Group Ins Scheme: changes effective 1 Apr 18

1 March 2018

Further to a review of the group insurance scheme with our insurance partners George Burrows, detailed below are some important changes that will take effect from 1 April 2018.

We are delighted to advise you of the following cover enhancements:

Serving officers:

• Life assurance increased from £115,000 to £130,000

• Critical illness cover increased from £10,000 to £15,000

• Three new illnesses added to the list of insured critical illnesses under the scheme, bringing the total to 41:- Cardiac arrest Benign spinal cord tumours Systemic Lupus Erythematous

• New personal accident lump sum benefit:- Scarring/disfigurement from burns, up to £5,000

• Permanent total disablement benefit increased from £115,000 to £130,000

• Court Award compensation increased from £500 to £1,000

• Firearm Assault benefit increased from £1,500 to £2,500

• Stabbing Assault benefit increased from £750 to £1,500

• Travel insurance: - New car hire excess waiver cover – insurers will pay up to £1,000 per claim for any monetary excess in respect of loss or damage to a rental vehicle whilst on holiday. Travel cover extended to include subscribing members residing in the EU.

Partners:

• Life assurance increased from £57,500 to £65,000

• New child death grant included at £3,000

• Critical illness cover increased from £5,000 to £7,500

• New critical illnesses included: Cardiac arrest, Benign spinal cord tumours, Lupus Erythematous

• New child critical illness benefit added at £3,000

• Permanent total disablement benefit increased from £57,500 to £65,000

In addition, and in acknowledgment of the recent changes to state pension age, the upper age limit for serving members has been extended from 65 to 70 years.

Sickness benefit:

The numbers of serving officers making sickness claims are increasing year on year and in an effort to mitigate the impact of this on premium rates benefits will be paid at 20% of gross salary rather than at a fixed rate. This is in line with most other Federation schemes.

The premiums* deducted from your monthly salary will increase from April as follows:

Premiums from 1 April 2018:

• Serving officer currently £24.15 from 1st April 2018 £24.60
• Partner currently £5.88 from 1st April 2018 £8.45

*The premiums include the Federation’s administration fee and Insurance Premium Tax (IPT)

With the benefit enhancements outlined and cover including UK & European RAC Motor Breakdown assistance, Mobile Phone/Gadget cover, Best Doctors and Worldwide Family Travel insurance we feel the scheme represents excellent value for our members.

A pdf of the new scheme booklet is now available to download.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support of the Federation and if you have any queries, wish to add partner cover, increase your life assurance benefit levels, or check your beneficiary details, please do not hesitate contact us:

Tel: 0121 700 1200
or email: westmidlandspf@polfed.org