Kathryn Williamson

Listed life insurance company, ClearView, has made enhancements to its ClearView ClearChoice product series to deliver even greater value, flexibility and choice to customers, and modernise product design, particularly for trauma and total permanent disability (TPD) insurance.

Launched in 2021, ClearView ClearChoice provides a range of personal and business insurance covers including income protection, TPD and trauma.

The group’s latest product upgrade includes the addition of two new trauma options: Trauma Extras and Trauma Severe Events, plus the ability for customers to hold trauma cover for longer by extending the expiry age to 70, up from age 65.

Income protection waiting period definitions have also been improved for all occupations.

With the new trauma options, Trauma Extras covers customers for less severe events such as fractures and total joint replacements including shoulder, hip, knee and ankle.

Trauma Severe Events provides coverage for catastrophic health events, allowing for a higher benefit payment to ensure additional funds are available to support customers impacted by these types of life-altering events.

According to Nick Kulikov, ClearView Group Executive Product and Pricing, the addition of Trauma Extras and Trauma Severe Events gives customers and advisers greater flexibility to tailor cover to suit their needs, circumstances and budget.

“We recognise that there are cost of living pressures on some households so affordability is a key consideration when it comes to insurance. We want to help customers gain and maintain invaluable cover so they can protect themselves and their families,” Kulikov said.

“With our new options, people can opt for less severe events or increase the amount payable under trauma for catastrophic events. These options can also potentially be used in place of TPD, for example, in situations where certainty through objective definitions is desirable or where any or own occupation definitions are unavailable. This represents a much-needed first step towards reimagining TPD cover for today’s market.”

Kathryn Williamson, ClearView Head of Distribution and Marketing, said the latest enhancements to ClearView ClearChoice had been driven by customer and adviser feedback, demonstrating the group’s commitment to continuous improvement.

“We are listening to our customers and advisers, and actively seeking their input,” she said.

“Life insurers need to start thinking more creatively to meet the evolving needs of customers. While trauma has been front and centre in this round of enhancements, we’re also looking to overcome some of the current issues with TPD such as uncertainty due to the subjectivity of assessing total and permanent disability, and the length of time it takes to assess claims.”

Full details of these enhancements can be found in the ClearView ClearChoice PDS effective from 13 May. ClearView encourages advisers to speak to their BDM for a detailed summary of the changes.

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In her new role, Faglioni, who originally joined ClearView from Zurich Australia in December 2021 as Chief Claims Officer, will be responsible for overseeing and driving improvements across administration and operational functions including underwriting, claims and rehabilitation.

Kulikov, who joined ClearView from Reinsurance Group of America (RGA) in March 2021 as Head of Life Insurance Product and Pricing, will see his role expanded to include data and analytics, in addition to product and pricing. He will also work closely with ClearView’s Appointed Actuary Ash Bhalerao to manage the group’s reinsurance responsibilities.

Both Faglioni and Kulikov will report to Nadine Gooderick, ClearView Managing Director.

“Joanne is the ideal person to help ensure we achieve our strategic objectives around optimising business processes and maximising operational efficiencies,” Gooderick said.

“Over the last 18 months, Joanne has built and managed a high performing team, refreshed our customer claims journey and delivered improved end-to-end claims management outcomes. She is a highly respected professional who brings a depth of experience to the ELT.

On Kulikov’s appointment, Gooderick said: “Nick spearheaded the launch of our flagship product series, ClearView ClearChoice, in September 2021 and recently oversaw a range of product enhancements, which have been well received by financial advisers”.

“Nick’s knowledge and experience spans the entire life insurance value chain and I look forward to working more closely with him.”

In other changes, Hicham Mourad, who has served on ClearView’s executive leadership team since 2020, has been appointed Chief Technology Officer in recognition of his increased responsibilities.

Mourad joined ClearView from BT Financial Group, originally as General Manager, Information Technology before being seconded to head the group’s Policy Administration System (PAS) Transformation Project last year.

With that project largely complete, Mourad’s role has been broadened to include accountability for the delivery of the group’s technology roadmap and other key strategic initiatives.

“With life insurance market conditions improving and regulatory tailwinds on the horizon, there is a unique opportunity for ClearView to accelerate our transformation and growth,” Gooderick said.

“We have a strong leadership team with the right mix of skills, expertise and experience to take the business into the future.”

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