Kia ora

As you will be aware, New Zealand moved to a Level Four lockdown last night – Auckland and Coromandel for seven days and the rest of the country for three days.  

Asteron Life will continue to operate throughout the change to alert levels. With all teams able to work remotely, we are well equipped to continue to operate and are now adept to this way of working. 

What this means for you 
While we are continuing to work as usual, there may be a different way of working for some aspects of claims or new business, but we remain committed to ensuring customers are supported during this time. 

We encourage you to submit business through AsteronConnect. This speeds up the application process significantly and enables you to complete the application with your client online, whether it’s over Skype, Zoom or another preferred platform. Currently AsteronConnect is only suitable for new business and not applicable for increases or changes to existing business. 

Our tele-interviewing service is still operating as usual and can be booked through AsteronConnect. If you’re new to AsteronConnect it may be a great option as during the tele-interview the Asteron Life team completes the personal statement with your client for you. 

Our most commonly used forms for new business and altering existing business are also available as editable PDFs in the Document Library of AsteronConnect. Our claim forms have also been upgraded to editable PDFs and are available from our claims team on request. 

We are working with our providers on their availability to provide continued rehabilitation and assessment services via video conference. We will continue to keep you informed as we learn more.  

Options for customers 
We know that the changing alert levels can be a challenging time for everyone. Over the past 18 months Asteron Life has supported well over 2,500 customers with $3.8m of premium relief largely due to Covid impacts. We are committed to supporting vulnerable customers wherever possible through our premium relief benefits, which include:

Premium Holiday for lump sum cover; or 
Premium & Cover Suspension for disability income covers 

If you have any clients who are experiencing financial hardship contact your Business Development Manager or Consultant to obtain our Financial Hardship Declaration Form and discuss the options available to assist clients through this time.

Best Doctors  
We can also help customers access mental health support through Best Doctors Mental Health Navigator, which is available through Asteron Life disability insurance. The Best Doctors navigator reviews the customer’s mental health via Telehealth by a team of New Zealand registered experts - with ongoing support from a mental health nurse. 
 
Get in touch 
We acknowledge that going back into Level Four can be a difficult time, so if there is anything we can help you with, or if you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your Business Development team, or call the Adviser Support line on 0800 808 106.