COVID-19 & Life Insurances FAQs
Our top frequently asked questions by clients about life insurance policies and COVID-19 and vaccinations
Australia is now in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With rolling lockdowns and much general uncertainty ahead, as we race towards the nation's next mass vaccination target, it's only natural people are looking for certainty and asking important questions about 'whether COVID-19 affects their life insurance policies in any way?'
Well we have some good news to share.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we’ve received about life insurances and COVID-19 and COVID-19 Vaccinations.
Frequently asked Questions about COIVD-19 Vaccinations and Life Insurance policies
Jump Ahead
- Can I still buy a life insurance policy or income protection policy during the COVID-19 pandemic?
- Are front line Health Care Workers still able to apply for life insurances during the COIVD-19 pandemic?
- Can I still buy life insurances with my financial advisers over the phone without having to see anyone face-to-face?
- If I am currently in self isolation due to a possible COVID-19 exposure, can I still get life insurance?
- If I am planning on having my COVID19 vaccination, does this affect my existing life insurance?
- If I have an existing life insurance policy in place, does getting a COVID19 vaccination change my ability to make a future claim for any reason?
- Does my Income Protection insurance cover me if I can’t go to work because I am in a high-risk category or I am in self-isolation or I have to care for a family member with COVID-19?
- Still have more COVID-19 related questions?
- What? You don't have a financial advisor you can talk to yet?
Can I still buy a life insurance policy or income protection policy during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Yes. We’re open for business and so are our insurance providers.
Are front line Health Care Workers still able to apply for life insurances during the COIVD-19 pandemic?
Yes. The high quality life insurance providers who are members of the Financial Services Council (FSC) have made a commitment to ensure frontline healthcare workers are not prevented from obtaining life insurance cover purely through exposure, or potential exposure, to coronavirus. You can read more about this at the Financial Services Council website here.
Can I still buy life insurances with my financial advisers over the phone without having to see anyone face-to-face?
Yes. There is no need for a face-to-face meeting to get your insurances sorted.
Sapience Financial & the team from Unusual Risks Insured have been working with remote, regional and local Australian clients for over 20+ years - over phone, email or video chat (it's your choice).
If I am currently in self isolation due to a possible COVID-19 exposure, can I still get life insurance?
Yes, but you should expect a delay. Applicants who have tested positive for COVID-19, or who are waiting for a test result, may not be immediately eligible for cover and will usually have to wait to be released from isolation and in good health.
If I am planning on having my COVID19 vaccination, does this affect my existing life insurance?
No. It doesn't have any effect on your existing life insurance policy.
You are covered from the date your policy went into force, 24/7 world wide (apart from you travelling to declared war zones.)
If I have an existing life insurance policy in place, does getting a COVID19 vaccination change my ability to make a future claim for any reason?
No. High quality life insurance plans do not contain any exclusions in relation to epidemics or pandemics. This means you can make a claim in relation to coronavirus if required.
This includes any life, total and permanent disability (TPD), critical illness, child’s critical illness and income protection cover types.
Does my Income Protection insurance cover me if I can’t go to work because I am in a high-risk category or I am in self-isolation or I have to care for a family member with COVID-19?
Unlikely. Income Protection insurance policies are designed to protect and support you if you become sick or injured and cannot work.
They are not intended to cover situations in which you can't get to work (ie: due to fire or flood) or are not permitted to work (due to a public health lockdown order) or if you need to stop work for any other reason.
Pro Tip: Life insurance Underwriters and Actuaries in Australia are focused on the statistical risks of possible unforeseen sickness and injuries occurring.
Simply put, they are more concerned with the statistical probability of a 1 in 3,000 chance of a blood clot occurring when using an oral contraceptive, then they are of a 1 in 300,000 chance (if you’re young) of an adverse reaction to a COVID-19 vaccination (or a 1 in a million chance of death).
Still have more COVID-19 related questions?
- Speak with your Doctor for Professional Health Advice.
- Speak with your Financial Advisor for Professional Personal Insurance Advice.
What? You don't have a financial advisor you can talk to yet?
Ooh well, we’d love to help you out with that and you can contact us below.