What is TopCover?
TopCover is an insurance product designed specifically for professional
Air Crew. As an aviator, you are probably more vulnerable than
most other professions regarding the loss of your career and earnings
potential due to illness or injury. The TopCover product is made
up of three different components that a pilot can purchase –
Income Protection, Personal Accident and Critical Illness.
What is the Income Protection benefit?
The Income Protection Benefit provides you with a monthly income
in the event that you can not return to work in your own occupation
as a result of illness or accident. The maximum benefit period
is 5 years or up to age 60, whichever comes first. In keeping
with similar products the waiting period for the Income Protection
benefit is 180 days, starting from the day that you cease working
as a result of your accident or illness.
What is the Personal Accident benefit?
You may insure both yourself and your family members up to a maximum
of £250,000 for any one person.
What is the Critical Illness benefit?
This unique pilot – specific cover provides you with a lump
sum cash benefit if you are diagnosed with one of the insured
critical illnesses . A full list of all the critical illnesses
covered will be made available to you but some examples will include
heart attack, coronary heart disease requiring surgery, stroke,
organ transplant, cancer, kidney failure, multiple sclerosis,
Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, loss of independent
existence and most importantly, permanent total disability to
perform own occupation.
The benefit is up to a maximum of £40,000
payable within 30 days of diagnosis.
Do I need to have a medical to join
the Group Scheme?
No, all Air Crew are automatically accepted for the Group Scheme
benefits .
Do I need to have a medical in order
to buy the optional additional voluntary cover ?
You will need to complete and sign a short health questionnaire
, but a full medical is extremely unlikely
What about my medical history?
You must make a full declaration of your medical history when
applying for additional Voluntary Benefits . If there is a significant
medical issue then that specific illness may be excluded from
your cover for the voluntary benefits ONLY (your Group scheme
cover is totally unaffected). Please apply as soon as possible
in order for your application to be assessed.
How is my income defined?
Your income is defined as your basic gross salary including any
normal allowances.
What options do I have to purchase
additional voluntary cover?
Once a Group Scheme is in existence each and every member of the
group has the option to purchase additional protection at the
premium age related scale.
What happens if I have my own (or my
Employer) provides me with a Loss of Licence (LOL) benefit?
If you have, or your Employer already provides this type of cover,
TopCover has no impact on any existing coverage. You will enjoy
the “Lump Sum“ from your LOL cover and the monthly
income protection provided by your TopCover policy. However, if
you have a policy that pays out either as income protection or
temporary benefit then you must make sure that this income is
included in the 75% maximum benefit calculation under TopCover.
How is Income Protection different
from the standard Loss of Licence (LOL) cover?
It is different to and separate from LOL insurance. Loss of Licence
insurance affords protection in the event that your licence is
permanently cancelled by the CAA as a result of illness or accident.
The benefit is usually paid as a single lump sum. In contrast
TopCover Income Protection insurance will continue to pay benefits
for as long as you are disabled by illness or injury from working
as a pilot regardless of the permanent status of your licence.
Who is eligible for TopCover?
All members of an existing group scheme. The benefit period is
up to a max of 5 years (60 months) or age 60 years old, whichever
comes first.
Who is the Insurer?
The TopCover insurance policy is underwritten by Chartis Insurance UK Limited, one of the world’s premier insurance
and financial services organisations . Chartis offers you the long
term security you require to protect your income.
Who is the Broker for the TopCover
scheme?
Lumley St Aubyn Insurance Services. This company is authorised
and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA)
Contact details:
Freepost RLUK-HXKE-YESK
Lumley St Aubyn Insurance Services Limited
Southway House
Cirencester
Gloucestershire
GL7 1FN
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1285 – 656999
E mail : TopCover@lsta.co.uk
When can I apply to join the scheme?
All employees who are currently included in a group scheme may
apply immediately for the additional Voluntary Benefits. For the
first year your policy will be prorated (if required) to coincide
with the renewal of the group scheme. Thereafter your policy will
be renewed on an annual basis.
How do I proceed?
You complete and return the Application Forms and the Beneficiary
Nomination to us as soon as possible.
How do I pay for the voluntary benefit?
If you wish to purchase additional Voluntary Benefits , you will
need to :
A. Calculate your premium using the electronic calculation tool
B. Complete and return the application form
C. Complete and sign the health declaration
D. Complete and return the beneficiary nomination form
E. Payment options:
1. Cheque (made payable to "Lumley St Aubyn Insurance Services
Ltd.") or Debit Card for which there is no charge
2. Credit Card there will be a 2.5% charge
3. Through premium credit over 10 months for which there will
be a charge of 5.7%
How do I know that I have been accepted
for the additional voluntary benefit?
Applications for Voluntary Benefits are subject to acceptance
by the insurer (Chartis Insurance UK Ltd). Once accepted, you will receive a
policy schedule which demonstrates the level of cover..
How do I make a claim?
Please advise your HR Department and Lumley St Aubyn Insurance
Services Limited immediately of any potential claim. In some cases
the claim may not materialise as a complete and thorough recovery
may be made within the 180 day waiting period. It is important
however to “ start the clock “ in order to trigger
the 180 day waiting period thus ensuring that your claim is properly
managed and that you receive a full and fair settlement .
Is my claim affected by Tax?
Any subsequent claim paid under TopCover will be paid to you TAX
FREE as you will already have paid 5% Insurance Premium
Tax (IPT) within your initial premium.
What if I am made redundant?
If a valid claim is presented prior to you being made redundant
or the 180 days waiting period has already started, your claim
will be met in full.
What if I decide to leave my current
Employer?
If you decide to leave your current Employer then your TopCover
benefits will cease immediately. However, if you decide to join
an employer or an association where TopCover is already in place,
then your benefits may be transferred.
What do I have to do at renewal?
If you are comfortable with your existing level of benefits your
renewal is automatic and you need take no further action.
If, on the other hand you wish to take advantage of the option
to increase your benefits at renewal you will then need to complete
a fresh application form for underwriters to review . Please also
refer to “How do I pay for the Voluntary Benefit”
as explained in the question above.
What if I have another question?
Please contact:
Lumley St Aubyn Insurance Services Limited
Southway House
Cirencester
Gloucestershire
GL7 1FN
United Kingdom
