MetLife Australia will waive life insurance premiums for some customers in Victorian bushfire zones, as major health insurers introduce similar financial relief and support measures for affected policyholders.
MetLife Australia has confirmed that eligible MetLife Protect policyholders living in government-designated bushfire areas in Victoria can request a premium waiver for the period from Jan. 7 to April 7, 2026. The waiver is available on an opt-in basis and is aimed at keeping life insurance cover in place while households deal with the immediate impact of the fires and early stages of recovery. Chief insurance officer Meray El-Khoury said the insurer recognised the pressures facing customers in impacted regions. “As communities begin the process of recovery, we extend our sympathy and concern for their losses. We also offer practical support with a three-month premium waiver to ensure customers can maintain important life insurance cover while focusing on rebuilding their lives,” El-Khoury said.
Advisers are able to lodge requests for the waiver on behalf of clients where it is suitable for their circumstances. MetLife Protect customers and their families also continue to have access to the 360Health program, which includes virtual health services such as Mental Health Assist and Expert Medical Opinion at no additional cost during this period. Customers and intermediaries seeking further information on eligibility or application steps can contact their MetLife business development manager or call 1800 523 523.
In the private health insurance market, Bupa, Medibank (including ahm), and HCF have outlined measures for policyholders affected by the Victorian bushfires and, in HCF’s case, other recent extreme weather events. These initiatives include premium waivers, options to suspend cover, and increased access to mental health and telehealth services.
Bupa has introduced a Victorian bushfire relief arrangement for health insurance members and committed $130,000 in donations to external organisations. Eligible domestic health insurance members can apply to have premiums waived for up to three months while continuing to use their existing policy benefits over that period. Through the Bupa Foundation, $100,000 has been allocated to the Australian Red Cross Emergency Fund, with a further $30,000 to the Salvation Army to support programs in affected communities.
Bupa health insurance managing director Kate Williams said the insurer wanted customers to understand the assistance on offer. “Our thoughts are with the people, our customers, and those communities affected by the Victorian bushfires, especially those who have lost loved ones, homes, businesses, and whose lives have been changed in unimaginable ways. We want our customers to know we are here to support them, and we hope this financial assistance will help take some of their stress away as they begin the difficult recovery and rebuilding process. We also want to thank the emergency services for their tireless work, and to all the communities who have rallied together to help and care for each other,” Williams said. To be eligible, customers must have been domestic Bupa members on Jan. 6, 2026, and provide evidence they have received, or will receive, the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment from the Department of Human Services. Applications are open until July 6, 2026, via 134 135 or BupaBushfireRelief@bupa.com.au.
Medibank has detailed hardship arrangements for customers in Victorian bushfire areas, applying to both Medibank and ahm brands. Under the measures, eligible policyholders may be able to suspend their policy for up to two years or receive a three-month premium waiver, subject to assessment. Medibank chief customer officer Milosh Milisavljevic said the insurer wanted to assist customers managing the effects of the fires. “We’re here to support our customers and help ease the burden while they deal with the devastating impacts of the bushfires. I encourage any customer who is impacted and needs some support to give us a call. The impact of natural disasters can also take a huge toll on a person’s mental health. Medibank customers have round-the-clock access to our 24/7 Mental Health Support phone line and chat service,” Milisavljevic said. Medibank customers can call 132 331 and ahm customers 134 246 to discuss hardship options. Medibank customers can also access the 24/7 Mental Health Phone Support line on 1800 644 325.
HCF has announced a disaster relief package for members affected by recent extreme weather, including the Victorian bushfires and flooding associated with Ex-Cyclone Koji in Queensland, as well as other significantly impacted regions. The package allows eligible members, including those on RT Health-branded products and HCF Life policies, to apply for premium waivers of up to three months. Members can also seek to suspend their cover for up to two years, during which claims are not payable. HCF is also providing access to mental health and primary care services. Eligible members can use a free HealthyMinds Check-in, offering confidential consultations with registered psychologists through partners My Mirror or PSYCH2U, including support for teenagers aged 12 to 17.
In affected rural and remote areas, HCF members can book a free 15-minute online GP consultation via GP2U, with appointments available seven days a week between 7am and 10pm (AEST/AEDT). “We can only imagine the difficulties our members are facing right now. These events have disrupted lives and added enormous stress. We hope this relief helps ease financial pressure so members can focus on recovery,” HCF chief operating officer Kevin Keane said. Members can contact HCF’s Member Support team on 13 13 34 or via online channels to discuss available options. HCF is also advising members to be cautious about potential scams during disaster periods and to verify any unsolicited offers of assistance using the fund’s online cyber safety and privacy information.
