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1. This advice is general and has not taken into account your individual objectives, financial situation, or needs. You must consider whether this advice is right for you having regard to your individual personal circumstances. You may need financial advice from a qualified adviser. Before you make a decision to acquire or continue to hold an insurance product, you should carefully, and in detail, read the relevant PDS and the policy document (where applicable) for the terms, conditions and any exclusions that apply to that product to ensure that the product is suited to your own individual objectives, financial situation and needs.
2. The information in this FAQ is not, and is not intended to be used as, personal financial advice, legal advice or medical advice for any of the questions covered, nor is it a substitute for any independent professional advice.
3. The information is not intended to influence or encourage you to acquire or hold (or not to acquire or hold) a life insurance, total and permanent disability, or trauma productor to encourage or discourage you from making a claim under your current existing life, total and permanent disability or trauma policy with your insurer.
4. This information must be read in conjunction with the relevant policy document, product disclosure statement and/or any policy schedule (including any relevant terms, conditions, exclusions and waiting periods contained in these documents).
I haven’t been diagnosed with COVID-19 but have been in contact with someone who has. Can I still get cover?
It depends. The insurer will assess your application for insurance against the policy’s terms and conditions, as well as any policy documentation.
This may include underwriting to assess your health, which covers any previous or current conditions. They may also assess any previous travel or future travel plans.
The insurer may also ask you if you’ve been in contact with someone who has tested positive to COVID-19. As such, it’s essential you read the policy’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), as well as any accompanying policy documentation, before applying.
Last updated: 08/04/2020
Will newly insured customers be treated any differently than before?
Your insurer will assess your application for insurance against the policy’s terms and conditions, as well as the insurer’s policy documentation.
This means the insurer may include underwriting to assess your health, which covers any previous or current health conditions. The insurer may also assess any previous travel or your future travel plans.
Ensure you read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), as well as any accompanying policy documentation, before applying for cover.
Last updated: 08/04/2020
Does my life insurance policy cover me if I travel overseas and contract COVID-19?
Some insurers may have specific exclusions for travel, depending on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) travel advice rating. Overall, though, cover depends on the policy that you hold.
To be sure, it’s important to consider your own policy, including its terms and conditions. If in doubt, you should speak to your insurer to find out more information.
Last updated: 08/04/2020
Am I covered in the event of death from COVID-19?
This depends on your policy. If you hold a policy that covers you for death, then the insurer will assess your claim in line with your policy terms and conditions. If in doubt, you should speak to your insurer to find out more information.
Last updated: 08/04/2020
Are there any exclusions on my policy for COVID-19?
This depends on your policy. Some policies may contain specific pandemic exclusions, while others may not. To be sure, consider your policy’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the policy document. Alternatively, speak to your insurer for further clarification.
Last updated: 08/04/2020
Which types of cover can I claim on for COVID-19? (e.g. Am I covered for TPD, critical illness or income protection insurance?)
Whether COVID-19 is covered in any policy will depend on the terms of the policy, as well as the policy’s conditions or exclusions. As such, we cannot advise you in relation to your own policy.
If you wish to make a claim on your policy, you should consider your policy’s terms and conditions, as well as your individual policy document in light of your own circumstances.
If you would like to learn more about each type of insurance, we have information available around each:
Last updated: 08/04/2020
If I contract COVID-19, will it change how insurers underwrite my insurance policies in the future?
At the moment, we can’t answer on behalf of the insurer. Currently, insurers may ask for more information about your previous travels, new travel plans in the future and whether you have contracted COVID-19.
When you apply for cover, you’ll also be asked about your health situation, including any current or previous illnesses. Each insurer will consider your application through the underwriting process to determine your eligibility for cover.
Last updated: 08/04/2020
Will I be able to get a life insurance policy after contracting COVID-19?
It depends. When you apply for life insurance, the insurer will assess your personal health and circumstances according to their underwriting criteria and policy terms and conditions.
In many cases, if you have an existing condition or illness, the insurer may:
Last updated: 08/04/2020
