Dr Priya Chagan

The Heart Foundation and TAL have joined forces to help younger people understand the importance of preventing heart disease now to avoid a heart attack or stroke later in life.

Heart Foundation data shows that many younger Australians aged 18 to 34 believe heart disease is not something they need to worry about at their age.

This is despite evidence that heart disease which presents later in life often begins developing as early as teenage years, through lifestyle choices such as what you eat, how you exercise, and whether you smoke or vape.

The evidence has prompted the Heart Foundation and TAL – now in the second year of their partnership – to focus on addressing common myths and misconceptions younger people hold about heart health.

Common myths held by younger Australians, according to the Heart Foundation’s 2025 State of the Heart survey:

• More than one in three (37%) people aged 18 to 34 believe they would feel warning signs if they had high blood pressure, despite it often having no symptoms.
• More than one in five (22%) younger adults believe they are too young to worry about heart disease, even though it can begin developing early in life.
• Around one quarter (25%) of younger Australians believe heart disease mostly affects men, despite women accounting for almost half of cardiovascular deaths.
• About one in ten (11%) younger adults believe family history means they cannot reduce their risk of heart disease.

Heart Foundation Head of Clinical Evidence, Dr Dannii Dougherty, said finding the right information could be challenging for young people.

“We live in an age where we are constantly consuming information and it’s becoming harder for young people to distinguish between what is real or fake and what they should and shouldn’t focus on for their health,” Dr Dougherty said.

“Through this partnership with TAL, we are helping younger people understand the evidence and the science behind achieving good health, and how the choices they make now can affect them later in life.”

TAL General Manager Health Services, Dr Priya Chagan, said young people in Australia were in a powerful position to protect their heart health, and that the expertise and quality, researched-backed information provided by the Heart Foundation was key.

“Heart disease continues to be one of the leading causes of life insurance claims at TAL, even among younger customers – which is why this initiative matters so much. The evidence is clear that what you do in your 20s and 30s has a real impact on your long-term health. The good news is that small, consistent lifestyle choices can make a significant difference over time.”

“We’re proud to work alongside the Heart Foundation to give young Australians the practical, evidence-backed knowledge they need to take control of their heart health now – because it’s more accessible and achievable than most people think.”

Some fixed risk factors for heart disease include age, sex, ethnicity, and family history. However, people can reduce their risk by being active, not smoking or vaping, and managing stress, high blood pressure and cholesterol.

TAL’s 3-year strategic partnership with the Heart Foundation is part of the life insurer’s Health for Life program which empowers people living in Australia to take charge of their health by staying informed, checking in and taking early action to detect and prevent potential health conditions.

The partnership helps the Heart Foundation fund preventative programs, medical research and support for people living with heart disease.

This year, the partners’ increased focus on reaching and engaging younger audiences includes collaborating with the Heart Foundation’s experts to bust common heart health myths. 

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Dr Priya Chagan

TAL has launched its 2025 SpotChecker campaign, urging young Australians to build better skin health habits now, to significantly reduce their risk of skin cancer later in life.

Despite improving awareness of skin cancer risks, Australia continues to have one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with an estimated 17,443 new melanoma cases expected in 2025 alone^[1]. At least two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime, with 95% of cases caused by UV exposure.

While the average age of skin cancer diagnosis is 65, much of the damage is done early in life. According to the Cancer Council, Australians aged 18-40 years who were regular users of sunscreen in childhood reduced their risk of developing melanoma by 40%, compared to those who rarely used sunscreen.

Dr Priya Chagan, General Manager of Health Services at TAL, said: “What young Australians do now will shape their skin health for decades to come. UV exposure causes skin damage that accumulates over time, increasing your risk of skin cancer later in life.”

“This summer, we urge everyone to make sun safety a daily habit – the younger you start, the better.”

“The good news is that skin cancer is one of the most preventable and detectable cancers. Simple actions – checking the UV level, applying sunscreen, covering up, and checking your skin – could save your life.”

In its ninth year, TAL’s SpotChecker initiative is focused on reducing the risk of skin cancer by promoting simple, daily habits that can dramatically reduce skin cancer risk:

Check UV levels: Get in the habit of checking UV levels before heading out, the same way you check the weather on your favourite app. Use sun protection when the UV index is 3 or above, which is most days during the Australian summer.

