When we sit down with a new client, we are often questioned about the likelihood of insurance companies paying claims.
Many New Zealanders believe that insurance companies will work against them, and make it intentionally difficult to get a claim paid. On the contrary, the intention of every reputable life insurance is to look after their customers. Sovereign alone has paid more than $3,000,000,000 in claims since 2001. 99% of declined claims are due to information not being disclosed by the client at application time. Fortunately, it’s easy to avoid this common pitfall.
At claim time, it’s common practice for your insurer to acquire the last five years of your medical notes and ACC claims history – this can result in a frustrating process that can delay any payments. To avoid this, hand over a copy of your medical history, also known as a PMAR, at application time to your adviser or underwriter. This can be requested directly from your GP – you’re legally entitled to a copy of it for free.
ACC have now made it easier for you to obtain your ACC claims history. Simply email claims@acc.co.nz with the following info, and ACC will email a summary through to you within one business day.
- Name
- Date of birth
- ACC or IRD number
- Postal address
Armed with the correct information and a fully completed application form, your insurer and underwriter will be able to confidently and thoroughly assess your medical history and lifestyle. Transparency between you and your insurer means that in the event of a claim, it’s highly unlikely there will be a hold-up.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. It is always recommended to consult with a qualified financial professional before making any financial decisions based on your individual circumstances.
