Skip to main content

General enquiries:

(04) 496 6800

|

0800 500 122

Archive: 23 July 2019 - Group Life Changes

The New Zealand Police Constabulary Group Life Insurance policy recognises the risks of being a police officer by providing life, terminal illness and critical illness insurance cover. The cover is provided by AIA insurance and subsidised by New Zealand Police.

The increased cover will be in place from 23 July 2019 and the increase in premiums will be deducted from your Police Pay on the same day.

Please ensure that your nomination form is up to date. This determines who the is beneficiary in the event of a member’s death and whose life is insured as a members partner.  If you need to make any changes please fill out the form and send it back to us via the prepaid post included or scan and email to [email protected].

Constabulary member of the Police Welfare Fund

 The Old PolicyThe New Policy
Cost to you *$6.60 per fortnight$7.67 per fortnight
Maximum Cover **$250k + $150k partners$300k + $175k partners
Police Contribution ***$8.10 per fortnight$10.74 per fortnight

* $1.07 increase in premium collected from members is limited to half of the $2.13 discussed in 2018 bargaining.

** Maximum cover increases to $300k and $175k for partners. Cover reduces depending on age. See the policy for further detail.

*** Police are providing an additional $2.64 per fortnight.

Constabulary not a member of the Police Welfare Fund

 The Old PolicyThe New Policy
Cost to you *No costNo cost
Maximum Cover **$175k$200k
Police Contribution ***$8.10 per fortnight$10.74 per fortnight

'* There is no cost to you for this cover.

'** Maximum cover increases to $200k. Cover reduces depending on age. See the policy for further detail.

'*** Police are providing an additional $2.64 per fortnight.

FAQ

Who is covered under this policy?

  1. A Constable as defined under the Policing Act 2008

  2. An Authorised Officer as defined under the Policing Act 2008

  3. Warranted Traffic Officers

  4. Ex Regulation 24 (former sworn now non-sworn) employees

  5. Police Matrons

  6. Technical Support Unit Operatives

  7. Permanent Temporary Constables who are employed as:

    • Prison Escort Officers

    • Permanent Police Jailers

    • Government House / Premier House Police Guards

I don't work full time, am I still covered?

As long as you are included in the list above, you are covered whether you are full or part time.

Why did we not get the $350k cover discussed during bargaining?

NZPA have worked with Police and AIA to get the best value for members. The cost to increase cover to $350k would require much more from members than the $2.13 per fortnight discussed in 2018 bargaining. Limiting maximum cover at $300k ensures every member has a benefit increase while limiting the increase in cost.

Total and permanent disablement, am I covered?

Most total and permanent disablement claims will be captured by critical illness cover. In the unlikely event that any total and permanent disablement claim that is not covered by critical Illness cover, the claim will be assessed by the Police Welfare Fund Board.

What happens if I've been diagnosed before the 23rd of July?

Cover will increase from 23 July 2019. However, if you have been diagnosed prior to 23 July 2019, that results in a claim, your cover will be limited to the original policy amounts.

What do I need to do now?

Cover will increase from 23 July 2019. Increased premiums will be deducted from your Police Pay on 23 July 2019. Please ensure that your nomination forms are updated to ensure the benefits of the policy are provided according to your preference.

Can I get partner cover?

Yes you can. If you are not currently a member of the Welfare Fund, you can get the maximum $300k + $175k partner cover by paying the $104 annual subscription, joining Police Health Plan and paying the $7.67 fortnightly life insurance premiums.

Can I change who receives the benefit?

If your circumstances change, you can revise your nomination forms to ensure the benefits of your police are provided in accordance with your preferences. Please fill out the nomination form and return it with the prepaid postage provided.

Why does the cover reduce as I get older?

Cover reduces to ensure that we can provide cover for all members without dramatically increases the cost of the overall policy. As your age increases so does the attached risk.

What is the definition of Partner under the Policy?

A spouse, de facto partner or civil union partner (as those terms are defined in the Property (Relationships) Act 1976). Partner cover is only available to members of Police Welfare Fund Limited.

Does the Policy have any residual value if I decide to cancel?

No, it is term cover and effectively your premium buys a sum assured. There are no maturity or surrender values.

What happens to my cover when I want to leave the Police?

Your cover ceases on the later of: (i) the date you give notice (either oral or written) of your intention to leave the Police; or (ii) your Last Day of Duty. Police Welfare Fund members can apply to continue cover under Police Life Insurance Extra through Police Welfare Fund General Insurances Limited. This is a very popular option as generally there is no requirement for a full medical check, critical conditions can continue to be covered and the premiums are very favourable. Please refer to the full version of the Policy for further details.

Am I covered while overseas?

Yes. If you normally reside in New Zealand, cover is 24 hours a day, seven days a week, irrespective of where you are in the world. Those members who are deployed overseas by NZ Police are fully covered. There are some requirements/restrictions when you are temporarily residing outside New Zealand. Please refer to the full version of the Policy for further details. 

What’s not covered under the Policy?

There are specific exclusions under the Policy where a benefit is not payable. Please refer to the full version of the Policy for further details.

What do I do if my personal circumstances change (e.g. I get divorced)?

Update your details as soon as possible on a replacement Benefit Nomination Form by printing a new form from here or call the Member Services Team and they will send one to you. Post this back to Police Welfare Fund Insurances Limited. From 4pm the day the new form is received it replaces the old form held. You can check the latest Benefit Nomination Form held for you on your membership page of www.policeassn.org.nz.

Can I assign my cover to a financial institution as security for finance?

Yes, a bank or other financial institution can be nominated as the beneficiary of the Policy proceeds. If there is any residual value (i.e. in excess of what you owe) the remainder of the proceeds are made payable to whoever is noted on your Benefit Nomination Form.

What happens to my cover while I’m on leave without pay or secondment?

If you are a Police Welfare Fund member you may have the option to continue your cover for up to 24 months until your return to paid Employment with the New Zealand Police. It is a good idea to continue your cover if you can. If your cover is terminated, you can reapply on your return to the New Zealand Police, however you will be required to complete a personal statement providing Evidence of Insurability and exclusions may be applied. The employer subsidy ceases when you are on leave without pay or secondment from the New Zealand Police, so the full premium would need to be paid by you for the term you are away from Police employment. Arrangements must be made prior to you going on leave without pay or secondment. Please contact the Member Services Team for details.

If both my Partner and I are Police Officers, how much are we each covered for?

You are both covered for the Amount Insured under your own Policy. If your Partner is a Police Welfare Fund member, you are also covered under their Partner Life Benefit. Your total amount of Insurance Cover is the sum of both these covers.

Should my Partner die, who will receive the Partner Life Benefit payable?

The Life Benefit under Partner Cover is payable to yourself as the Insured Person under the Policy. Partner Cover is only available to members of the Police Welfare Fund. You should ensure you nominate your Partner on the Police Group Life Insurance Benefit Nomination Form.