FAQs

For the purpose of calculating your insurance cover ‘salary’ is an employee's annual salary or base wage, agreed in writing with your employer.

Your insurance cover under the policy will cease on the earliest of the following:

For Life and Critical Illness, on your 70th birthday;

For Income Protection, on your 65th birthday;

For Life cover, when a terminal illness claim is accepted by the insurer, or in the 

event of your death;

• Critical Illness cover, when a Critical Illness claim is accepted by the insurer;
• The date your work hours reduce to less than 15 hours per week;
• The date that you cease employment with your employer;
• Cancellation of this policy by the insurer or your employer.

An ‘AAL’ is the maximum level of cover the insurer will provide before you will be required to submit evidence of good health. You will be sent further details if this applies to you. If you undertake hazardous pursuits (i.e. trail bike riding, abseiling, etc.) you will be accepted to the automatic limits without any exclusions. Once your eligible cover exceeds this limit, the insurer may apply exclusions for cover in excess of the AAL.

Cover is provided 24 hours a day on a worldwide basis subject to the insurer’s  approval prior to departure.

If you terminate employment with your employer, you may have the option to continue your group insurance cover under a personal policy at your own expense (Continuation Option). 

The application for cover must be made within 60 days of ceasing employment.

The policies will be subject to any special terms and conditions, including premium loadings and/or exclusions that existed under your employer paid policy. Retail rates will apply and quotations will be provided at the time of your application.

Conditions apply and you should contact continuationoptions.  nz@mercermarshbenefits.com for further details.

A payment arising from the death of an employee generally must be paid to the deceased employee’s estate or financial dependents. Ultimately the Policy Owner, your employer, has full discretion in determining where the benefit will be paid.

If you take a leave of absence without pay, your cover may continue for up to 12 months. Cover is subject to both your employer and the insurer’s approval.

Cover will cease upon expiration of the agreed period and restrictions, or special conditions may be imposed.

You should notify the People & Capability Operations team immediately if you think you may be eligible to claim. This will ensure the relevant paperwork is provided to initiate the claim as soon as possible.