As we continue to work within Covid-19 restrictions, we are very proud to be there for you and our customers at the moments that matter. During our response to Covid-19 to date we have issued more than $3m in premium relief to more than 2,000 Asteron Life customers financially affected by Covid-19.

For customers that have experienced financial hardship due to Covid-19, we remain ready to help.

Covid-19 support extended

We are pleased to confirm that Asteron Life’s Covid-19 financial relief options have been extended through to 31 October 2020.

Covid-19 premium relief available includes:

• For all products that have the premium relief benefits built-in:
  • Up to 3 months additional Premium Holiday for any customer who had previously used their built-in benefits prior to the emergence of Covid-19.
  • Stand down periods (the period cover required to be in force for prior to use) waived for any policy application that was in progress prior to 16 March 2020.
  • The maximum length of Premium Holiday issued at one time remains at 3 months.
• Up to 3 months Premium Holiday benefit for Business Insurance and Smart Business lump sum covers.
• Up to 12 months Premium & Cover suspension benefit on all disability covers.

While any part of the country remains in alert Level 3 or 4, we will continue to accept the existing Covid-19 Financial Hardship application form.

• For people who need to extend their premium relief period (where their policy allows for more relief) we will accept:
  • written confirmation from policy owners that they remain in the same (or worse) financial situation as when they first applied for the support, or
  • An updated Covid-19 Financial Hardship application form.

Please contact your BDM with any questions.

Underwriting

We are well set up to work remotely and any change in Covid-19 alert levels should not result in any change to underwriting service levels.

The same principles apply since the pandemic started in terms of eligibility for cover. If a customer can’t work and does not have a guaranteed income stream, unfortunately no disability cover is available.

Existing applicants for DI cover (who are not yet offered terms) will need to provide an updated disclosure about how level 3 or 4 will impact them and their employer. Our Underwriters will phone affected customers to clarify their situation where this is necessary.  

Medscreen update

Auckland in Level 3 and above
MedScreen is postponing all Auckland paramedical visits that are booked and confirmed until next Tuesday 18 August. They will reschedule these visits once they’re able to.

Outside Auckland in Level 2
At this stage, all visits booked outside of Auckland will continue as scheduled. In Level 2 Medscreen nurses will resume wearing masks when they are with clients and will discontinue doing peak flows