MLC Life Insurance is strongly encouraging all customers in Australia to get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are eligible to protect themselves and the wider community from severe disease¹.

As the pandemic continues, all Australians over the age of 50 are now eligible to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine at Commonwealth Vaccination and state and territory vaccination clinics as well as at participating general practices from 17 May.²

More than 130,000 MLC Life Insurance customers are aged 50 and older³.

MLC Life Insurance wishes to assure all customers that, despite social media speculation to the contrary, their cover will be unaffected by receiving either the Astrazeneca or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine⁴ Importantly, there are no specific exclusions for making a claim if a customer suffers an adverse reaction to a vaccine approved for use by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

In addition, the life insurance cover of customers who decide not to receive the free and voluntary COVID-19 vaccines will also be unaffected.

Michael Rogers, Chief Life Insurance Officer, MLC Life Insurance, says that, in line with government health advice, it is important that eligible Australians get vaccinated as soon as possible.

“COVID-19 has re-emphasised the important role life insurers play in protecting Australians and their families in times of crisis. When someone takes out a policy with us, we make a promise for life and to be there for them when they need it most.

“We would like to reassure customers that getting vaccinated against coronavirus will not invalidate their life insurance policies or impact the ability to make a claim in future. More than this, getting vaccinated will protect the health of customers, their families and those most vulnerable to the disease in our community.”

Since the beginning of the pandemic MLC Life Insurance has assessed and paid two critical illness claims for customers who were hospitalised after contracting the virus. Both customers were in intensive care for 30 days and needed the assistance of ventilation to survive the disease.

¹ Customers should consult their GP if they have any questions about taking the COVID-19 vaccine given their own health circumstances.

² Visit here to see the Government’s vaccine rollout phases.

³ This is for retail insurance customers holding MLCI, PPP, PF and NAFM policies.

⁴ This is also the case for any other vaccine that is approved for use in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)