Bupa and Medibank have announced disaster relief will be available for their customers affected by the floods across South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales.
Medibank group executive customer portfolios Milosh Milisavljevic said, “We are thinking of all those across south-east Queensland and northern NSW who are impacted by the flood emergency. Our thoughts are especially with those who have been forced to evacuate their homes and close their businesses.
“We are ready to support our customers and the broader communities through this difficult time.”
Mr Milisavljevic said Medibank and ahm customers who have held hospital cover for at least three months and are in a flood-impacted area of southeast Queensland or northern NSW may be eligible for support.
Eligible customers can suspend their policy for up to two years or waive their premiums for up to three months.
“We encourage our customers to contact us for support,” added Mr Milisavljevic.
Bupa said its health insurance customers who have qualified for the federal government's disaster relief payment can apply to have their premium fees waived for three months while still being able to make full use of their policy.
Managing director Emily Amos said it was devastating to see so many people impacted by floods in communities across SE Queensland and Northern NSW, with people already losing their lives.
“The rising floodwaters have already displaced so many people, with more rain to come, and the last thing they need to worry about is paying their household bills when they need to be focused on their and their loved ones safety and wellbeing,” said Ms Amos.
“We hope that waiving premiums for impacted members will give them one less thing to worry about during this difficult time.”
The federal government's disaster relief payment is currently available to those in the Gympie and North Burnett region. It will be expanded as other areas become eligible for federal government support.
Customers can apply for the flood relief package through to the end of July 2022 and are encouraged to contact Bupa (bupafloodrelief@bupa.com.au).