Everyone's bubble experience is going to be different. For some of us, this is an extremely stressful time. There may be worries about money and job security, as well as concern for our own or loved one's health, especially elderly or essential workers. We may be coping with being on our own for the lockdown period, or keeping young kids busy while trying to work, or spending more time with our partners than is healthy for the relationship. For others, the lockdown may feel like a bit of a holiday. What we all have in common is that none of us knows how this is going to pan out.
At Pinnacle Life we can reassure you that if you already have Life Cover with Pinnacle Life and you die from Coronavirus (COVID-19), we will pay your claim. There's more information about Life Cover and COVID-19 on this blog.
We've also had lots of questions about whether COVID-19 is covered by Income Protection. We answer your questions here:
Are there any exclusions on my policy for COVID-19?
There are no specific exclusions for a pandemic or COVID-19 in any of our policies
Can I make a claim for Income Protection relating to COVID-19 due to being away from work because of self-isolation, even though I have not been diagnosed with this illness?
Unfortunately, no. To make a claim for Income Protection, you need to show that you are unable to work because of an illness or injury.
Can I make a claim for Income Protection due to being stood down or where my employment was terminated?
Unfortunately, no. Income Protection does not cover unemployment. To make a claim for Income Protection, you need to show that you are unable to work because of an illness or injury.
Can I make a claim for Income Protection if my salary/wages have been cut as a result of COVID-19?
You cannot claim on your Income Protection policy because your salary or wages have been reduced or you have been made redundant due to the COVID-19 lockdown or at any other time. You can only claim on your Income Protection policy if you can't work due to illness or injury.
What about if I get COVID-19 and can't work because I'm sick?
You could claim on your Income Protection policy if you are ill from COVID-19 for longer than your waiting period.
The minimum waiting period for Income Protection(how long you wait for your first payment) is 30 days; this can be longer, depending on what you chose when you took out your policy, for example, 60 or 90 days.
If you are off work because you are ill for longer than your waiting period, you'll be able to make a claim, but we expect most people will have recovered by the time the waiting period is up.
What if I can't afford to pay my premiums at the moment?
The best thing to do is to give us a call. Every person's situation is different, and we want to make sure we do the best thing for you.
Can I apply for Income Protection now?
Yes, of course. Our process and business procedures remain the same, all you have to do is make sure to answer all questions truthfully, just like at any other time. Otherwise, this may result in us being unable to pay any claim you make in the future. If you have any flu-like symptoms, let us know on your application when you answer these questions.
'Have you ever been diagnosed with a breathing or lung problem including asthma, emphysema, chronic obstructive airways disease, TB, cystic fibrosis or sleep apnoea? '
and
'Aside from what you've already told us, do you have any other medical condition for which you're currently seeking medical advice, receiving treatment, awaiting surgery or undergoing tests?'
At Pinnacle Life, we continue to answer customer queries and assess all claims according to our standard business policies. Some of our processes may have altered slightly to cope with working from home, but the people you will speak to if you call hasn't changed, and neither has the level of service that you can expect from us. We know there is plenty of uncertainty at the moment, so if there's anything we can do to help, please get in touch.
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