Loss of independent existence

Current definition

January 2018

Loss of independent existence – resulting in permanent symptoms

Any condition that:

a) permanently prevents the person covered from doing at least 3 out of the 6 living tasks either with or without the use of mechanical equipment, special devices or other aids and adaptations in use for disabled persons; or

b) causes mental failure.

The six living tasks are:

• Washing – the ability to wash in the bath or shower (including getting into and out of the bath or shower) or wash satisfactorily by other means.
• The ability to dress and undress – the ability to put on, take off, secure and unfasten all garments and, if needed, any braces, artificial limbs or other surgical appliances.
• Feeding yourself – the ability to feed yourself when food has been prepared and made available.
• Maintaining personal hygiene – the ability to maintain a satisfactory level of personal hygiene by using the toilet or otherwise managing bowel and bladder function.
• Getting between rooms – the ability to get from room to room on a level floor.
• Getting in and out of bed – the ability to get out of bed into an upright chair or wheelchair and back again.

If the claim is for Standard Children’s Critical Illness Cover or Enhanced Children's Critical Illness Cover, any condition that:

a) permanently prevents the child covered from doing; or permanently prevents the child covered from achieving the ability to do at least 3 out of the 6 living tasks either with or without the use of mechanical equipment, special devices or other aids and adaptations in use for disabled persons; or

b) causes mental incapacity.

The six living tasks are:

• Washing – the ability to wash in the bath or shower (including getting into and out of the bath or shower) or wash satisfactorily by other means.
• The ability to dress and undress – the ability to put on, take off, secure and unfasten all garments and, if needed, any braces, artificial limbs or other surgical appliances.
• Feeding yourself – the ability to feed yourself when food has been prepared and made available.
• Maintaining personal hygiene – the ability to maintain a satisfactory level of personal hygiene by using the toilet or otherwise managing bowel and bladder function.
• Getting between rooms – the ability to get from room to room on a level floor.
• Getting in and out of bed – the ability to get out of bed into an upright chair or wheelchair and back again.

Changes to the previous definition

Children have always been covered under this definition, but we have now added specific wording for Standard Children’s Critical Illness Cover and Enhanced Children’s Critical Illness Cover.