TAL targeting young Aussies, expands Health Sense Plus

TAL has widened the scope of its Health Sense Plus program to include income protection, which it said would enable advisers to “offer more clients better value cover through a simple preventative health engagement”.

From 8 August, eligible new income protection policies submitted via TAL’s adviser platform (TAC) will automatically receive a 5 per cent TAL Health Sense Plus discount for the first two years of the policy, with the policy being extended to eligible existing TAL customers from October.

“This is a logical and strategic evolution of TAL Health Sense Plus. By expanding the benefit to income protection, we’re reinforcing TAL’s commitment to embedding wellbeing into product design and giving advisers another opportunity to support customer retention and product value,” said Aaron Newman, general manager individual life product at TAL.

“The process is simple – no paperwork or test results are required. All TAL needs is confirmation that a routine health check has taken place. It’s a streamlined way to reward proactive health engagement, with minimal additional workload for advisers and their clients.”

TAL added that the discount aims to support preventative health, as it encourages customers to undergo routine health screening, which can help identify potential health issues early.

“Preventative screening is one of the simplest, most effective ways to detect or even prevent conditions such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease,” said Dr Priya Chagan, general manager health services at TAL.

“By embedding preventative health into TAL’s insurance offerings, we’re building enduring relationships with our customers, helping them understand the value of their insurance while encouraging them to take proactive steps to protect their health. Our goal is to reduce barriers to preventative care and make it easier for customers to prioritise their health.”

The insurer has also launched a brand campaign targeting younger Australians, called “Life takes guts – Protecting it should be easy”, that aims to make life insurance “easier and more accessible”.

“‘Life takes guts’ is about celebrating the strength Australians show every day as they face life’s challenges and reinforcing that we stand with them,” said TAL chief customer and brand officer Alex Homer.

“We’re here to make life insurance the easy part of building a resilient life, supporting people through life’s moments and providing a safety net when needed.”

According to TAL, feedback from consumers has found many people find life insurance complex and difficult to connect with.

“Australians want to feel in control of their future, yet life insurance can sometimes seem complex and easy to put off,” Homer said.

“We’re focused on making every customer experience easier – giving people confidence with control. This means accessible products they understand, great service, and above all, genuine support and care when making a claim.”

TAL research found that many younger Australians think life insurance is only about death cover, which they feel is something they don’t need to worry about until later.

However, 74 per cent of claims TAL paid in its last financial year were living insurance benefits, supporting recovery after an accident or illness, which can happen at any age.

“We want to start a conversation with young people and people who may not think life insurance is for them,” Homer said.

“When you think about losing the ability to earn an income, to pay your bills or support your family, it’s clear this is a product of value.”