The benefits of life insurance for small to medium sized businesses.

The benefits of life insurance for small to medium sized businesses.

The benefits of life insurance for small to medium sized businesses.

Learn what you need to know about Five+ Group Income and Life Insurance. Explore the features, benefits, and how it can assist the financial well-being for small to medium sized businesses (SMEs) along with their employees.

No small business wants to lose staff unexpectedly for health reasons, but in reality, it can happen and, in some cases, for an extended period of time – which can be detrimental to a SME business. It’s a risk that has had limited solution options – until now.

For quite some time, Financial Advisers have had difficulty obtaining Life and Income (protection) Insurance for SMEs because historically, the more traditional life insurers have not offered group insurance to this part of the market.

At Integrity, we look for ways to best support Advisers and their clients – because they deserve the best. We believe there is a better way to do life insurance and we are committed to doing just that.

Integrity have developed a group insurance product specifically for the SME market – Five+ Group Income and Life Insurance. A product like no other. A product that’s been co-created with Advisers like you for what the market needs. A product that’s efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective.

Our Five+ Group Income and Life Insurance product (unique to the Australian life insurance market) combines Income and Life Insurance in the one product. it was designed specifically for SMEs with 5 to 50 employees. It’s the first group product (of its type) to offer an income benefit to the employer, as well as the employee, and includes Death and Terminal Illness cover within the same contract. Plus, it can be purchased and maintained online.

Traditionally life insurance has not been available to support SMEs of less than 20 employees because of the traditional product structures offered by insurers – but with a simple product design, unique administrative process and streamlined technology platform, we at Integrity have met this challenge. Our solution supports businesses with life insurance protection for the impact of losing key staff to sickness, accident and / or injury along with protecting their most valuable asset, their employees.

“Everybody gets sick some time and to have that taken care of by the employer
I think that is nice” – Research participant

The advantage of Five+ Group Income and Life Insurance.

  • It’s the first of its kind in the Australian life insurance market.
  • Available for as few as 5 and up to 50 employees, supporting businesses that want to protect their employees, with all employees (including casuals) being covered under the policy
  • It’s an ‘off the shelf’ product that combines Income and Life Insurance.
  • There’s no minimum premium.
  • Ability for Advisers and Brokers to instantly quote, with a straight through application process.
  • It’s new event cover with no health questions being asked when purchasing the product – which means no individual Underwriting.
  • A unique Death and Terminal Illness benefit of $200,000. Plus, an Income benefit of up to $10,000 per month, with 80% paid to the employee and 20% paid to the employer to assist with any additional costs to their business. With a Benefit Period of 1 year. 
  • A compelling price point, usually between 1% and 2% of salary.
  • Advisers can choose to receive a level commission of up to 27.5% including GST.
  • For more information, check out the Five+ Group Income and Life Insurance PDS.

“The main thing for me is that it is a differentiation tool as a business owner…How are we different from other firms, very tangible way to show how we view ourselves in relation to employees” – Research participant

Integrity Life

Integrity Life

From the newsroom

Why insurance is important for small businesses.

  • Attract and retain top talent – insurance benefits within an employee benefits package can provide employees with security.
  • Mitigate the struggle to pay an additional salary – paying two salaries (the sick employee and their replacement) can be costly, especially as sick leave gets used quickly and worker’s compensation doesn’t cover sick leave or injuries that occur outside of work. This insurance product will benefit both the employee and the employer during these circumstances.
  • Support employees – this product pays sick and / or injured employees for an extended period of time (80% of their salary taxed at their marginal tax rate and 20% is provided to the SME business), with rehabilitation and retraining activities helping them to return to work sooner.

    Who is best placed to benefit from Five+?

    When speaking with Adviser, we found that the ideal target market for a combined Income and Life insurance product is:

    • Independently owned/founder run SMEs, with a mature business that’s operated for three or more years.
    • They have 5 to50 employees, the majority of which are full time staff. The business is within a competitive market for good talent and as a result value employee benefits that’ll differentiate them in market.
    • Their payroll process is automated.

      So, what should you do next?

      Get in touch with one of our BDMs at sales@integritylife.com.au to understand how Five+ can support the growth of your portfolio.

