Getting the most out of pre-assessments with TAL
Working with TAL -We know that each of your clients are different, and we want to support you to offer the best possible value and cover for your clients’ individual needs. Obtaining a pre-assessment before submitting an insurance application is a helpful step to make the process smoother and more efficient for both you and your client.
At times, medical conditions and occupations that do not mirror an initial quote can result in a loading or exclusion on your client’s policy. Not only does a pre-assessment help manage expectations, but it also maximises the chances of securing the most appropriate coverage for your client.
Here are some key strategies to get the most out of a pre-assessment.
Build relationships with your local underwriting team
Each state has a team of dedicated underwriters ready to work with you on your pre-assessment. Establishing a good working relationship with them can significantly enhance your ability to effectively navigate the pre-assessment process.
For simple pre-assessments like an occupation classification, Body Mass Index (BMI) rating or impact of adverse blood test results, you can call 1800 226 469 for an on-the-spot evaluation. For more complex pre-assessments, you can contact your local team via their email.
Tip: Don’t forget to include your adviser code so they can track the pre-assessment back to you.
Importance of height and weight in premium calculations
Height and weight are used to determine BMI, which is a general measure of health. Obtaining your clients BMI in initial conversations can help determine if cover is available, or if your client is eligible for any discounts.
If your client is within a healthy BMI range (19-28), they may be eligible for the TAL Health Sense discount, saving up to 15% off their Life, Critical Illness and/or TPD premiums—for the life of their policy*.
Calculate your client's BMI
Providing medical reports may lead to faster outcomes
If your client has raised a medical condition which may impact whether they are eligible for cover and on what terms, they may wish to provide medical reports or information regarding their condition on an anonymous and voluntary basis for the purposes of a pre-assessment. A pre-assessment may clarify their eligibility, expedite decision-making and reduce delays in the application process. It is important to note that a pre-assessment is not underwriting and any information arising from the pre-assessment is intended as a guide only and is not binding on the insurer.
family medical history
Family medical history may impact the outcome of your client’s insurance as some medical conditions can be inherited. Ask your client:
- For the details of any family members with conditions diagnosed.
- Which family members were affected (focus on siblings and parents).
- The age at diagnosis or death of the family member (if over 65, it generally doesn’t impact the assessment).
- Any screenings or tests the client has undergone related to the condition, along with the results.
income and occupation
To help you assess your client’s eligibility for Income Protection (IP) or Total Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance, ask some qualifying questions including:
- Their employment status (full-time, part-time, casual, self-employed, contractor, etc.).
- The number of hours worked per week.
- Relevant qualifications.
- Employment history, especially if they’ve been in their current role for less than two years.
- A detailed breakdown of job duties and work environment (e.g., percentage of time spent in sedentary activities, on the road, or performing manual tasks).
Questionnaires
Has your client mentioned they have a medical condition? Here are some specific medical questionnaires plus a general questionnaire to help you collect all the information you need:
Tools and resources
Lastly, here are a few handy tools and calculators to help you position your advice:
It’s important to note that even after a pre-assessment is conducted, your client will still need to complete an application. Please note that the outcome of any pre-assessment is a guide only and may change, as it is subject to underwriting and the usual application process. If you would like to discuss the eligibility of your clients or any quotes in progress, get in touch with your local BDM.
If you would like to learn more about the pre-assessment process, including common scenarios and real examples, register for our Working with TAL on-demand webinar: The Power of the Pre-assessment.
* A maximum 15% Health Sense discount applies to non-smokers meeting the BMI criteria that hold 4 benefit types (Life; Critical Illness; TPD and Income Protection (IP)) and meeting minimum sum insured amounts for all benefit types. Lower discounts will apply for other benefit combinations and smokers. Lifetime discount assumes the policy owner makes no changes to the policy, benefit types or benefit amounts, and that the policy or any benefits have not ended (e.g. after payment of a claim or the expiry of a benefit. More information is available on request from TAL.
Any advice is general in nature only and has been prepared without considering your needs, objectives or financial situation. Before acting on it, you should consider its appropriateness for you, having regard to those factors. Before making any decision about whether to acquire a financial product, you should obtain the Product Disclosure Statement.