In an industry first, Aviva will pay up to A$25,000 under income protection policies and a further A$10,000 under critical illness policies to enable parents to look after critically ill children.
In an industry first, Aviva will pay up to A$25,000 under income protection policies and a further A$10,000 under critical illness policies to enable parents to look after critically ill children. This addresses the sensitive issue of insurance coverage for children by providing automatic, free cover under parents policies for both critical illness and income protection.
When children are critically ill, parents need to focus on providing support and comfort to their child to give them the best possible chance of recovery. At an emotionally draining time for parents, we have made it easier for families by relieving their financial burden so they can take time out to get involved in their child's treatment and recovery program.
We have had feedback from financial advisers that many parents find conversations about the health of their children very difficult. This means in many cases appropriate cover is not provided although the risk of contracting an illness or an injury through accident remains. Aviva has stepped in to provide automatic cover without the need for disclosure regarding the health of the child. Some restrictions for pre-existing conditions do apply.
Natalie Eckersall, general manager protection products, said: "This is an invaluable benefit because it allows parents to take time off work to take their child to the hospital or visit specialists at a critical time. It is particularly important for regional families who have to relocate to the city to find specialist care for their child.
"As a mother, this type of protection is really important. I know that in such dreadful circumstances, I would drop everything to be by my child's side. To be secure in the knowledge that my income is protected would be a great comfort, and would allow all my focus to be concentrated on the most important people in my world."
The new children's cover will automatically include:
- Child Income Benefit, under income protection, where the insured parent will receive up to A$25,000 at no additional cost where a dependant child contracts a defined critical condition
- Child Support Benefit, where the insured parent holds a critical illness policy of at least A$100,000, a payment of A$10,000 where a dependant child dies or is diagnosed with a defined critical condition.
As part of Aviva's ongoing commitment to upgrade existing policies the new benefits will be provided to over 58,000 existing customers at no additional cost.
Natalie Eckersall is available for interview.
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For more information
Ariana Alvarenga
Public Relations
Phone: (03) 9829 8985
Mobile: 0409 187 487
Sue Voglis
Research & Public Relations Manager
Phone: (03) 9829 8057
Mobile: 0408 309 247
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