TAL SpotChecker research found that while 89% of Australians are aware of the damage UV can do, 43% rarely or never check the UV index, and 62% don’t know how to^[2].

Daily sunscreen: Apply high-SPF sunscreen even on cloudy days, as harmful UV radiation penetrates clouds. Remember, sunscreen takes 20 minutes to absorb and should be reapplied throughout the day. Regular sunscreen use is one of the most effective ways to prevent melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers^[3].

To ensure you are using a reputable sunscreen, you can check the latest information on product information, including recalls, on the Australian Cancer Council Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) or SunSmart.

Cover up: Wear protective clothing, including hats, sunglasses, and clothing that covers your skin. Seek shade during peak UV times.

Self-check monthly: Perform monthly skin checks using the S.C.A.N. method to check your skin and see a GP if you notice anything different, looking for spots or moles that are:

• Sore: A spot that is sore (scaly, itchy, bleeding or tender) and doesn’t heal within 6 weeks.
• Changing: A spot that’s changed in appearance (size, shape, colour or texture).
• Abnormal: A spot that looks different, feels different or stands out when compared to other spots and moles.
• New: Any new spots that have recently appeared.

Despite its simplicity, TAL found 80% of Australians are unaware of the S.C.A.N. method, and 26% have never had a professional skin check^[4].

TAL’s SpotChecker is part of Health for Life, TAL’s health and wellbeing program designed to help Australians take control of their health through preventative action and better habits.

 ——–

Notes:
[1] Sunscreen research and facts | Cancer Council
[2] TAL SpotChecker Research, n=2000
[3] Sunscreen research and facts | Cancer Council
[4] TAL SpotChecker Research, n=2000

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Aaron Newman

Leading life insurer TAL has announced the expansion of its TAL Health Sense Plus program to include Income Protection, enabling advisers to offer more clients better value cover through a simple preventative health engagement.

From 8 August 2025, eligible new Income Protection policies submitted via TAL’s adviser platform (TAC) will automatically receive a 5% TAL Health Sense Plus discount for the first two years of the policy. From October 2025, the offer will be extended to eligible existing TAL customers who will be contacted directly.

This enhancement builds on TAL’s broader Health for Life program and reflects its continued investment in delivering personalised, sustainable solutions that support long-term engagement and improved health outcomes.

Aaron Newman, General Manager Individual Life Product at TAL, said: “This is a logical and strategic evolution of TAL Health Sense Plus. By expanding the benefit to Income Protection, we’re reinforcing TAL’s commitment to embedding wellbeing into product design and giving advisers another opportunity to support customer retention and product value.”

“The process is simple – no paperwork or test results are required. All TAL needs is confirmation that a routine health check has taken place. It’s a streamlined way to reward proactive health engagement, with minimal additional workload for advisers and their clients.”

The TAL Health Sense Plus discount supports preventative health by encouraging customers to undergo routine health screening, such as a GP check-up or an appropriate national screening test, which are an effective step toward identifying potential health issues early.

Dr Priya Chagan, General Manager Health Services at TAL, said: “Preventative screening is one of the simplest, most effective ways to detect or even prevent conditions such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

“By embedding preventative health into TAL’s insurance offerings, we’re building enduring relationships with our customers, helping them understand the value of their insurance while encouraging them to take proactive steps to protect their health. Our goal is to reduce barriers to preventative care and make it easier for customers to prioritise their health.”

This enhancement is the latest in TAL’s continued investment in TAL Health Sense Plus, part of its broader Health for Life program, which helps Australians live better, longer and healthier lives by encouraging proactive engagement with their health.

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Georgina Croft

TAL provided an important financial safety net for 54,000 customers and their families last financial year, paying $4.7 billion in claims – the equivalent of around $90 million a week. 

In the 12 months to 31 March 2025, living insurance, including Income Protection and Total and Permanent Disability cover, accounted for 74% of the total claims paid, supporting TAL customers recovering from an illness or injury.

For the fourth consecutive year, mental health conditions were the leading cause of claims (21%), followed by cancer (17%), and injuries and fractures (15%).

TAL Chief Claims Officer, Georgina Croft, said: “We insure people, helping them protect their families and standing with them through life’s toughest moments.”

“Last year, TAL supported more Australians than ever before—offering financial and recovery support when it was most needed.”

