BSP Life PNG yesterday announced that it is paying out a combined K3.5 million in life insurance survival benefits to members of the PNG Health Support Workers Association (PNGHSWA). More than 1,500 health workers will receive their Survival Benefit payouts throughout 2026 under BSP Life’s Wantok Delite Life Insurance product – the first of its kind for the Association and a landmark moment for insurance uptake in Papua New Guinea.
The milestone traces back to January 2023, when PNGHSWA – with premiums funded by the PNG Government – enrolled its 2,000-plus members into BSP Life’s Group Term Life cover, before transitioning them individually onto the Wantok Delite product. A defining feature of Wantok Delite is its Survival Benefit: a guaranteed cash return of 10% of the total sum insured, payable every three years during the policy term, provided the policy remains active. For those who signed up in 2023, 2026 marks their first payoutmilestone.
“We commend the PNG Health Support Workers Association and the PNG Government for taking that bold step 3 years ago to protect their members and their families with life insurance,” said Nilson Singh, Country Manager of BSP Life PNG.
The payouts are already making a tangible impact in the lives of members and their families. Members who have received their payouts report using the funds for school fees, loan repayments, home repairs, and community and family support. Many expressed surprise that life insurance could deliver cash benefits while they were still alive – a misconception the PNGHSWA initiative has powerfully dismantled.
“Not only has the Association secured its members’ futures, it has placed trust in BSP Life to deliver living benefits – real cash returns that members can use today. Our purpose is to Champion Prosperity for the South Pacific, and we are proud to be making a difference in the lives of so many Papua New Guineans,” Singh said.
Beyond the living benefits, BSP Life has also paid over K1.8 million in death claims to families of PNGHSWA members covered under the Group Insurance scheme – a sobering reminder of the critical safety net that life insurance provides.
“Insurance is a foundation of financial wellbeing, especially in a country where unexpected costs can push families into hardship. We encourage groups, associations, and individuals to take up life insurance cover with BSP Life today — to secure their tomorrow,” Singh said.
BSP Life PNG Board Chairman, Rabbie Namaliu Junior said, “Today, members of the PNG Health Support Workers Association and their families are seeing real benefits.Behind every payout is a family, a future, and a promise fulfilled.”
“Since commencing operations in 2018, BSP Life PNG has continued to grow as a trusted life insurer committed to protecting families and delivering meaningful value to Papua New Guineans. Today’s milestone demonstrates the important role insurance can play in building financial resilience across Papua New Guinea,” Namaliu said.
PNG Health Support Workers Association, Acting General Secretary Boni Kaipa said, “I am honored to represent my executive team, our members nationwide and I also thank the government for supporting this partnership and the implementation of this agreement which has now resulted in our members benefiting. There is a family behind every member who will also benefit from the K3.5 million survival benefit payout.”