RAC/RACQ Life Insurance No Longer Offering AIA Vitality (outside WA/QLD)

I just got an email from AIA Vitality notifying me that RAC will only include AIA Vitality in covers purchased by WA residents.

I currently use AIA for gym membership and get a lot of vouchers from it too.

Any plans for what’s he next best option to get AIA inclusions without buying exorbitant policies like the private health insurance policies that include it?

AIA Australia (AIAA) partners with RAC, a state-based membership organisation in Western Australia (WA) that exists to provide products and services to its state-based members.

and

"AIA Australia (AIAA) partners with RACQ, a state-based membership organization in Queensland (QLD) that exists to provide products and services to its state-based members.

Accordingly, from Monday 15 April 2019, RAC Life Insurance policies will only include access to AIA Vitality for individuals residing in Western Australia (WA).

Effective from Monday 15 April 2019 your AIA Vitality membership will cease as our records indicate you reside outside WA and as a result you will no longer meet the eligibility criteria.

While you will no longer have access to AIA Vitality, you are still protected by your RAC Life Insurance policy. We welcome the opportunity to continue to serve your insurance needs. However, if you decide your life insurance policy is no longer suitable and cancel by 15 May 2019, AIAA is willing to provide you with a goodwill gesture equal to the amount of premiums you have paid since the commencement of your policy (see more details below).

UPDATE
I just spoke with AIA - you will need to sign up to a new policy that includes AIA and then call AIA to link your existing AIA account to your new eligible policy. You’ll need to do this with enough time for AIA ato do the processing on their end so ASAP was recommended.

For VIC customers they are recommending myOWN or GMHBA however they are quite expensive. They also recommended trying iSelect as some customers had called and had been speaking with them to access other policies? Sounds a bit meh but worth trying.

UPDATE 2:
I received an email from Virgin Active saying they would honour the 50% discount until 17 July, and then onwards offer a 35% discount.

It’s still not as good as having the full AIA benefits but it’s pretty damn good service. Email below:

We really value our relationship and so when these changes take effect, Virgin Active would like to maintain your current membership discount until Wednesday 17 July 2019.

Following this period, we still want to make sure you're benefiting from a fantastic rate on your membership so from Thursday 18 July 2019, we will provide you with a discount of 35% off the current applicable membership price.

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Comments

  • -1

    Yeah seen this also. Wondering if you could just change your address.
    RACQ sell it also but need an address in queensland

    • -1

      My parents live in QLD - I might check into that.

      • Did that work?

        • In the process now.
          I applied - was granted the insurance and waiting for AIA to get notified.
          While I was at it I followed the link in the email to be refunded my RAC WA policy - because in the end all of this cost me a few hours to sort out.

          I’ll keep you updated how things go.

        • +2

          So… RACQ require state issued QLD ID tomprove you live there. They won’t accept any bank statements, or utilities bills as proof.

          As Virgin Active have offered the discount to continue I’ll just let AIA close.

          From what I can see, myOWN and GMHBA are not worth it. I’ll try to get as many points as I can before April 15 to make the most of it and then bye bye.

          • @georgegeorge31: Provided you achieve Platinum status, I believe the benefits (shopping vouchers alone are $650 + 15% increment savings in Virgin Active fees + not to mention lower value benefits) far outweigh the premium insurance (lowest possible is $300 paid out of super / cash and get tax benefits) + AIA $120 fees.

            Thoughts?

            • @firestint: It didn’t look like it was a very well performing fund so I didn’t want to change into them.

              HOWEVER - I since learned my private health policy with NIB has excluded the one thing I wanted in it so might change to myOWN. It’s the same price but higher hospita cover and includes AIA. Also if you’re silver or higher in AIA they will refund hospital excess. Far outweighs a free Fitbit from GMHBA IMO (I’ve been admitted for day procedures for the last 3yrs).

