FAQs on COVID-19

You might find your answer in our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), however if you have any further questions please talk with your Adviser or contact us on queries@partnerslife.co.nz

1. Are there any exclusions or restrictions because of a pandemic, or if complications are suffered from being vaccinated?

Partners Life's products don't have any exclusions or restrictions that would affect a claim in the event of death or disablement as a result of a pandemic, nor complications from vaccines, such as the one being made available for COVID-19.

So provided the life assured suffered a covered event, a claim would be considered according to the policy wordings.

2. If I have the COVID-19 vaccine, will it null and void my cover?

No, the vaccine does not impact an in-force policy/cover.

3. What happens if I don't get the COVID-19 vaccine and I contract COVID-19 and am unable to work? Will my disability income cover me?

Yes, provided the illness lasts longer than the life assured's selected waiting period, the life assured will be covered.

4. If I receive the COVID-19 vaccine and there are adverse side effects which result in me being unable to work or I become disabled, am I covered?

Yes, provided the illness or injury lasts longer than the life assured's selected waiting period, the life assured will be covered.

5. If I die from COVID-19 will my life insurance pay out?

If the worst happens and a Partners Life client dies as a result of COVID-19 (or any complications it might bring), your Life Cover would pay out just like it would for any other cause.

6. I'm having trouble paying my policy due to COVID-19 as it has affected my ability to work. Does Partners Life have any option on how to make this more affordable?

We  know that many of you may be concerned about the affordability of your policies during this time. If you and your family have been financially affected by the COVID-19, please get in touch with your adviser. We have made a number of options available to help our clients keep their valuable cover through this period, and your adviser will be able to help you understand the criteria and guidelines for this support.

7. If my policy is on a policy suspension or premium holiday during this time and I get diagnosed with cancer will it still pay out?

If you are on a period of Premium Holiday, you remain completely covered and will be able to make claims just the same as if you were not on Premium Holiday. This means that if you have coverage which would otherwise pay for Cancer diagnosis or treatment, you will absolutely still be able to make a claim.

If you are on a period of Policy Suspension, you will not be able to claim during that period – Policy Suspension puts your cover ‘on hold'.

If you are unsure which applies to you, get in touch with your financial adviser or us directly.

8. If I get COVID-19 and need to be hospitalised, does my medical cover allow me to be treated privately rather than in a public hospital?

Due to current government restrictions, the expertise and resources for treating COVID-19 are in the public health system. As such, right now it is unlikely you would be able to access private healthcare options. If and when the situation eases and private hospital treatment becomes available, your Medical Cover would allow you to access this, but for now most, if not all treatment is taking place in the public system.

9. Will my Redundancy Cover pay out if I get made redundant due to COVID-19?

Absolutely, so long as the Redundancy occurred more than 90 days after your Redundancy Cover started. You may also be eligible for a Premium Holiday if you have been made redundant during this time.

10. Can I use my Income cover/ Mortgage Repayment Cover / Household Expenses Cover as a result of COVID-19?

These types of cover protect you when you are unable to work due to health reasons. If you are currently working, contract COVID-19 and as a result become too sick to return to work, you may be eligible for a claim - even if you are receiving government assistance.

If you are healthy and physically able to work however are not working due to COVID-19 government measures such as the lockdown, you will not be able to claim for these covers as this is not what they are for.

Should you have any further questions please talk with your Adviser or contact us on queries@partnerslife.co.nz

For other financial support options you may be entitled to, we suggest that you make enquiries to your employer or directly to https://workandincome.govt.nz/eligibility/emergencies/2020/coronavirus.html

You can also contact your bank to discuss the range of initiatives they may have available, such as a mortgage holiday.