As always, it’s important to note that every insurance policy is different as the type and level of cover you have is based on your situation. So, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us: we can talk you through your policy wording and help you get clarity as to what you’re covered for.
Having said, we have been in close contact with insurance providers over the past few weeks, and can tell you that most of them have communicated their stance on COVID-19. As this article from Insurance Business Magazine notes, responses vary from provider to provider. Here’s what some have said about existing policies.
Fidelity Life
“Due to the current economic conditions, customers are concerned about ensuring they’re covered for COVID-19, especially in the event of redundancy or significant time off work, as well as how the situation will impact existing claims,” said Fidelity Life COO, Kath Johnson.
“We’re reassuring existing customers that cover is not impacted by COVID-19: they’ll be able to make a claim where they meet their policy’s terms and conditions.”
In addition, Johnson said that, for next few weeks, customers currently receiving income protection claim payments won’t need to visit their GP for their formal medical certification. Instead, the process will be overseen by Fidelity Life’s chief medical officer. Please get in contact to learn more.
Existing covers that were taken out before the risk of COVID-19 became apparent have no blanket exclusions for COVID-19, which means you’d be able to make a claim if all other terms and conditions are met. Once again, we encourage you to get in contact with us to check your policy’s wording.
AIA
AIA has also confirmed that existing policies that were taken out before COVID-19 don’t have specific exclusions for pandemics in their policy wording.
“If you need to make a claim related to COVID-19, as with any other claim, you will need to meet the eligibility requirements for your type of cover,” said the company in a statement, reassuring customers that they will do whatever is in their power to continue to manage claims “in a timely and supportive manner.”
Southern Cross
As a health insurance provider, with policies designed to complement the services provided by the health system, Southern Cross won’t respond to claims related to COVID-19, which are treated by public healthcare as emergencies.
The provider may cover for conditions that arise subsequently to COVID-19, depending on your policy, but it will not cover any screening or tests related to the virus, including overseas medical evacuations.
Asteron Life
According to the provider, Asteron Life policies that were taken out before COVID-19 have no blanket exclusions for outbreaks. So if you were to file a COVID19-related claim, this would be treated “the same as any other illness.”
Keep in mind that most of income protection or mortgage repayment insurance policies have a minimum of four-week waiting period before the cover kicks in. Plus, usually you would need a doctor certificate. Once again, we’re here to help you understand the process.
nib
Nib said that, generally speaking, their policies don’t cover for acute conditions that need hospital treatment or monitoring. Things like quarantine surveillance, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up services for COVID-19 patients will be covered by the Ministry of Health.
Don’t hesitate to contact us
If you have any questions about your cover or would like to check what your policy wording covers, please get in contact with us at your earliest convenience. And in the meantime, we recommend a visit to ‘Unite against COVID-19’ for updates and guidance, including how to access healthcare if needed.
Disclaimer: Please note that the content provided in this article is intended as an overview and as general information only. While care is taken to ensure accuracy and reliability, the information provided is subject to continuous change and may not reflect current development or address your situation. Before making any decisions based on the information provided in this article, please use your discretion and seek independent guidance.