Australian soldiers being deployed to Afghanistan are being told by the Defence Department to consider additional life cover to top up their existing death benefits.

Brisbane’s Courier Mail reported at the weekend that hundreds of soldiers have received letters from the department outlining the extra cover provided by AIG Australia.

On Friday 600 troops flew out of Townsville bound for Afghanistan.

The newspaper quoted a “military source” who said many soldiers were disgusted by the department’s approach. The letter warns soldiers that existing support may not provide adequate cover if they are killed.

But the Defence Department fired back this morning, saying the report “misrepresented” its intentions.

Citing the existence of a “comprehensive range” of death benefits, the department says the letter was intended “to ensure that soldiers are aware that private insurance is available, that they should consider their personal circumstances and have the option to take out additional cover if required”.

The AIG policy costs up to $100 per month and provides death benefits of $250,000. Existing compensation paid to partners of soldiers killed in the line of duty provides a benefit of up to $118,362 in addition to a war widow’s pension or equivalent lump sum, and welfare and education benefits.