Equip has appointed MetLife Australia as the new insurance partner for the fund, effective 1 July, 2022.
Equip said the partnership would provide members with access to enhanced online functionality that integrated the application process for insurance applications, changes, claims lodgement and tracking.
Equip chief executive, Scott Cameron, said the fund was focused on appointing an experienced, committed, and sustainable insurance partner to support its long-term growth strategy and to elevate the experience of members and employers.
“Through our extensive and thorough tender process, we have found that partner in MetLife,” he said.
Equip and Catholic Super had been with Hannover since 2005 and TAL since 2008 respectively.
Cameron said: “I’d personally like to thank both TAL and Hannover for their support of our members over their tenure as our insurers, both companies have been strong business partners across periods of growth and increased regulatory change”.
The partnership would also allow members to access MetLife’s 360Health platform which includes comprehensive early intervention, rehabilitation programs and preventative health initiatives.
Other contributing factors to MetLife winning the tender, according to Equip, was their demonstrated ability to deliver tailored solutions across a highly customised membership base, as well as being able to support any future inorganic growth opportunities which is a strategic priority for the fund.
The insurance company has joined this year’s awards as a principal partner.
The $135 billion fund has transitioned away from TAL Life Insurance following an “extensive tender process”.
The $80 billion fund is facing legal action over allegedly signing up new members to income protection insurance by default without active member consent.
In a Senate submission, the Financial Services Council has once again called for further clarification that the government will assess the consumer outcomes of group insurance against the enshrined objective of superannuation.