How do I make a claim?

If you need to make a claim, filling out forms and dealing with paperwork will be the last thing on your mind. So where we can, the need for any forms to be completed has been removed.

You should note that Vhi Life Term Insurance and Vhi Mortgage Protection is underwritten and managed by Zurich and it's Zurich who will look after your claim. However, you can rest assured that all claims will be dealt with from start to finish by a single member of the Zurich team so you’ll only have to tell them the details once.

For Death Claims

We know that this can be a stressful and upsetting time in your life and Zurich will help make the claims process as easy as possible. For death claims, they've simplified their process by removing the need for claim forms and keeping their requirements to a minimum.

What information will you need from me for a death claim?

When you phone them to register the claim, Zurich will need you to provide the following information:

• Name and date of birth of the person who has died
• Date of death
• Vhi Life policy number - however they will be able to assist you without this
• The relationship of the person making the claim to the person who has died

What documentation will you require?

In most instances Zurich's only requirement will be the original Death Certificate. Where the deceased was the only owner of the policy, the proceeds will be paid to the deceased's estate. In such cases Zurich will require Grant of Probate. If this is required Zurich will explain this to you when you call.

Will you always need an original death certificate?

Yes, Zurich will always ask for the original Death Certificate which will be returned to you promptly.

Where do I send the Death Certificate?

Zurich will provide a FREEPOST envelope for you to send them the Death Certificate.

For Terminal Illness Claims

Dealing with a terminal illness is a difficult time for you and your family. Zurich will ensure that your claim doesn't add to that stress.

What information will you need from me for a Terminal Illness claim?

When you phone Zurich to register the claim, they will need you to provide the following information:

• Name and date of birth of the Life Insured
• Vhi Life policy number - however they will be able to assist you without this

What documentation will you require?

In most instances the only documentation Zurich will require from you is a claim form outlining your medical condition and the names of your attending doctors. Zurich will post this to you for completion.

For Waiver of Premium Claims

Where you are ill and unable to work, Zurich want to ensure that you are in a position to maintain your valuable policy. Zurich will make the claims process as easy and simple as possible.

What information will Zurich need from me for a Waiver of Premium claim?

When you phone Zurich to register the claim, they will need you to provide the following information:

• Name and date of birth of the Life Insured
• Vhi Life policy number - however they will be able to assist you without this

What documentation will you require?

In most instances the only documentation Zurich will require from you is a claim form outlining your medical condition and the names of your attending doctors. Zurich will post this to you for completion.

Where do I send my claim form?

Zurich will provide a FREEPOST envelope for you to return the claim form.

However, if you need it, their address is:

Private and Confidential,

Claims Department,

Zurich Life,

Frascati Road,

Blackrock,

Co. Dublin.

What other requirements may Zurich have?

• Where a death claim occurs shortly after a policy commences Zurich may request a report from the deceased's doctors to determine when the condition that caused death commenced, to ensure full medical details were disclosed at the start of the contract.
• For Terminal Illness and Waiver of Premium claims Zurich will request reports from the Life Insured's doctors to establish if the claim is valid.
• They will not normally require a Birth Certificate but where the date of birth registered on the death certificate does not match the date of birth on the application form they may request a copy of the deceased's birth certificate to verify the correct age.
• Where you are using your Vhi Life Mortgage Protection policy as security for a mortgage, your bank or building society may request that you assign the policy to them. In such instances the lender will notify Zurich that they have an interest in the policy. This is called an Assignment. In the event of a Death or Terminal Illness claim Zurich Life will contact the lender and ask for the Deed of Assignment to prove that the lender has a claim over your policy.

When will I receive the money?

• For Death and Terminal Illness claims the payment will be issued within 24 hours of receipt of all documentation and your claim being verified.
• For Waiver of Premium claims - once Zurich verify your claim they will waive any premiums due after the waiting period and will arrange a refund of any overpaid premiums.
• For Mortgage Protection claims and where your policy has been assigned to a lender, the entire policy proceeds will be paid to the lender. If there is a balance remaining after your loan has been cleared your bank or building society will pay this to the surviving policy owner or to your estate.

When might a claim not be paid?

Although this doesn't happen very often, there are cases where Zurich is unable to pay a claim. This list explains those circumstances:

• Zurich won't pay the claim or may refuse to pay the full claim if the person covered hasn't revealed something about their health or lifestyle that would have changed the decision on whether or not to accept their application at outset, or to accept it with a higher premium. This could occur if there are some details in the person’s medical history that were omitted during the application process.
• Your cover will stop and the policy will be cancelled if you stop paying your monthly payments or if you write to Vhi or Zurich to cancel your policy. Any claim occurring after this happens will not be considered.
• Zurich won't pay if the policy has expired. For example, if you took out a policy with a 20 year term, you wouldn't be able to claim if death occurred after the end of this term when cover had expired under the policy. For Terminal Illness claims a diagnosis that the Life Insured is terminally ill and has less than 12 months to live must be made at least one year before the policy expires.

If you would like more information contact Zurich on 01 799 2521.