Leading heath fund Medibank Private announced today it will waive health insurance premiums for the remainder of 2008-09 financial year, for members who have lost their homes as a result of the Victorian bushfires.
Medibank Private Managing Director, George Savvides, said the fund wanted to ensure survivor's health insurance was secure as they set about re-establishing their lives.
"As the largest health fund in Victoria many of those now without homes are Medibank Private members, and we want to do what we can to help them.
"Many of these members have been with us through thick and thin, so the least we can do is help them out in this time of need. The last thing our members in the bushfire areas want to be doing at this point is worrying about paying their health insurance premiums.
"Members who have lost their home should contact us on 132331 so we can begin the process of assisting them," Mr Savvides said.
Mr Savvides said Medibank Private is also acting in other ways to provide assistance to survivors of the fires.
"On Monday the fund donated $100,000 to the Salvation Army's Bushfire Relief Appeal, and we are matching donations made by staff members to any bushfire appeal by a registered charity.
"I am also proud of the passion of our staff who are contributing a steady stream of local initiatives. On Friday our retail centre staff in Western Australia, South Australia and Northern Territory will be collecting gold coin donations, while in Melbourne staff are raising money for Wesley Mission to buy microwave ovens for people in temporary accommodation, and volunteering time to collect public donations and give blood," Mr Savvides said.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
James Connors
Tel: 03 8622 5163 | Mob: 0433 992 677 | email: james_connors@medibank.com.au