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Insurance relief if you’ve been impacted by the bushfires

Gary Ross Hunter
Posted:
News

Kids playing grandpa

Insurers are offering payment freezes and more to those affected.

Australia's catasphrophic bushfires have caused massive destruction to areas across New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. Insurance claims from the crisis have climbed to $700 million, according to the Insurance Council of Australia.

As a result of the widespread damage and destruction, many insurance providers are offering a number of services to help those suffering from financial hardship during this difficult time. If you have been affected by the recent bushfires, it's important to call your insurer as soon as possible. They should be able to offer some assistance even if they have yet to announce a relief package.

Medibank & ahm

Eligible Medibank and ahm health insurance customers can waive their premiums for up to three months or suspend their policy for up to two years. Medibank customers should contact 132 331 and ahm customers 134 246 for more information. Medibank customers also have access to the Medibank Mental Health Phone Support line which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The number is 1800 644 325.

Bupa

Bupa has made a bushfire relief package available to customers affected by the devastating bushfires across the nation. Some of their services include:

  • Six months of premium relief for eligible Bupa health insurance customers.
  • Paid community service leave for up to 20 days for those involved in the firefighting and disaster relief effort, including counselling support for those who have been personally impacted.
  • Selected dental and optical services for eligible customers
  • $100,000 donation to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund and $10,000 donations to each local Rural Fire Service and Country Fire Authority where homes have been impacted, starting with Eden, Tumut and Bairnsdale.

For more information, contact Bupa's customer service team on 134 135 or bupabushfirerelief@bupa.com.au to see how they can support you.

TAL

TAL have a financial hardship policy for those severely affected by the bushfire crisis. You may be eligible for premium relief, depending on your individual circumstances. Contact the customer service team on 1300 209 088 to talk through the options that may be available to you: open 8:00am – 7:00pm AEST Monday to Friday.

Resources for those impacted by the Australian bushfires

Picture: GettyImages

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