AIA Health Insurance has announced further refunds for members who continue to face restricted access to extras services due to the pandemic.
A statement from the health insurer says that protecting the value of extras cover, it will offer refunds on extras premiums paid, less any claims made between 1 January–31 December 2021, “…ensuring members are financially protected from any further disruptions to extras services this year.”
It says AIA Health’s Extras Value Protect initiative is “…industry-leading and protects the value of extras cover in recognition of members who, due to the pandemic, may not be able to receive the full benefits because of limitations to key extras services such as dental, physio and optical.”
The statement notes that members can unlock and enhance their refund amount through engagement with AIA’s wellbeing program AIA Vitality, with a refund being paid attributable to their AIA Vitality Status.
AIA Australia Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Damien Mu says that if customers can’t access their extras benefits due to the pandemic, “…then we want to ensure that we are returning these premiums accordingly.”
The company adds that the Extras Value Protect initiative is now in its second year. “In June 2020 AIA Health Insurance was the first insurer to announce a refund to members who faced restricted access to extras services.” (See: AIA Australia Health Initiative.)
AIA Health Insurance says it has also committed to covering telehealth services including psychology, counselling, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation in response to increased mental health claims during Covid.
The statement concludes that Extras Value Protect is part of AIA Australia and AIA Health Insurance’s broader Covid response which includes Covid cover extension, financial hardship measures and increased health and wellbeing support via AIA Vitality.