              From what I saw, GMHBA’s Insurance is much worse than myOWN as it has only flat amount scheduled reimbursements rather than a percentage for extras with a lower overall limit - and seemed to charge more for hospital cover without offering anything.

              So I’ll consider that change today but need to check a few things first. If I don’t get answers I hope for then I’ll probably rail NIB for a better deal and ditch AIA.

  • +2

    Surprised that they can legally amend eligibility criteria after a policy has already started and retrospectively apply it.

    Anyone with a legal background know more?

    RedBret

    • You'll find it's in the supplementary information, not in the policy.

    • I believe a life insurance contract can't be amended as per the insurance contracts act / life act, but Vitality itself is a membership or service and forms a separate contract. This contract is not bound by those restrictions.

      Hence why they have to allow you to keep your existing RAC policy (the life insurance contract) but can amend the terms / benefits / eligibility / access to the Vitality membership whenever they like.

  • I'm signed up through RACQ but dont live in QLD and got the same message.

    Also curious at what the best (cheapest) way of keeping my membership going is.

    They were also pretty unclear about what happens if I sign up for another product that offers AIA vitality before my membership ends. Do I need to sign up with my gym again in order to get the cashback benefits? And do I lose all my points?

    • +1

      That’s a really good point.
      I’m at mid level gold now and would be really angry if I lost that.

  • +3

    Does anyone buy the insurance from AIA itself? I have a look online, it doesn't have online quote online and you need to go to the adviser directly. Very inconvenient.

    • Have a look at my own. I was with them for a bit for health insurance, realised I didn’t need it and signed up to racq life insurance for AIA membership.

    • Agreed. It’s so annoying - but this is their selling strategy.
      Would love to know if anyone has their cover?

  • +1

    What’s our stance on this? I understand why they’re doing this, but it seems like they’re kicking us off literally on the day of their communication? Seems abit unfair…

    • That's my thoughts as well, I'm surprised they arent forced to grandfather it.

      The return of premiums is odd and may speak to the fact it's a little shakey.

      • Likewise. There is a good argument to be made that they have induced us to sign 12 month contracts with partners they have a commercial agreement with (I know that they pay the difference to Virgin Active) and now we are stuck without the Fitness First cashback with tenor left on our contract.

        Are there any insurance lawyers in here who can tell us why the premiums were refunded?

  • It looks like its free if you have a REST superannuation account? https://www.rest.com.au/member/aiavitality

    • Vitality lite, less benefits.

      • +1

        What's the difference? Seems the same to me?

        • +1

          Same, just briefly looked at the landing page - seems to have everything I need, weekly voucher and gym discounts& cashback? Unless there’s no vouchers for every 5000 points?

          • +1

            @rba: Can't see the flight benefit there? Maybe I missed it.

          • +1

            @rba: No flight or activity benefits.

            • +1

              @RedBret: Oh okay, I never used the flight benefits - but I think activity benefits is there, number 3 on the page linked.

              • +2

                @rba: Sorry your right, I don't think the shopping rewards are there? The gift vouchers for 5,10,15,20,25,30 & 35 thousand points

    • Compared out my current super it is about $60 more a year in fees. This is more Han half what I was spending on RAC insurance so not too bad. Just keeping in mind you’re giving up that insurance at that price.

  • +4

    On the AIA Max Life policy itself, you need a minimum $750 premium to qualify for AIA. Sounds like they just want to cut the people on low premiums.

    • Exactly, my guess is it was a market play, get them via a partner and see they could upsell.

      Probably loss leading and now pulling the plug.

      • They would have been definitely making a loss. It has probably been on their radar for a while, just looking for a way out.

        • Hmmmm had a look at the T&CS, there is a catch all but looks weak. It is more they can change the benefits, partners etc but does not state eligibility

    • +2

      There are cheaper options out there. See my post below :)

  • Just got the email, surprised they can just kick us off it so quickly…

    • Anyone pushed back or made a complaint?

