Disability Insurance
Disability insurance provides long-term financial protection if you are permanently or totally unable to work. It is the safety net that ensures a life-changing event does not also become a financial catastrophe.
Disability insurance
Long-term financial security if disability prevents you from working
Short-term income protection covers temporary inability to work. But what happens if you never recover? Disability insurance provides a long-term benefit that sustains your financial position if you are permanently or totally disabled and unable to return to the workforce.
Most people plan for the possibility of a short illness or injury. Few plan adequately for the possibility of a permanent disability — despite it being statistically more likely than premature death for working-age adults. Disability cover fills the gap that income protection and ACC do not fully address.
Disability cover can be structured in a number of ways — as a lump sum payment, as an ongoing monthly benefit, or as a combination of both. The right structure depends on your financial commitments, your family situation, and your long-term financial goals.
What's Included
We assess your existing cover, your income, your assets, and your long-term financial obligations to recommend disability insurance that provides genuine security without unnecessary cost.
The goal is to make sure that if you are ever permanently unable to work, your mortgage is covered, your family is provided for, and your long-term financial plan can still be achieved.
Total and permanent disability (TPD) lump sum cover
TPD cover pays a lump sum if you are permanently and totally disabled. We help you calculate the right sum insured based on your mortgage, your long-term income needs, and your existing assets.
Integration with income protection and life cover
Disability cover works alongside your income protection and life insurance to provide a complete protection package. We make sure there are no gaps or overlaps between your policies.
Own occupation vs any occupation TPD definitions
The definition of disability used in a policy significantly affects when it will pay out. Own occupation definitions are more generous. We make sure your policy uses the definition that is right for your occupation and situation.
Superannuation and retirement impact planning
A permanent disability has long-term implications for your retirement savings. We factor your KiwiSaver and retirement plan into the disability cover strategy to make sure your long-term financial goals remain achievable.
What people say about Collaborative Consulting
“I got to know John whilst working with him in developing his company’s brand principles to strengthen the emotional connectedness with his clients. During this period, I gained a deep understanding of John’s ethics and strong desire to help people both through the good times and the bad times.
His strongest desire is to make a tangible difference for his clients and future generations of their family. John has a strong sense of family, he believes strongly in wanting to contribute back to the community.
I can honestly say I have not met a financial adviser where money is not the financial driver for him, it’s much more personal, it’s about making a difference. I’d recommend anyone who wants certainty in their financial investments talk to John.”
Michael Major BA (Hons) MDM
Property Development Consultant, Future Proofing Strategist
“John is the consummate professional in the Financial Planning and Investment sector. He has walked the talk, having successfully grown and lead businesses to achieve dramatic results. Through it all, he has helped people reach their personal and professional goals and engages with them comprehensively to ensure they achieve what they need to.
There’s no nonsense with John – if you want to succeed, he will help you do it and in doing so, you will meet and be assisted by one of the nicest and most professional people I know, who also lives by a set of principles steeped in integrity. A hard thing to find these days!
I strongly recommend you contact John and get to know him. You won’t regret it.”
Warren Cummins
Managing Director, Dale Carnegie Auckland and BRS Management
“Choosing someone to look after your money is an important decision especially if you are like me and have no idea about investments.
When I left my marriage I had money from the sale of the house. As I was now on my own financially I understood that I needed to ensure that not only was my money going to be safe but would also be working for my future.
I met with a few financial advisers but none of them really instilled me with confidence. I was feeling a bit lost and frightened about making the wrong decision.
Pam Martin
Arbonne Independent Consultant
“We are all specialists in our own area of business. We love referring our clients to an equally dedicated specialist, John Milner of Collaborative Consulting Ltd.
John has been able to help our clients leverage and re-invest their hard-won gains, made both personally, and in business. John has been working in his area of Investment Expertise for a long- time, so has ridden all of those waves in the marketplace. He is committed to helping clients mitigate their investment risk, and in these days and times, his level-head and thorough but relatable approach to Investment are exactly what we all need.
He makes investing simple, effective and takes the worry away.”
James Kelso
CPA, Director, Kelso Marsh Consulting Ltd
“I have known for some time now as part of my business networking group. From the start I have been impressed by John’s professionalism and his knowledge base. John takes what he does seriously and is quite clearly very dedicated to serving his clients well.
I have no trouble recommending him to anyone in need of sound financial advice.”
Rory Laubscher
Corporate Photography Specialist Firefly Photography
Our Process
When you work with us, we use our proven 3-step system. By understanding your situation and the goals you want to achieve, we work out a unique plan to help you get there smoothly.
Disability cover that protects your long-term financial future
Years of experience helping New Zealanders structure comprehensive protection against the risk of permanent disability.
No one plans for permanent disability — but it is one of the most financially devastating events that can happen to a working adult. The right disability insurance strategy ensures your financial plan survives, whatever happens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about disability insurance? Get in touch — we are happy to help.
What is total and permanent disability (TPD) insurance?
TPD insurance pays a lump sum if you are permanently and totally unable to work due to illness or injury. The exact definition of ‘total and permanent disability’ varies by policy — own occupation definitions are more generous than any occupation definitions.
How is disability insurance different from income protection?
Income protection pays a monthly benefit while you are temporarily unable to work. Disability insurance typically pays a lump sum if your disability is permanent. Both serve different purposes and many people benefit from having both.
Do I need disability insurance if I already have income protection?
Income protection typically ceases if you reach the end of your benefit period or if your condition is deemed permanent. Disability (TPD) cover provides the lump sum payment in those circumstances, covering your long-term financial needs.
What conditions qualify for a disability claim?
Qualifying conditions vary by policy but typically include permanent physical or cognitive conditions that prevent you from working in your own occupation or any occupation. We review policy terms carefully to make sure you understand exactly when your cover would apply.
Can I hold disability cover inside my KiwiSaver?
Some KiwiSaver providers offer TPD cover as part of their scheme. However, holding it personally gives you more control and flexibility. We advise on the most appropriate structure for your situation.
How much disability cover do I need?
The right sum insured depends on your mortgage, your long-term income needs, your existing assets, and your family obligations. We calculate this precisely for your situation rather than relying on generic rules of thumb.
Do you work with clients across New Zealand?
Yes. We advise clients throughout New Zealand on disability insurance via video call and phone.
Related insurance and financial protection services
With Collaborative Consulting by your side, we can help across a broad range of protection and financial planning needs.
Monthly benefit cover for temporary inability to work due to illness or injury — complementing TPD cover for a complete protection strategy.
Lump sum cover for your family if you die — ensuring debts are paid and your loved ones are provided for.
Lump sum payment on diagnosis of a serious illness — covering costs beyond what disability and income protection may address.