nib and HCF have joined other private health insurers in announcing relief for members living in flood-affected areas of Queensland and New South Wales.
nib announced a flood disaster relief package for its members and a $50,000 donation to support the disaster response.
Eligible members, including international workers, in flood-affected areas, can access a 30-day premium waiver and elect to suspend their policy for three months.
nib chief executive of Australian residents health insurance, Ed Close, said the company would support its almost 400,000 nib members living in the region potentially impacted by the natural disaster.
“We can only imagine the difficulty members in the region face; they have not only battled the COVID pandemic but have now been dealt another blow, with the devastation caused by these floods,” said Mr Close.
“While health insurance premiums may not be top of mind right now, we hope this provides members who are impacted with some financial relief so they can focus on getting back on their feet,” he said.
nib foundation will also donate $50,000 to help support the disaster response and recovery efforts.
HCF CEO Sheena Jack said it was devastating to see the impact the floods were having on local communities.
“My heart goes out to those affected, including our members who are impacted by this devastating one-in-500-year flood event,” she said.
“While our Tweed Heads branch has reopened, our Lismore branch remains severely impacted and will be inoperable for some time.
“We know that in times of severe natural disaster, lives can be put on hold and finances impacted, especially for those who have had to evacute their homes and businesses. That’s why we want our members to know we are here to offer support.”
HCF said its members experiencing hardship as a result of the floods can contact the company to discuss how it can assist ranging from premium waivers to temporary suspensions of health insurance cover.