Three financial advice organisations have joined the Pro Bono Financial Advice Network which supports advisers to deliver pro bono advice to people living with a personal health crisis.
PFAN says that Zurich Assure, Interprac and Sequoia have joined the network.
Zurich Financial Services Australia announced its partnership with PFAN “…extending professional insurance assistance to those in particularly adverse or vulnerable situations.”
Through the partnership, Zurich Assure – Zurich’s life insurance advice business – will work through PFAN, to help Australians living with, or responding to, a personal health crisis improve their financial wellbeing.
The company says those suffering from serious illness or disability will be able to access pro bono personal insurance advice and insurance claims assistance, support and guidance, including for example:
- Evaluating claims eligibility
- Preparing, reviewing and lodging claims applications
- Ongoing claims management
…almost 40% of individuals would only have sufficient financial resources for up to two weeks…
Sandhya Maini, Head of Zurich Assure, says recent research conducted by Zurich shows that in the event of an illness or injury impacting their primary income, “…almost 40% of individuals would only have sufficient financial resources for up to two weeks. In addition, one in three people indicated they had no financial backup plan in these circumstances.”
She says that seeking and obtaining the right advice at the right time can make a significant and positive difference.
PFAN Chair Nicola Beswick says she is delighted that Zurich Assure, Inteprac and Sequoia have joined the network.
She explains the network’s mission is to help improve the financial wellbeing of Australian’s living with serious illness or disability, by providing pro bono financial advice, and to inspire others to do the same.
Beswick says that having the support “…from trusted brands like Zurich Assure, InterPrac and Sequoia enables us to service more clients and ultimately extend our services to others that need our assistance. We also hope to inspire the next generation of advisers and increase awareness of the value that we bring to others through our profession.”
Through PFAN, InterPrac and Sequoia’s network of advisers can register their interest in providing pro bono advice.
InterPrac CEO Garry Crole says the two firms are pleased to support those who need advice the most, by participating in the program.
“In our opinion, the best investment any one can make, is to appoint a financial planner or wealth coach,” he says.
Currently, PFAN works with the Multiple Sclerosis network throughout Australia, connecting individuals through referral partners to locally-based advisers. Advisers registered with PFAN are given the opportunity to take on one pro bono client per year.
Click here for more information about PFAN.