“While these numbers are significant, our focus is the people they represent – Australians recovering from an illness or injury or dealing with loss. Each claim is a person, a family and a life impacted. We’re honoured to be able to demonstrate to more people how we are showing up with care and compassion every day.”

“Our commitment to blending the best of digital innovation and human support means a faster and more simple experience for our customers.”

“We are also focused on supporting customers who are adjusting to life with an injury or illness, connecting them to personalised health recovery programs, including expert mental health support, if they need it.”

“Life insurance gives people peace of mind, but we know it’s especially valued in uncertain times. We’re privileged that 5 million Australians trust us to provide it,” said Ms Croft.

More Australians seeking health services and support, before and during a claim

More customers accessed health, wellbeing and recovery services via TAL Health for Life, last financial year.

TAL General Manager of Health Services, Dr Priya Chagan, said: “TAL is focused on connecting customers with the right health support, we want to empower their recovery.”

“We’ve partnered with over 30 expert recovery providers to help people access the quality services they need, when they need them.”

“Last year, our claims support and recovery programs achieved an 80% return-to-health and work success rate, helping thousands of Australians get back to living their lives.”

“Hundreds of thousands of Australians also accessed preventative health information and support from us through Health for Life initiatives. We improved access to premium discounts for customers taking preventative health tests, and launched new online tools to help people take control of their health by identifying risks early and encouraging positive health practices.”

“Growing participation in these initiatives highlights the importance Australians place on accessible, evidence-based tools to support their health and wellbeing,” said Dr Chagan.

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Aaron Newman

Australian life insurer, TAL, has updated its preventative health program, TAL Health Sense Plus, giving customers easier access to a discount for taking simple steps to protect their health.

Under the changes, TAL customers are no longer required to provide BMI details or upload evidence of a preventative test to receive a discount on their premium. Customers do not need to share test results, only let TAL know they had a check.

Launched in 2019, TAL Health Sense Plus offers eligible customers a 5% discount on their lump sum premiums every two years, when they undertake routine health screenings such as a skin check for the early detection of skin cancer.

The discount is available to TAL customers with Accelerated Protection insurance, purchased through their financial adviser or directly from TAL.

Aaron Newman, TAL General Manager Individual Life Product, said, “TAL is dedicated to helping customers protect their physical, mental and financial wellbeing.”

“The changes we’ve made to Health Sense Plus are based on feedback from customers and advisers, and designed to increase discount uptake, enhance loyalty and encourage healthy behaviours.”

“We want more customers to benefit from screening tests, which can detect and prevent many serious conditions, including cancer, diabetes and heart disease. We also hope to help advisers initiate more conversations with clients around the benefits of holistic health and the value of maintaining their insurance cover.”

“TAL Health Sense Plus is one of the ways we are building enduring relationships with our customers, helping them understand the value of their insurance and making it easier to maintain their cover,” said Mr Newman.

Early detection, through preventative screening, can improve Australians’ health outcomes, which is good for customers and good for insurers.

Dr Priya Chagan, TAL General Manager of Health Services said the updates helped encourage people to get common screening tests.

“TAL is focused on helping people live a healthy and full life, by bridging the gap between awareness and action.”

“We’re investing in TAL Health Sense Plus because we know that prevention is better than cure and early action leads to better health outcomes for customers, this makes good health sense and good business sense too.”

“We also know that encouraging and rewarding customers for taking simple steps that can improve their health outcomes can enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.”

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Dr Priya Chagan

New research^[1] from Australian life insurer, TAL, reveals most Australians believe their financial health is a factor in their overall health (56%) and six in ten are thinking more about their financial outlook than they did 12 months ago.

Respondents recognised the link between financial, physical and mental health, with 58% saying their financial health impacts their mental wellbeing and 47% saying it impacts their physical wellbeing. 90% of Australians classified as having poor financial health^[2] report that their mental wellbeing is negatively impacted by financial stress.

While the research shows a decline in financial health, with the proportion of those in poor financial health doubling since 2021 (from 11% to 20%), it also reveals that being engaged with your finances can have positive impacts on mental and physical wellbeing, even for those in poor financial health.

Despite experiencing higher financial stress, those with poor financial health are the least financially engaged, with just one in five saying they are highly engaged with their finances.

