nib offers support package

Chief executive Rob Hennin said it would have an important role in helping New Zealanders through.

“With our country in lockdown many of our members confront profound uncertainty and the threat or reality of unemployment particularly. We are doing as much as we can to help them maintain their cover and more broadly, stay safe and healthy,” Hennin said.

Existing members will be able to access special premium relief for an initial three-month period.

Those who are experiencing financial hardship will be able to suspend their policy for up to six months.

There will be an automatic pre-approval validity of six months meaning members do not need to reapply for pre-approval if they experience delays to hospital treatment.

They will be offered the option to increase their excess (payable upon hospital admission) to the maximum allowable level under their policy without needing to be re-underwritten if they choose to reduce their excess as their financial situation improves.

Coverage will be expanded for treatment of conditions caused by Covid-19 across all levels of hospital cover.

The insurer is also making a A$1 million donation to support charitable initiatives in New Zealand and Australia and offering up to two weeks paid special leave for employees affected by Covid-19.