      The product is a unique way to provide even better support to your SME clients – even those with just 5 employees. And if your client exceeds the maximum employee number for our group Life and Income (Protection) Insurance cover or have additional needs, our team can support with our Group Corporate Insurance option.

      About Integrity Life

      So far, we’ve been trusted to protect over 190,000 Australians from all walks of life. We’re committed to being your Partner today, tomorrow and for life. So, what are you waiting for? Go all out and get in contact with the team at Integrity Life at sales@integritylife.com.au for a fresh alternative to the more traditional providers.

      This information has been prepared without considering your or your client’s personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on it, please consider its appropriateness to your circumstances. Refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement for full benefit details, terms, conditions and exclusions. 

      It pays to think long term.

      It pays to think long term.

      It pays to think long term.

       

      It’s the ultimate goal – to provide quality advice that not just meets the needs and objectives of clients but supports their financial circumstances and future ambitions.

      But what does that mean?

      • Understanding the specific financial needs and desires of each client, both today and for the future
      • Investigating and then determining which life insurance product(s) would support these needs and desires
      • Providing quality advice and a recommendation for the client to make an informed and educated decision

      Balancing the cost of delivering to a client’s short and long term needs becomes critical especially in life insurance where cost requires consideration not just for the first year, but also for the third, fifth and maybe even longer.

      Integrity Life

      Integrity Life

      From the newsroom

      To understanding the long-term pricing of an insurer it is important to understand an insurer’s ‘sweet spot’ or target market. At Integrity we want to ensure that our insurance is affordable and accessible for the demographic’s that need it most. That’s why we’re focused on the following segments:

      • Packages of lump sum covers with and without Income Insurance;
      • Clients aged 30-50;
      • White and light blue occupations primarily.

      We believe life insurance is a product for life, which is why:

      • We offer discounts that are for the life of the Policy, such as our 7.5% Multi-Cover Discount and Life+ Healthy Living Discount (10.5% off Life, 5% off TPD and 5% off Critical Illness Cover);
      • Our policies have a 2-year rate guarantee;
      • We don’t charge archaic monthly premium loadings; and
      • Don’t charge Policy fees.

      As we’ll show you – it pays to look at insurers over the long term. We’re a standout with cumulative lump sum premium, it’s why we were recognised at Financial Newswire and DEXX&R’s Adviser Choice Risk Awards for our Integrity’s Here for You Critical Illness Cover and Income Insurance Cover, Inside Super and were a finalist for the AFA Life Company of the year Awards in the Trauma category.  

      Our Integrity’s Here for You product (Life, Income Insurance, TPD and Critical Illness) is tailored to meet the specific needs of this target demographic of client’s, is ranked highly (so you have confidence in our product), definitions that are well placed when compared to other insurers, ancillary benefits that support with the things clients don’t want to be without (their family, a comfortable environment, mental health support and more) and pricing to support clients today, tomorrow and into the long term.

      About Integrity Life

      So far, we’ve been trusted to protect over 190,000 Australians from all walks of life. We’re committed to being your Partner today, tomorrow and for life. So, what are you waiting for? Go all out and get in contact with the team at Integrity Life at sales@integritylife.com.au for a fresh alternative to the more traditional providers.

      Graphs sourced from IRESS as at 11 April 2023.

      For full benefit details, terms, conditions and exclusions refer to the Integrity’s Here for You Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). To understand who this product has been designed for refer to the Integrity’s Here for You Target Market Determination (TMD). Both the PDS and TMD are available on our website at www.integritylife.com.au/products/pds-forms

      The latest with Integrity’s Here for You product and Underwriting

      The latest with Integrity’s Here for You product and Underwriting

      The latest with Integrity’s Here for You product and Underwriting

      We’re excited to share some exciting improvements we’re making to our Integrity’s Here for You product, pricing and Underwriting. These changes are designed to allow you to easily compare products and reflects the needs (and wants) of your clients – supporting them when they need it most and supporting you in getting your clients covered faster. 

      So, what does this mean?

      From 30 January 2023, new business clients could access the following product changes:

      Full 70% Income Replacement Ratio (IRR)

      Our 70% IRR can now be maintained for the life of the claim period for new clients with a To Age 65 Payment Period. 