      • +1

        Doesn't sound like anyone did, guess we're not really in the position to complain

  • According to the AIA Vitality website, we can get it through joining GMHBA or myOwn health insurance. Anyone got a better way?

  • Anyone know if you can use all the benefit before you leave and get your premium back?

    • Will try using all the benefit of my life insurance then cancel and report back 😄

      I assume you mean the benefits in your Vitality account? I would strongly assume so.

  • This is disappointing because I just signed up for a 12 month Anytime Fitness contract, kind of factoring in the 4 X $100 quarterly cashbacks into my decision. I will have to check out the Rest Super option I think.

  • AIA Vitality really motivated me to go to the gym… not ready to pay 5x the amount for this motivation though.. best bet is to join REST superannuation?

  • Yea got the email this morning - I ended up cancelling my membership

  • What I would like to know is if I can be refunded all my past premiums whilst also signing up with myOwn and transferring all my current vitality status and benefits across.

    Anyone know if we can double dip like this? This is a huge inconvenience and will end up costing me more, so I don’t think it’s unreasonable.

    • +2

      Sign up to a new policy and get AIA ato connect your AIA membership to that first. Then cancel the RAC one and see how u go. But deff do in that order.

    • +1

      I've checked with them. As long as you do it before 15th of April they will be able to link your existing account through and keeping all the points you already have.

  • I’m currently with Bupa, anyone have experience with GMHBA? In terms of pricing, they’re quite similar/cheaper for comparable plans.

    Hopefully they won’t have issues with being in another state other than VIC!

  • Has anyone living in Queensland received the email from RACQ? Or the same question for RAC living in WA / RACV living in Victoria?

    I'm in NSW and was with RACQ so received the email. My wife has income protection insurance with Maxlife and hasn't received anything yet (though the newly added "$750 minimum premium" clause in the Maxlife T&Cs is worrying).

    Watching this thread with interest…

  • +1

    Got the email today.

    REST Superannuation also offer AIA Vitality without discounted flights or Hoyts tickets. But REST Super doesn't really rank very highly.

    Looks like I might ask to have all our premiums refunded.

  • Does anyone know if the AIA priority protection product comes with AIA vitality? I saw it as an option on iSelect.

    • AIA Vitality is an additional health program on to of the Priority Protection. AIA normally charge $10 per month for the membership but from my personal experience the benefits (if you exercise) far outweigh that. I've just reached platinum status and have received $400 In shopping vouchers, weekly woolies/boost vouchers and discounted flights.

  • +3

    Doing the mathematics for Virgin Active in Victoria:

    If you choose the 35% deal that Virgin Australia are offering you, you are still $52.87 per month ahead compared to the 12 month membership. However you are about $63.82 per month worse off compared to having the AIA Membership. So weigh up the costs of switching to GMHBA, MyOwn or REST Super and see if you are actually ahead I guess.

    Doing a quick Canstar/Choice review of GMHBA, MyOwn and REST, none of them rate very highly for the products they are offering. So just be careful not to get sucked in. You may still be ahead with the 35% discount and getting private health/super through another provider in the long run. You will need to do your own homework I guess as everyones requirements for Super and Private Health are going to be different.

    12 Month

    Per Week = $36
    Per Fortnight = $71.80
    Per Fortnight inc Towel Hire = $77.80
    Per Month inc Towel Hire = $169.04

    3 Month

    Per Week = $46
    Per Fortnight = 91.74804575
    Per Fortnight inc Towel Hire = 97.74804575
    Per Month inc Towel Hire = 212.3693592

    35% Deal

    Per Week = $29.90
    Per Fortnight = $59.64
    Per Fortnight inc Towel Hire = $65.64
    Per Month inc Towel Hire = $142.60

  • +2

    What's the cheapest possible way to get back into AIA Vitality again? Judging by the thread it's via REST Super? How much would that cost? Assuming I stick with my current Super for the majority of my contributions and just use REST to gain AIA Vitality?

