The Fiji National Provident Fund has clarified its medical withdrawal policy, saying payouts for childbirth apply only in severe, life-threatening emergencies and not routine maternity care.
In a statement, FNPF said its medical pre-withdrawal benefit applies equally to all members and is assessed strictly on medical urgency, supported by specialist documentation.
“Eligibility is based on the severity of the underlying medical condition, not the procedure alone,” the fund stated.
FNPF stressed that while caesarean sections can be clinically urgent, they do not automatically qualify for medical withdrawal unless doctors confirm the situation has escalated into a life-threatening emergency.
Under the policy:
- Emergency childbirth cases may qualify only if medical reports confirm a severe, life-threatening condition;
- Normal maternity expenses, including elective or planned caesarean deliveries, are not covered; and
- Approved payments are made directly to medical institutions for transparency and accountability.
Clarifying a recent case highlighted in The Fiji Times article “Father slams FNPF policy” published on December 19, the fund said the documentation provided did not meet the required threshold.
“The advice provided to the member was based on the information submitted, which did not include sufficient evidence of a severe, life-threatening condition,” FNPF said.
It added that the inquiry received by The Fiji Times did not include details of any emergency, contributing to what the fund described as a misrepresentation of the policy.
FNPF acknowledged the member did not proceed with an application after receiving advice, but reiterated that eligibility is determined by medical evidence, not personal circumstances.
Looking ahead, the fund stated it will engage with hospital management to improve the quality of medical reports submitted with urgent claims.
“Hospitals have a responsibility to provide appropriate specialist reports to support urgent medical claims.”
FNPF stated it remains committed to supporting members during genuine medical emergencies while safeguarding their long-term retirement savings and urge members to submit complete medical documentation to allow proper assessment.