TAL General Manager of Health Services, Dr Priya Chagan said that the research was a timely reminder of how financial, mental and physical health are interconnected, and reinforced the benefits of taking a holistic view of health.

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Alex Homer

Leading Australian life insurer, TAL, has launched TAL SpotChecker 2023 for the eighth consecutive year, designed to encourage and enable more Australians to embrace skin safety.

Since the inception of the TAL SpotChecker program in 2016, TAL has been working to empower people with greater understanding about the value of preventative health – particularly within the context of skin cancer.

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with 2 in 3 Australians anticipated to be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer by the age of 70, according to the Cancer Council of Australia^[1].

TAL’s research^[2] finds most people continue to underestimate the prevalence of skin cancer, with less than 1 in 4 (23%) aware of this figure, despite 69% being concerned they will develop skin cancer themselves.

Alex Homer, TAL Chief Customer and Brand Officer, said “TAL cares deeply about the health and wellbeing of all Australians. We are focused on playing our part in helping people live a healthy and full life, and we do that by seeking to bridge the gap between awareness and action.

“TAL is committed to generating meaningful and impactful ways for our customers, partners, and the broader Australian community to engage with TAL SpotChecker. Now in our eighth year, we are highlighting a renewed message around protection and prevention to capture the public’s attention, drive attitudinal change, and most importantly change behaviours and preventative action around skin safety.”

Dr Priya Chagan, TAL General Manager of Health Services, said “The incidence of skin cancer remains alarmingly high. As a specialist life insurer with a dedicated in-house Health Services team, TAL is uniquely placed to help Australians live a life as full as possible through good health.

“Secondary prevention in the form of regular self-checks and professional skin checks, where there is a concern, is the only way to ensure early detection. By placing emphasis on people knowing their skin and recognising any changes to it over time, in addition to the typical sun safety precautions, we can ensure that people can feel more confident about their time in the sun.

The insights from the TAL SpotChecker research over the last seven years show a slight uptick in people self-checking their skin for signs of skin cancer, however there are still 1 in 5 (19%) Australians who have never done a self-check of their skin, and 38% who either have not done a check within the last three months or cannot remember when their last one was.

Dr Chagan adds “We take a holistic approach to health and wellbeing to protect and support our customers, and through TAL SpotChecker we will continue to educate more Australians around the incidence of skin cancer and the importance of early detection.”

———-

[1] Cancer Council of Australia
[2] The survey was conducted by Edentify Pty Ltd on behalf of TAL, in October 2023, with a sample of 1,000 respondents in Australia aged 18-65+ years old

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Alex Homer

Leading Australian life insurer, TAL, has launched TAL SpotChecker 2022 with the aim of promoting the importance of skin safety, preventative health screening and early detection for overall health and wellbeing.

Now in its seventh year, TAL SpotChecker is a national skin safety awareness program designed to help more Australians understand how to self-check their skin, as well as access professional skin checks.

The incidence of skin cancer in Australia remains high with 2 in 3 Australians diagnosed with some form of skin cancer by the age of 70, according to the Cancer Council of Australia’s Understanding Skin Cancer guide^[1].

The Cancer Council of Australia^[2] recommends adults check their own skin every three months and TAL’s research shows self-checking has declined in recent years. According to TAL research, the number of people who self-check their skin every 2-3 months decreased from 16% in 2018 to 14% in 2022.

TAL’s research ^[3] found that 72% of Australians would feel more confident in their protection against skin cancer if they were self-checking their skin regularly, however close to 1 in 4 (23%) never examine their skin for signs of skin cancer.

Alex Homer, TAL Chief Customer and Brand Officer, said: “We have conducted this research over time to better understand behaviour and sentiment in the Australian community regarding skin safety. We combine this with our preventative health expertise at TAL to provide relevant support for our partners, customers, and the broader Australian community on this important health matter.

“But there’s still more work to do in raising awareness around skin cancer prevention.  Through TAL SpotChecker, we will continue to help inform more Australians about the importance of prevention and early detection in achieving better health outcomes.”

Dr Priya Chagan, TAL General Manager of Health Services, said: “In addition to being more sun safe, such as wearing sunscreen and covering up, it’s equally as important for people to get to know their skin and what looks normal for them by engaging in regular self-checking, in addition to professional skin checks where there is a concern.