    • +1

      REST fee's are:

      Investment Fee:

      0.67% of your balance per annum

      Admin Fee:

      $1.30 per week, plus 0.1% of your account balance at the end of each month (capped at $800 per annum)

      Indirect Cost Ratio:

      0.09% per annum

      Having x2 Super Funds just to gain acess to AIA Vitalty at face value seems stupid. But you maybe onto something. You would need to weigh up what the absolute minimum you would have to BPAY into your REST Super each month to cover those fee's and retain your access to AIA Vitality.

      If you are with Virgin Active - as mentioned my post above yours, it would need to be less then $63.82, or you may as well not bother and take Virgin Active's 35% discount offer. Keeping in mind this does not factor in the vouchers/discount flights/discount movie tickets you would save on over the course of a month.

      • I can reliably earn a $5 Woolworths gift card every week and I suspect most people can. This should more than cover the admin fee.

        Also, there are lower cost options with Rest, with some of the options having no investment fee and basically just the $1.30 per week plus 0.1% of balance fee.

        https://www.rest.com.au/member/products/investment-fees-accu…

        It is definitely not without hassle though, for sure!

        • You also need a minimum of $1000 in your REST super account to qualify.

          So it's a minimum of ~$80/year. I don't really want to switch to REST as it seems Aus Super is better, and the overhead of having $1k in REST + losing investment gains on that $1k probably isn't worth it.

          Honestly think I might just keep my 30% FF discount and not bother rejoining. Doesn't seem to be any cost effective ways of joining.

  • +2

    This is concerning that they can just update eligibility criteria and make them go into effect on the same day without any communications prior. Is this even allowed? At least they gave enough time when changing from discounting Qantas flights to Virgin Australia ones.

    REST seems like the cheapest option but it doesn't give the full suite of benefits. This is not an ad but I joined AIA life insurance (premium is paid out of Super and is considerably a lot less than the benefits I get from Vitality, I always get more than 35,000 points in every membership year) and Vitality through my adviser who doesn't charge any fees so PM if interested.

    • Would love to know how much you're paying, if you don't mind sharing? Do you need to get it through an adviser?

    • +1 would love to know how much you're paying as well

    • Same here please!

    • +1

      Not quite comfortable sharing my premium amount here but PM and I will let you know :)

      But isn't the amount dependent on your coverage and income so what I'm paying could be a lot less or more than what you have to pay?

      • +1

        PM sent, I guess it is dependant but still nice to know as a baseline.

        • I'd love more info on this too! I just made an account and can't message, unfortunately.

      • Can't pm at the moment as overseas, will message in a few days

    • This is probably because your Adviser gets a sign on fee and a trailing commission from AIA.
      See page 4: http://www.aia.com.au/content/dam/au/en/docs/Adviser/aia-vit…

  • +2

    So AIAA is going to refund all of the premiums we have paid for RACQ insurances??? For me like for the past 2 years or so? Wow… I wonder why they are doing this… there must be a legal reason. Can any lawyer here enlighten me?

    Maybe it's time for me to start exploring calisthenics… I will switch my hospital only cover to myOwn after I managed to get the flybuys bonus points from AHM.

    Yes, the basic is more expensive, but my calculations:

    101 for basic hospital cover - 14 dollar I usually pay to RACQ Income Protect = A$86 effective cost per month for the basic hospital cover insurance.

    Sounds acceptable to me… thoughts? Not to mention the discount/refund/woolies voucher to offset the effective cost even further!

  • +1

    Ah glad to see I'm not the only one!
    They don't seem to make it easy to find alternative ways to join. You know how Vitality say "1) Talk to your financial adviser. If you don't have a financial adviser we can help you find one. Simply fill in the form below."

