KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 29 — Life insurance and family takaful policyholders affected by the floods have been offered a range of support and relief measures, including an extra timeline of a few months for payment of premiums/contributions.
These measures, which are subject to insurers’ and takaful operators’ terms and conditions, were announced by the Life Insurance Association of Malaysia (Liam) and Malaysian Takaful Association (MTA) in a joint statement today.
Other measures include restructuring of premium/contribution paying modes from an annual to monthly basis; extending the grace period (usually 30 days) to a longer timeframe for payment of premiums/contributions; and reducing or waiving the interest charges for policy/certificate loans under the Automatic Premium Loan (APL) option.
Another measure is the waiver of printing cost for replacement of insurance policies, takaful certificates and medical cards.
Liam president Loh Guat Lan said the association’s member companies are committed to providing the necessary support to affected families so that they can have peace of mind with the knowledge that their insurance needs are taken care of.
“We would like to advise policy/certificate holders to contact their insurance/takaful companies to find out the details of the relief measures offered by their life insurers,” he said.
Meanwhile, MTA chairman Elmie Aman Najas said the insurance and takaful industry is focused on helping the victims in their times of need.
“The floods have taken a toll on the family, business, and wellbeing of the victims and the necessary relief measures will help ease their burden during this difficult time.
“The floods have resulted in the evacuation of many victims from flooded areas to safer grounds mainly causing the family to lose contact with their family members, losing business and some even lost their loved ones in the floods and it is timely for the industry to play their role and responsibility in helping the victims,” he added.
As circumstances of each case or claim may differ, policy/certificate holders who are affected and unsure of their coverage are advised to contact their respective insurers/takaful operators for more information and clarification.
— Bernama
