Revolutionising Life Insurance: Digital PMARs and Next-Gen Underwriting

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In the age of instant digital services, where everything from basic necessities to luxury items can be delivered in a blink, the life insurance sector in Australia is poised for a transformative change.

Historically plagued by lengthy processing times, the sector faces a persistent underinsurance gap, with over a million Australians lacking adequate life protection.

The introduction of a digital Personal Medical Attendant Report (PMAR) by Acenda, formerly MLC Life, marks a significant stride towards addressing this challenge.

The insurance industry has long grappled with the cumbersome, manual process linked to securing life coverage. According to the Financial Services Council, this results in many Australians underinsured or entirely uninsured. A primary bottleneck in the process has been the PMAR, integral in determining a client’s eligibility but slowed by reliance on paper-based systems that depend on clinicians' schedules and priorities.

Acenda's collaboration with EQ Pathology aims to slash these delays using Australia's first digital PMAR. Unlike its traditional counterparts, this digital format is custom-tailored to underwriter requirements, enabling precise information collection essential for decision-making. The creation of a fully integrated, digital underwriting engine allows applications requiring medical evidence to be processed swiftly and efficiently, cutting down wait times drastically.

The integration of UnderwriteMe's cutting-edge insurtech solutions further enhances Acenda's capabilities. Automating simpler cases ensures that underwriting teams focus only on complex scenarios, optimising their expertise and improving customer service. In previous deployments, this technology has reduced policy approval times significantly while boosting policy uptake.

For consumers, faster processing translates to more timely access to insurance, addressing the prevalent underinsurance gap. This technological innovation not only streamlines the process but also ensures data security via secure API transfers, eliminating the risks associated with transferring sensitive information through less secure means.

Acenda's pioneering approach illustrates a broader trend in the insurance industry demanding innovation in service delivery. By implementing a fully digital PMAR and decisioning engine, the company sets a new industry standard, underpinning its ambition for a more efficient, transparent, and customer-centric insurance experience.

Looking forward, this advancement is likely to drive a wider industry shift towards digital solutions, not only improving turnaround times but also laying the groundwork for smarter and fairer decision processes. As these innovations continue to evolve, the life insurance sector in Australia is on a clear path to meeting the immediate needs of its consumers efficiently and effectively, ultimately bridging the underinsurance gap and enhancing trust in the industry.

Published:Monday, 11th Aug 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

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