    I don't get this. If I have a work financial adviser can they give me access to Vitality? I don't see the link…

    • +1

      Hey guys, I got the same email.
      I found the following on the interwebs:
      http://www.aia.com.au/content/dam/au/en/docs/Adviser/aia-vit…

      So it looks like if your adviser refers you to an Insurance product that includes AIA Vitality, they get a $250 referral fee and annual commissions.

      I'm thinking about joining AIA Max Life simply because I also use Fitness First, so it works out to be better value for me even at $750 per year. Still, it's a shit deal compared to paying the low premium RAC Life Insurance :(

  • Wonder if this all has to do with AIA's profits down 60% this year?

    "Hong Kong listed insurer AIA Group reported a worse-than-expected decline in net profits for 2018, with net profits falling by 60% due to losses in the company’s stock and property investments."

  • +12

    Hi guys, I'm in the process of switching insurance in order to stay on AIA Vitality. Here's my experience so far in case it could help anyone.

    I went to Life Insurance Direct (they're a broker I think?) and found the cheapest possible income insurance (and re-confirmed with someone on the phone).

    I've applied for AIA Priority Protection insurance… Monthly premium of $25.30 = $303.60 annual.
    This is about $100 more expensive than the RACQ policy I was on BUT it still is highly economical for Fitness First membership (implies $3.90 per week, if you get every $5 weekly voucher and platinum status).

    So the steps I followed:
    1. Applied for a new income insurance policy.
    2. Spoke directly to AIA Vitality (the Life Insurance Direct broker will organise this for you).
    3. Send in a cancellation form to RACQ (via the link in the email), and you should get all your premiums refunded - which I think is very reasonable.

    I sent in a request for a financial advisor on the AIA website and still haven't heard back after 24 hours (disappointed)… So just took on the work myself.

    Hope this helps.

    • Note I didn't look into the REST super because I'm happy with the one we have now at work, so not sure what works out to be better!

      • I just did the same thing and was about to share. Also, I believe we're getting a goodwill payment from AIA, giving us back some or all of our RAC payments so that will essentially 'cover' some of our future payments.

        I spoke to someone on the phone to get the lowest monthly premium but still will qualify for AIA (which is the same as what you said $25.30)

        https://www.lifeinsurancedirect.com.au/companies/aia/aia-vit…

        I filled in this quote form and requested a callback but believe you can just call them directly.

    • +2

      Can I confirm this is definitely income protection and not life insurance as Income protection is tax deductible which is an added bonus

      • +3

        Yep definitely income protection (make sure it's the AIA Priority Protection). The broker is just called "Life Insurance" Direct.

        I asked twice and also opted for the lowest amount possible to be covered (roughly $25-30k) and the premium comes down with a higher income.

        Had no idea it was tax deductible thanks for the tip, mate!

    • Do you know if the monthly premium includes the $10/month fee for AIA vitality? It states on the page you linked that there's $10/month fee in addition to your monthly insurance premium.

      • The $10/month fee for AIA Vitality is waived for 2 years on the AIA Priority Protection insurance (that's what they told me over the phone).

        I didn't go through that link above by sammym, but this is the quote I went through online and it was 40 cents cheaper when I applied on the phone:

        Mod: Removed link

        Hope that helps.

        • Thanks for sharing.

          Fyi the link you shared reveals your full name and email address, might want to remove it!

          • @Rigby: Oops thanks.

            • @alllieet: Can you please PM me with the link? Thanks mate

              • +1

                @LZCS: Hiya, try this link here, I've just put N/A for all the personal details but it's the quote/product I got:

                https://app.lifeinsurancedirect.com.au/quotes/apply/8a2d4eb5…

                • @alllieet: Cheers! Do you know if two people can be listed on this policy?

                  • @LZCS: I believe so, however I haven't personally done it, so maybe check with the advisor when you're on the call.

                    The guy did offer for me to add my partner to the policy, so I suspect it can be done, I just declined.

                  • @LZCS: Based on a call I just made to AIA, you'd need two separate policies if you want two vitality memberships. You'll get a multi-policy discount but two sets of minimum policy premiums will apply.

