Life insurers will treat people making a claim related to the bushfires as vulnerable customers who need additional support, under the FSC Life Insurance Code of Practice, the Financial Services Council has announced.
FSC CEO Sally Loane said in a media release that this announcement was in addition to the individual commitments already made by life insurers to support people affected by the bushfires.
Affected Australians will have their claims assessments and decisions prioritised…
“This means affected Australians will have their claims assessments and decisions prioritised and people may have access to advance payments to help alleviate financial hardship,” Loane said.
“There are no general exclusions in life insurance which would stop an insurer from paying claims after a natural disaster like a bushfire. Australians can rely on their life insurance.
“The code requires that all customers are treated with compassion, respect and empathy, but also recognises that some vulnerable people may have unique needs when making a claim on their life insurance, and if so, additional support will be provided,” she noted.
Recently the FSC launched a new service for Australians and their loved ones to use, if life insurance policy details have been lost or destroyed as a result of the bushfires.
FSC notes that life insurers have also made a broad range of additional, individual commitments when handling claims related to the bushfires. They include:
- Prioritising bushfire related claims
- Waiving premiums for volunteer firefighters who are putting themselves at risk so they can maintain their cover while not earning in their usual job
- Waiving premiums for affected people
- Special leave days for staff who are emergency service volunteers who have been impacted
- Reducing the evidence requirements for related claims
- Offering mental health, Employment Assistance Programme and other support services to affected customers and their families
- Proactively contacting customers in affected postcodes
- Donating cash to fundraising organisations
- Allowing more time for customers to submit documents
- Contacting customers after hours
- Providing immediate information and referrals for affected customers to government agencies
To access a copy of the code click here.