      Bonus Multi-Cover Discount (total Multi-Cover Discount now up to 15%)

      Get an EXTRA 7.5% off the total Policy premium when new clients qualify for our existing Multi-Cover Discount and have at least $500,000 Life Cover and $500,000 TPD Cover. Multi-Cover Discount Fine Print applies. 

      The 7.5% bonus Multi-Cover Discount combined with our existing 7.5% Multi-Cover Discount provides 15% off the total Policy premium – and remember our discounts apply for the entire life of the Policy.

      Care Support Package Expanded to include Homemakers

      Our Care Support Package (10 ancillary benefits that provide support and reimbursement when times get tough) is now available for new clients who are in Occupation Class 5 (this includes important occupations such as Homemakers).

      Critical Illness Cover Medical Definitions Updated

      We’ve updated our Multiple Sclerosis – with specified severity medical definition and Severe Parkinson’s Disease medical definition. This means we’ll now pay a full benefit upon unequivocal diagnosis of either of these conditions.

      So, what does this mean?

      From 30 January 2023, clients could access the following Underwriting changes:

      Medical Requirements
      Revised or Removed

      The Health Consent Form for medical checks and investigations is no longer required, making it quicker and easier to work with Paramedical Providers. We’ll continue to require a digital Health Consent Form for medical reports.

      We no longer require a Hepatitis B & C serology and HIV test unless the sum insured is more than $10 million on Life or TPD Cover, $1.5 million on Critical Illness Cover or $20,000 per month on Income Insurance Cover.

      Removed the need for a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test and will only request a mammogram if the client has not had their routine check-up (in line with medical recommendations).

      Financial Underwriting Requirements Reviewed

      Reduced evidence requests for both employed and self-employed individuals applying for a 2 or 5 year Benefit Period. Also, no financial requirements needed (subject to standard Underwriting) for 2 and 5 year Benefit Periods for employee’s applying for Income Insurance Cover.

      For Employees requesting a To Age 65 Payment Period, proof of income will only be required when monthly sum insured exceeds $20,000.

      For self-employed clients, we have increased the proof of income limit for monthly sum insured from $15,000 to $20,000 for 2 and 5 year Payment Periods.

        

      Got a question or need a hand?

      Check out our Supplementary PDS for more information or get in touch with our Distribution team at sales@integritylife.com.au 

      Integrity Life

      Integrity Life

      From the newsroom

      Returning to work, returning to wellness.

      Returning to work, returning to wellness.

      Returning to work, returning to wellness.

      The new Income Insurance products launching industry wide, as a result of APRA’s sustainability measures, have a big focus on clients being supported to return to work.

      But where does this leave Advisers and clients? With the pending launch of our product information we wanted to outline how we support clients returning to work in a way that puts their needs and recovery – front and centre.

      We’re in the business of paying claims.

      No one wants to have to claim on their life insurance, but if you do, you want to know that your insurer is going to make the situation better and not worse. When we pay claims –we pay them as quickly as possible. Claims are our chance to demonstrate what we do best and leverage our expertise to support clients if the worst should happen.

      A personalised, straightforward claims philosophy.

      What clients need is a program that works for them, not a template. It’s why we pay Income Insurance benefits on any day of the month that suits clients, we can even pay fortnightly. It’s completely flexible.

      We can also engage rehab providers even before an official claim is lodged so we can get the wheels in motion as quickly as possible – bureaucracy should never get in the way of positive health outcomes.

      Making the connection – recovery and work.

      If returning to work will be an option, then it’s important to have a strategy in place to keep clients connected to their workplace. With clients always in control, we work with Advisers, Brokers, employers, medical professionals, allied health providers and community groups to develop a mutually agreed plan. This will include elements such as:

      • Identifying modified duties with a focus on what clients can do.
      • Looking at ways for clients to stay in touch with their employer and people they work with – this might be by ensuring they continue to receive company communications to stay connected.
      • Exploring training opportunities that are delivered in a flexible way.
      • Creating a plan and program to help manage pain
      • Using emerging and existing technology to support remote working, telepresence or modified access to workplace tools and applications.

      The truth is, work fulfils an important aspect of our social and psychological needs and the longer you’re away from work, the harder it can be to get back. Additionally:

      • Work helps you stay active and is an important part of your recovery.
      • Staying active helps to reduce pain.
      • Being at work is an opportunity to connect with people and be part of a community.
      • Taking a long-time off work is worse for you socially, emotionally and physically.
      • Research shows* that work promotes recovery and reduces the risk of long-term disability.