                • @alllieet: Hi, so we can apply directly online, or we still need to get an advisor? Thanks mate.

                  • +1

                    @EmmaSyd: Both routes you end up on the phone with an advisor, which worked out to be better because they tailor it to what you want.

                    • @alllieet: Hi @allieet, may I know have you purchased the insurance via the broker or not? Have you activated you vitality account again?

                      I got a quote from the broker and he said this insurance policy doesn't cover the Vitality membership fee, they can only waive it for new Vitality customers and ask me to pay the vitality fee as usual. But the RACQ one is free for Vitality. It seems that they have different versions of it. Quite confused.

                  • -5

                    @EmmaSyd: Please please please, don't be applying for insurance for the sake of getting the vitality program. You really need to consider that the level of cover you are getting is suitable to your needs. As a financial adviser I would suggest speaking with a non-institutional aligned adviser (who would normally not charge for a meeting) to ensure you are getting appropriate cover.

        • Hi, if it is okay to post here, please share your invite link and we both get a free month, thanks.

      • +2

        I called them up to check, we need to pay $10/month. Its the policy fee that they waive, which is minimal :(

        • Who did you call? Vitality fee was definitely waived for me but it's a promotion going around with certain financial advisors (which in my case was Life Insurance Direct).

          • +1

            @alllieet: I had a check around with a few people, I was told the offer for free Vitality for 2 years was valid from December 2017 through to October 2018 only for new customers. The offer has since ended.

            • @dealbreaker1: That's so weird :(

              Maybe go through the application process and see if you can negotiate?

              Because on my policy statement with the premium breakdown, there's a line printed 'AIA Vitality contribution = $0.00'

              I double checked twice with the broker on the phone whether I had to contribute separately, and both said no.

              • @alllieet: In regards to that, the vitality has been paid previously for the membership year by RAC and on the renewal year you will be charged $120. Still not as good as the RAC deal :(

              • +1

                @alllieet: I went through the same process as you, alllieet. And I have the same line printed on my statement re: contribution being $0. But I was told by the advisor (Life Insurance Direct) that the standard advice they've been giving for customers going through this process is that the membership fee would be separate.

                I also called AIA themselves just now and they confirmed that the minimum premium ($300 a year) is excluding the Vitality fee of $120 a year. I.e. that you'd have to meet a minimum policy premium of $300 a year, then add $120 for Vitality on top. You can't include the vitality premium in the minimum premium for the policy.

                So unless you've had some stroke of luck and received a special bonus offer or something, we're both up for a minimum of $420 a year to get vitality.

            • @dealbreaker1: Me too! So frustrating

        • +1

          The policy fee is around 2/3rds of the AIA membership fee. So not so minimal.

          https://resources.aia.com.au/rs/482-ROS-457/images/IAS4235_A…

    • Anyone here done this and managed to get it to work ?
      I'm keen on switching to maintain the vitality program

      • If you are looking at switching… Please make sure that any cover you are applying for doesn't require medical underwriting, where they can assess your health and medical history and exclude certain conditions. That's where a lot of people will get caught out!

    • Hi Allieet,

      Did you have to pay the monthly $10 on top of the income protection insurance for the AIA Vitality membership?

      Thanks

      • Hi @jimwang

        From my discussions, the minimum monthy payment you can make that qualifies for AIA Vitality membership is $25 monthly premium PLUS $10 AIA Vitality Monthly Contribution. So $35 min. paid each month.

        The monthly premium should be tax deductible.

        This looks like the best option for me. Pretty sure I will pull the trigger on it, with the new policy to commence just before 15 April. Once the new policy is connected to my existing AIA Vitality membership no. I will cancel my old RAC policy and get the premiums (premia?) paid to date refunded.

    • Could you pm your referral for lifeinsurance direct? You and I will get one month free. Cheers!

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