COVID vaccination rewards from Medibank, Finder, Qantas, Telstra and more

Major brands in health insurance, life insurance, utilities and travel have moved fast to offer rewards for people who've received the COVID-19 vaccination.

Companies are now able to offer cash and other perks for getting the jab, after a recent change in regulations from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

The rewards could include vouchers, discounts or frequent flyer points, but must exclude alcohol, tobacco or medicines as these aren't listed by TGA. The rewards must also be made available to people who have already received their first or second doses.

TGA said: "Businesses can now supplement government public health campaigns through offers of practical support (including rewards) that encourage Australians to be vaccinated."

"They also permit the offer of a range of rewards to people who have been fully vaccinated under the government's COVID-19 vaccination program," the TGA added.

Discounts and bonus points with Telstra's #LetsVaxx rewards program

From September 2nd, customers connected to the Telstra network will see the network's name change to #LetsVaxx to encourage everyone to get vaccinated as soon as they're eligible.

Australia's largest mobile network is also offering:

• 2,500 bonus Telstra Plus points to fully vaccinated members of the Telstra Plus loyalty program.
• A 100 million point major prize draw with 20 winners to receive five million Telstra Plus points each and $3,500 credit to cover the cost of certain Telstra services for a year to fully vaccinated Telstra Plus members.
• All Telstra Plus members a digital care package which includes a Telstra TV Box Office movie, discounts on food delivery and in the Telstra Plus rewards store, regardless of vaccination.

In addition to the rewards, Telstra is also launching a social media campaign to bust conspiracy theories around COVID-19 vaccinations, enlisting the help of leading satirist Mark Humphries. CEO Andy Penn has also written a Telstra Exchange blog calling on business and community leaders to unite on a national plan.

Free tickets to 2022 shows

Three of Australia's biggest tour promoters – Live Nation, Frontier Touring and TEG – have teamed up to launch a 'Vaxstage Pass' contest. If you've had your jabs, you can enter to win free tickets to a bunch of live shows in 2022 which includes performances from Lorde, Tyler, The Creator and Snoop Dogg.

The contest is open from Wednesday, September 15 until 11.59pm AEDT on Tuesday, November 30. To enter, you need to have had your jabs and complete an online form explaining in 25-words (or less) which live event you're most looking forward to seeing.

Finder announces free Bitcoin for vaccinated Aussies

Finder, which is Australia's most visited comparison site, has announced its intention to give away millions of dollars worth of credits to spend on cryptocurrency to reward Australians for getting vaccinated against COVID-19.

Through its Finder app, members will be able to share proof of their vaccination and receive $5 loaded into their Finder Wallet to put towards Bitcoin or Ethereum purchases.

Fred Schebesta, founder of Finder, said the reward is a small way to encourage people to get the jab.

"Vaccination is our country's path out of lockdowns so we want to do everything we can to support Australians to roll up their sleeves for the sake of all of us.

"Whether you use the Finder app every day or you're just now hearing of it, if you've done your part to protect your fellow Aussies, we want to reward you for it," Schebesta said.

App users can register an expression of interest to receive their credits now.

Zurich and OnePath announce $50,000 life insurance bonus

Life insurers Zurich and OnePath are offering a one-off benefit of up to $50,000 in COVID vaccine protection for policyholders. Customers who suffer a serious side effect from an approved COVID vaccination - before the end of the year - would be eligible for the payment, either for them or their beneficiary.

The benefit, which the insurers say is an Australian first, would be paid in addition to any standard death or Total Permanent Disability (TPD) payout for the same claim. Cover for death or disablement following a COVID infection is already included within the insurers' policies.

Medibank, AIA offer COVID vaccination rewards

Health fund Medibank is rewarding its customers for getting the jab. Here are the key details:

• Eligible Medibank customers who are fully vaccinated will receive 1,000 Live Better Rewards points by early September.
• Points can be used towards gift cards or products from Medibank partners including Adidas, Apple and Fitbit. The rewards can also be used by policyholders to save on their health cover or getting covered for more on their extras insurance.
• Fully jabbed customers will receive Live Better points equivalent to a $10 Amcal gift card.

Medibank Chief Executive Officer David Koczkar said, "It's been an incredibly tough 18 months in Australia and the personal and economic toll of this pandemic is heartbreaking."

"As one of Australia's biggest health insurers, we have a unique opportunity to reach more than 3.7 million customers and remind them about the importance of getting vaccinated, with an ability to reach significantly more Australians through our corporate and university partnerships," Koczkar added.

Finder reached out to HCF, ahm and Frank and none confirmed immediate plans around rewards (correct as of Friday 6 August).

Meanwhile, insurer AIA is offering perks, in the form of points, to fully vaccinated health and life insurance customers. In addition to discounts on their premiums, AIA customers can score gift cards, flights and movie tickets.

Airlines offering COVID-19 vaccination rewards

Virgin

Virgin Australia and Velocity Frequent Flyer are also offering $150,000 worth of "prizes" to get vaccinated with their VA-X & Win competition, the airline announced on September 1st. The campaign allows customers to receive up to 1 million Velocity Points, free Business Class flights and also provides lots of incentives for its staff, including bonus annual leave and lounge memberships.

The competition is open to all residents of Australia aged 18 and over who have received 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccination. Entry is available via the Virgin Australia website.

Qantas

Qantas is offering a choice of 1,000 Qantas Points, 15 Status Credits or a $20 travel voucher to Qantas App users who have been vaccinated. Finder's frequent flyer expert Angus Kidman has weighed in to explain which deal is the best value.

More travel brands with vaccination perks

Luxury Escapes recently announced new travel vouchers in an incentives program for up to 1 million people.

Each eligible person will be given a $200 voucher to spend on any international booking they make with Luxury Escapes.

To get a voucher, you'll need to:

• Get your COVID-19 vaccination.
• Provide proof of vaccination to Luxury Escapes.
• Use the promo code provided to you at checkout for any international offer.

Elsewhere, hotel giant Marriott has announced a competition to win a free one-night stay at one of 28 Marriott Bonvoy Hotels and Resorts sites across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and New Caledonia. The competition, titled 'Ultimate Marriott Bonvoy Package', is open to those who've received both COVID jabs.

Luxury hotel brand Crystalbrook Collection has confirmed it will offer free upgrades to vaccinated guests. Its resorts across Australia include Cairns, Newcastle, Byron Bay, Sydney and Brisbane.

Rideshare apps helping Aussies to save on their vax trips

Meanwhile Rideshare app DiDi is offering customers the chance for $10 off trips (up to 2 times) to help Aussies get to their vaccination appointments. Also, Sydney-based Cabcharge is offering free rides of up to $50 to help people get jabbed, as part of a $200,000 giveaway.

Vaccination rewards: Find a deal