      At Integrity, our focus is on enabling recovery that considers each client’s unique situation in a way that holistically considers their physical, mental, social and financial needs. And if recovery connected to work is suitable, then we have a unique way of delivering this, if not, then our focus is helping clients adjust to their new normal.

       

      *Australian and New Zealand Consensus Statement on the health benefits of work – The Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (AFOEM), a Faculty of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP)

      Integrity Life

      Integrity Life

      From the newsroom

      DDO changes coming 5th of October, 2021. Are you ready?

      DDO changes coming 5th of October, 2021. Are you ready?

      DDO changes coming 5th of October, 2021. Are you ready?

      What is DDO? And why was it created?

      DDO stands for Design and Distribution Obligations. From 5 October 2021, DDO has been introduced to Chapter 7 of the Corporations Act. The new obligations are intended to help consumers obtain appropriate financial products by requiring issuers and distributors to have a consumer-centric approach to the design and distribution of products.

      Issuers of financial products (that’s us!) are required to ensure products are designed to meet the needs of consumers for whom the product is designed/intended for and distributors (that’s you!) will need to ensure they’re being recommended to consumers who are in the target market which has been defined / set out by the issuer.

       

      What will change as a result of DDO? Introducing the Target Market Determination.

      From 5 October 2021, all products we issue which are designed for retail clients will need to have a Target Market Determination prior to the product being distributed. The TMD outlines the key features of the product, the intended consumer for the product, how the product might meet the needs and objectives of a consumer in the target market, and an outline of how and when we will review the TMD.

      There is also a requirement for all product issuers to collect data from distributors in order to monitor product distribution is being undertaken inline with the TMD.

       

      What information does Integrity need to collect? New adviser responsibilities.

      Good news, we already collect most of the information needed to regularly assess whether changes are required to the design of our products so we can better meet the needs of the target market. Our Distributors will need to provide us with information about:

      • Any product related complaints; and

      • Any other information we specify in the Target Market Determination. 

      Distributors are also required to notify us of any significant dealings which are inconsistent with the Target Market Determination, within 10 business days. Integrity will be providing a final copy of TMDs to our Distributors by 1 September 2021

      What about a product sold under general advice?

      As part of the application process, Advisers will be asked to identify whether the product is being sold under personal or general advice. This information will assist us gain insight into consumer outcomes and whether the TMD remains appropriate on an ongoing basis.

      For Distributors, their DDO obligations vary depending on whether they provide general or personal advice to their clients. We recommend you speak to your compliance team about your responsibilities here.

        Integrity Life

        Integrity Life

        From the newsroom

        Updating the mental health toolkit.

        Updating the mental health toolkit.

        Updating the mental health toolkit.

        With COVID-19 changing the rulebook on mental health, we thought it was time to update your toolkit. Here are some valuable resources for you to support your people and yourself.

        1. Coronavirus: Resources for Anxiety & Stress via the Blackdog Institute. Contains ways to manage stress while still practicing physical distancing. 
        2. Ways to maintain positive mental health via Department of Health. A wide range of resources which includes how to support children and the elderly.
        3. Mental health and wellbeing during the Coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak via Lifeline. This has a lot of great strategies for working remotely and how to stay connected as well as a list of places where you can get instant support.
        4. How to manage and thrive during remote working via Dynamic Business. A guide for managers on how to support their people during COVID-19.
        5. Working from home: A checklist to support your mental health during Coronavirus via Blackdog Institute. A handy checklist approach to having all the resources you need to survive and thrive.
        6. Establishing Your Home Workspace via Entrepreneur Magazine. This is a guide to setting up a positive workspace at home. 
        7. How to work from home when your kids are home, too via Atlassian. A great guide for parents who are working from home. Advice suitable for COVID-19 or just school holidays.
        8. How we’re keeping fit while working from home via The Next Web. Some great ideas on how to keep fit while working from home that includes links, videos and ideas for how technology can support you.
        9. 10 ways to take care of yourself via Reach Out. This is a great overall guide on activities and ideas that will keep you mentally and physically healthy.

        Integrity Life

        Integrity Life

        From the newsroom