MLC Life Insurance is “strongly encouraging” its customers in Australia to get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are eligible, to protect themselves and the wider community from severe disease.

There are no specific exclusions for making a claim if a customer suffers an adverse reaction to a vaccine approved for use by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, MLC says, while the life insurance cover of customers who decide not to receive the free and voluntary COVID-19 vaccines will also be unaffected.

“We would like to reassure customers that getting vaccinated against coronavirus will not invalidate their life insurance policies or impact the ability to make a claim in future,” Chief Life Insurance Officer Michael Rogers said.

“Getting vaccinated will protect the health of customers, their families and those most vulnerable to the disease in our community.”

The Financial Services Council last week warned against “scare mongering” after rumours circulated on social media, incorrectly suggesting the COVID-19 vaccine was an “experimental” medical treatment and this meant having the vaccine would be classified a “self-inflicted injury” and could void life insurance policies.

MLC is assuring customers with MLCI, PPP, PF and NAFM policies that their cover will be unaffected by receiving either the AstraZeneca or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines. MLC says customers should consult their GP if they have any questions about taking the COVID-19 vaccine given their own health circumstances.

The advice comes after MLC Life paid two critical illness claims for customers who were hospitalised after contracting COVID-19. Both were in intensive care for 30 days and required ventilation.

Australians over the age of 50 are now eligible to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine at Commonwealth Vaccination and state and territory vaccination clinics as well as at participating general practices.

More than 130,000 MLC Life Insurance customers are aged 50 and older.