FPI – our response to Coronavirus ( updated 22 April )
22 April 2020
In these extraordinary times I wanted to reassure all our stakeholders that as the situation and expert advice changes, we will continue to balance the needs of our customers (both policyholders and intermediaries) with the wellbeing of our staff and their families.
With large branch offices across 4 regions we continue to follow the local Government guidance within each region and as a result, we have adopted some flexible working practices, meaning that some staff will be working from home. In addition our staff are not doing any business travel between our branches until further notice.
As we do a great deal of our business online and over the phone, you should not notice any difference. However, we would ask for your patience as some disruption is inevitable in such unusual circumstances.
Please remember that you can view your policy details at any time by logging into FPI Portal. In addition there are a number of different transactions you can do online without any need to contact your local FPI branch.
Please see below the arrangements across our branches in relation to Coronavirus:
- Hong Kong:
Our Hong Kong office remains open, with staff adopting a flexible working approach as part of social distancing. - Singapore:
Our Singapore office remains open, with staff adopting a flexible working approach as part of social distancing. - Dubai:
Our Dubai Contact Centre is now closed until further notice. However our teams are working from home to allow a level of social distancing. - Isle of Man:
Our Isle of Man office is now closed until further notice. However, our teams are working from home to allow for social distancing.
All policyholders and intermediaries should use the usual contact details for their local branch or login to FPI Portal. Go to our website for details.
Steve Weston
Interim CEO, Friends Provident International
Additional support for COVID-19 affected policyholders
18 September 2020
On 31st March the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Life Association of Singapore (LIA) introduced an industry wide initiative, Deferred Premium Payment (DPP), to assist policyholders who have experienced financial difficulties as a result of COVID-19. The initiatives cover Banking, Financial Services and Insurance sectors. On 18 September 2020, it was announced that this initiative has been extended.
Friends Provident International is supporting the industry initiative for policies with premium due date or policy renewal between 1 April 2020 and 30 September 2020 and between 1 October and 31 March 2021 (the new 6 month application window).
Policyholders with policies on DPP under the preceding application window from 1 April to 30 September 2020 are not eligible to apply under this new window from 1 October 2020 to 31 March 2021 in respect of the policy that was granted DPP under the preceding window. Such policyholders can apply in respect of a different policy under the new window.
If you are a policyholder experiencing difficulty due to financial circumstances as a result of COVID-19 we encourage you to contact your financial adviser to discuss the best options for your personal circumstances.
If you do not have a financial adviser, you may choose to use our “Need Financial Advice” form that can be found here along with our contact details should you wish to contact us directly.
Please note there are a number of policy features that can be used to support you during periods of financial strain:
Premium Holiday - This is when you take a short break from paying your premiums for up to 12 months (Global Wealth Advance) and up to 6 months (Purpose Saver). You can restart your premiums at any time. For certain protection policies (Global Term) eligible policyholders may be able to defer payments temporarily.
Premium Reduction - A premium reduction allows you the flexibility of reducing your premium amount subject to the minimum premium levels. You can restart your full premiums at any time.
Make a plan “Paid Up” – This is when you stop premiums indefinitely however this diminishes your chances of reaching your savings goals. For certain plans, premiums can be restarted at a later late.
Withdrawal - A lump sum or regular payment that can be withdrawn to help you with unexpected expenses may be available with your policy
For information on your policy options and the conditions that may apply please contact your Financial Adviser or contact us via email at singapore.enquiries@fpiom.com or by phoning +65 6320 7399.
For further details of the industry initiative, please click here.
*Please note taking premium holidays or policy withdrawals may result in reduced returns from your policy or changes to the terms and conditions applicable. Any concessionary options covering premium holidays and deferment of premiums, will be at the discretion of Friends Provident International.