insurance in super is switched off more often than people realise, and a lot of it is automatic.
The common reasons
You haven't contributed for 16 months. Since 2019, funds have had to stop insurance on accounts that haven't received a contribution or rollover for 16 months, unless you've told them you want to keep it. If you left a job and your account is just sitting there, this is the most likely cause. Some funds act sooner: Australian Retirement Trust's guide uses 12 months of no eligible contributions unless you've elected in writing to keep cover. Check your fund's.
You're under 25 or your balance is under $6,000. Since April 2020, default cover generally doesn't start for members under 25 or with a balance below $6,000 unless you opt in. If you were covered before April 2020 and never opted in, check whether it was switched off then.
Your balance can't pay the premium. Premiums come out of your account. If the balance can't cover the premium, cover stops.
You left the job or the employer plan. Cover through an employer plan can end or change when you leave. At some funds your cover continues as fixed amounts, with income protection ending. Mercer's employer plan members, for example, who leave their employer move to the individual section and any income protection ends.
You reached the age where cover stops. This differs by cover type. Death cover ends at 70 at most funds, but at 65 for Brighter Super and REI Super and at 75 at HESTA and NGS. TPD often ends at 65 or 67. Income protection often ends at 65 or 67.
You opted out. Including by ticking a box on an old form or at a new employer.
How to find out which one
Ask the fund. The question is "what date did my cover end and why?" They should be able to tell you and send the notice they gave you. Funds are required to warn you before inactive cover is cancelled, so check your email and post for the notice, including old addresses.
Your options
- Contribute again, and elect to keep it. If cover ended because of inactivity and your fund allows reinstatement, you may be able to restore it, sometimes without health questions. Ask how long you have.
- Apply with health questions. This usually works if your health is good, but the terms can be different from what you had.
- Join another fund's cover. Some funds give automatic cover to new members who meet the conditions. Our comparison shows which, though limited cover usually applies at first.
- Cover outside super. Pricier, but you choose the terms, and some policies have features super can't offer.
Keeping it from lapsing next time
If you're between jobs, leaving an account idle is the usual way cover disappears. Even a small personal contribution counts as a contribution. Check the fund's election form for keeping insurance without contributions.
Sources
- ASIC MoneySmart, Insurance through super; Canstar, Insurance in super: 7 questions answered (inactive account and under-25 rules since 2019 and 2020)
- Fund insurance guides as at 22 October 2026 (Australian Retirement Trust, Mercer, Brighter Super, REI Super, HESTA, NGS Super, Hostplus)
See which funds start cover automatically
Free, no sign-up. Uses each fund's published rates and rules.
General information only, not personal advice. Fund rules and premiums change, usually on 1 July or 1 October. Check the fund's current insurance guide before relying on a figure here.