UniSuper has announced a new partnership with MetLife, which will start providing insurance for its members from 1 June.
According to the fund, with this partnership, members are set to benefit from enhancements to their insurance, including the modernisation of default levels of cover at different life stages, more equitable premiums, and improved terms and conditions to help members get better value from their cover.
UniSuper also clarified the transition came after an “extensive tender process” designed to ensure UniSuper is delivering the best value possible to members, as well as service improvements, greater personalisation, and enhanced support when making claims.
Peter Chun, chief executive of UniSuper, highlighted the fund’s duty to ensure its members have the best protection for themselves and their families.
“The transition to MetLife allows us to better support our members during some of life’s most challenging moments. UniSuper is committed to excellence in all of our offerings, and insurance is no exception,” he explained.
Moreover, all members and their families, irrespective of their coverage, will have access to MetLife’s 360Health platform, offering, among other things, access to healthcare professionals, assistance in returning to work, and support for mental health issues.
MetLife Australia chief executive Richard Nunn said the firm was “thrilled” to be UniSuper’s insurance partner.
He stated: “The strength of our digital offering, customer-focused approach and values alignment means we are able to deliver what really matters to their members.
“Both organisations understand the value of helping people build a more confident future and we look forward to delivering outstanding experiences for UniSuper members.”
UniSuper said members should expect minimal disruption as a result of this transition.
The insurance company has joined this year’s awards as a principal partner.
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.
TAL has launched a digital solution TAL Connect for its superannuation fund partners that links super and insurance for members, with Aware Super as its launch partner.