Queensland and NSW flooding: More insurers announce disaster relief packages

Insurers in Australia are busy helping customers and their communities affected by the extreme rainfall and flooding in Queensland and New South Wales (NSW).

With nearly 40,000 members in the areas potentially impacted by severe flooding, nib Group (nib) decided to donate $50,000 to support the disaster response and recovery efforts, in addition to a flood disaster relief package available for nib members. nib employees also helped raise funds for the Australian Red Cross Flood Relief Appeal, with all employee donations matched by nib foundation.

nib said eligible flood-affected members, including international workers, can access a 30-day premium waiver and elect to suspend their policy for three months without waiting periods before they qualify.

“We can only imagine the difficulty members in the region face; they have not only battled the COVID pandemic, but have now been dealt another blow, with the devastation caused by these floods,” said Ed Close, nib chief executive – Australian residents health insurance.

“While health insurance premiums may not be top of mind right now, we hope this provides members who are impacted with some financial relief so they can focus on getting back on their feet.”

Read more: HCF offers relief for flood-affected customers in Queensland and NSW

Meanwhile, Suncorp Group (Suncorp) has pledged a $1 million support package to help affected communities in Queensland and NSW recover from the natural catastrophe.

The package includes:

• $500,000 of flood-related grants in local communities across Queensland and NSW in partnership with its existing partner, the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR);
• Dollar match customer donations up to $300,000, collected online through its brands;
• $200,000 to help kick-start the Queensland Premier's Flood Appeal and support long-term recovery efforts. Donations will be distributed to five not-for-profits: GIVIT, Red Cross, Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul, and Lifeline; and
• Double match employee donations to various flood relief agencies through payroll giving. For employees who volunteer in their own time, Suncorp will match those efforts, hour-for-dollar, with donations to FRRR and Queensland SES.

Commenting on the major insurer's community support package, Suncorp Group CEO Steve Johnston said: “Suncorp is proud of the important role we play in helping our communities recover and rebuild. We know the coming weeks and months will be tough as we start the physical and emotional recovery.”

For customers, Suncorp offered assurances that its claims specialists are available to help the members of Suncorp Insurance, AAMI, Apia, GIO, and Shannons to lodge their claim face-to-face at the Gympie Civic Centre, Caboolture Hub (Learning & Business Centre), and the Redcliffe Show Grounds.

The insurer’s claims assessors are also on the ground to conduct inspections and contact customers to arrange a time to visit their homes. Meanwhile, Suncorp Bank has offered a disaster relief package to personal and business customers impacted by the weather event.