Personal Accident and Illness Insurance Sunshine Coast: Income Protection for Self-Employed Workers
Introduction
If you’re self-employed or a tradesperson on the Sunshine Coast, your ability to work is your biggest asset. But what happens if you’re injured or become sick and can’t earn an income? Without a safety net, paying for rent, the mortgage, bills, and everyday living costs can quickly become overwhelming.
That’s where Personal Accident and Illness Insurance comes in. It provides income protection if you’re unable to work due to injury or illness, helping you stay financially stable while you recover. Whether you’re a carpenter in Buderim, a plumber in Maroochydore, or a contractor working across the Sunshine Coast, this insurance can give you and your family peace of mind.
At Design Cover Insurance Brokers, we help self-employed workers and small business owners tailor accident and illness cover to suit their lifestyle, risk profile, and budget.
What Is Personal Accident and Illness Insurance?
Personal Accident and Illness Insurance (sometimes called income protection for self-employed workers) replaces a portion of your income if you’re unable to work because of injury or sickness.
Unlike workers’ compensation, which generally only covers employees, this type of insurance is popular with self-employed tradies, contractors, and business owners who don’t have employer-funded protection.
Why Is Personal Accident and Illness Insurance Important?
Across the Sunshine Coast, thousands of sole traders and contractors rely on their own skills and physical work to earn an income. But accidents and illnesses don’t discriminate—they can happen to anyone.
Key reasons to consider cover:
Financial security – helps pay your rent, mortgage, or bills while you recover.
Peace of mind – know you’ll still have income if something unexpected happens.
Support for families – reduces stress on loved ones if you can’t work.
Cover for illnesses too – unlike workers’ compensation, it protects against sickness as well as injury.
If you’re a tradie in Buderim or running your own business in Maroochydore, this type of insurance ensures your lifestyle and financial commitments aren’t put at risk.
What Does Personal Accident and Illness Insurance Cover?
While policies vary, cover typically includes:
Weekly Income Benefit
A regular payment (usually a percentage of your pre-tax income) while you’re unable to work.
Injury Cover
Covers lost income if you’re sidelined due to an accident—such as a broken arm, workplace fall, or motor vehicle accident.
Illness Cover
Provides income protection if you’re unable to work because of sickness—anything from pneumonia to more serious health conditions.
Lump Sum Benefits (optional)
Some policies include lump sum payments for permanent disablement or accidental death, providing extra support for you or your family.
Example Scenarios
Buderim Plumber
Breaks his leg on-site and is off work for three months. Personal Accident Insurance replaces his lost income, covering living expenses during recovery.Maroochydore Electrician
Contracts glandular fever and is unable to work for six weeks. Illness cover provides weekly income, easing the financial stress.Sunshine Coast Carpenter
Suffers a serious back injury and can’t return to work in the short term. The insurance ensures ongoing bills and business costs are met.
Who Needs Personal Accident and Illness Insurance?
This cover is particularly valuable for:
Self-employed tradies and contractors.
Sole traders without access to workers’ compensation.
Small business owners.
Professionals without sick leave entitlements.
If you’re earning your own income in Buderim, Maroochydore, or anywhere on the Sunshine Coast, this type of insurance ensures you’re not left without financial support when you can’t work.
Benefits of Personal Accident and Illness Insurance
Protects your income when you’re unable to work.
Covers both injury and sickness (not just workplace accidents).
Flexible policies tailored to your work, health, and budget.
Peace of mind for you and your family.
Keeps your business afloat while you recover.
How Much Does Personal Accident and Illness Insurance Cost?
Premiums depend on several factors, including:
Your age and occupation.
Level of cover and weekly benefit chosen.
Waiting period before payments begin.
Benefit period (how long payments continue).
Health history and lifestyle.
For example, a young carpenter in Buderim may pay less than an older electrician in Maroochydore with higher weekly benefit cover.
At Design Cover, we help you compare insurers and select the right balance between affordability and protection.
Common Exclusions
Policies usually won’t cover:
Pre-existing medical conditions.
Self-inflicted injuries.
Injuries from high-risk activities (unless disclosed and accepted).
Normal pregnancy or childbirth.
We guide our clients through policy exclusions so you know exactly what you’re covered for.
Why Choose Design Cover for Personal Accident and Illness Insurance?
At Design Cover Insurance Brokers, we understand the needs of self-employed workers and tradies on the Sunshine Coast. Tanya, our Senior Broker, has over 20 years of experience helping clients manage risk and secure the right protection.
Here’s why clients in Buderim, Maroochydore, and across the Sunshine Coast trust us:
We explain the fine print in plain English.
We compare multiple insurers to find the best value.
We tailor cover to your occupation and lifestyle.
We provide ongoing support, including assistance at claim time.
Conclusion: Secure Your Income, Protect Your Future
If you can’t work, your bills won’t wait. Personal Accident and Illness Insurance provides a financial lifeline when you’re recovering from injury or sickness, helping you focus on getting better without worrying about money.
At Design Cover, we’re here to help Sunshine Coast tradies, contractors, and business owners choose the right policy for their needs. Whether you’re in Buderim, Maroochydore, or anywhere in the region, we’ll make sure your income is protected.
📞 Call Tanya today on 0419 550 677
📧 Email hello@designcover.com.au