“TAL’s 2022 research found that over two thirds (67%) admit they should be self-checking their skin more often. But with 64% saying they don’t know how to self-check their skin, it’s clear there’s still more to be done to support people in committing to skin safety.

“At TAL, we want all our customers to enjoy the very best of life, which is why we encourage them to be proactive about their health and why we are committed to preventative health programs such as TAL SpotChecker,” Dr Priya Chagan concluded.

TAL SpotChecker launched at Manly Beach on 3-4 December 2022 offering free skin checks to the community. Over the past seven years, TAL has delivered 4,700 free professional skin checks to the Australian community across the country.

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Priya Chagan

Now, more than ever, preventative health should be a priority for you and your clients says Dr Priya Chagan, TAL General Manager of Health Services.

The last two years have been a defining time as we navigated the global pandemic, and whilst the experience has given greater focus to the importance of good health, COVID-19 is continuing to have far-reaching consequences for many Australians, spanning physical, mental, and financial health.

As a financial adviser, the crucial role you play in enabling the financial health of your clients is well documented, but you can also have an important role to play when it comes to promoting physical and mental wellbeing.

Modelling positive behaviours around health prevention and ensuring that preventative health is discussed during annual client reviews may encourage clients to make better decisions regarding their health. Educating clients on the interconnectedness between physical, mental and financial health will also help them make informed health and wellbeing decisions.

The impact of the pandemic is evident in TAL’s research, which found that 40% of Australians delayed visiting their GP due to COVID-19, while 30% admitted they have not prioritised their skin health in the past year because of COVID-19.

These findings are echoed by a recent Cancer Australia^[1] report revealing substantial reductions in procedures for cancer-related investigations and treatment in 2020, with the observed number of therapeutic procedures related to melanoma 14% lower than expected nationally.

As Australia continues to ease COVID-19 restrictions, the value of prioritising our health is more relevant and important than ever. The same can be said for the value of prevention programs in enhancing the wellbeing of Australians, and at TAL we are determined to continue supporting you and your clients on this essential aspect of good health.

TAL SpotChecker: Removing the barrier to skin safety

Our TAL SpotChecker program^[2] is a natural extension of our focus on preventative health. Now in its sixth year, SpotChecker seeks to actively reduce the impact of skin cancer by encouraging Australians to embrace skin safety and have regular skin checks.

Skin cancer is a bigger issue than many of us realise, with 2 in 3 Australians diagnosed with some form of skin cancer by the age of 70, according to the Cancer Council of Australia^[3] . Research findings in the 2021 TAL SpotChecker Australian Skin Safety Report^[4] found that 29% of Australians have never had a professional skin check in their lifetime, a number that sat at 35% in 2020. While we have seen a positive shift, we know there remains a job to be done to empower and encourage people to be more actively involved in their skin health.

To support you with your client conversations around the importance of regular skin checks, we have developed a number of online resources and content around skin safety, which you can access online^[5].

TAL Health Sense Plus: Rewarding your clients for looking after their health

TAL Health Sense Plus^[6] forms another part of TAL’s prevention program, developed to enhance the health and wellbeing of Australians.

Through this program we help your clients learn about the value of preventative screening tests, which can detect and even prevent many serious conditions, including cancer, diabetes and heart disease. In fact, research^[6] shows that over 50% of all cancers could be avoided with a combination of a healthy lifestyle and regular screening.

TAL Health Sense Plus reinforces the important role that preventative screening can play in detecting serious disease, and acts as an incentive for clients to proactively manage their health by rewarding them with lump sum discounts on their policy premiums.

Championing Australia to be a leader in strong preventative health outcomes

At TAL we continue to explore and talk about the role preventative health plays in helping Australians to live their best life through good health.

Together, we have a shared role in facilitating a greater understanding of these important topics and helping to enable healthier lives for all.

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[1] https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/sites/default/files/publications/impact-covid-19-cancer-related-medicalservices-and-procedures-australia-2020-examination-mbs-claims/pdf/the-impact-of-covid-19-on-cancerservices-in-australia-in-2020.pdf
[2] https://www.tal.com.au/tal-spotchecker
[3] https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/skin-cancer/
[4] https://www.tal.com.au/tal-spotchecker
[5] Ibid
[6] https://adviser.tal.com.au/products/health-sense-plus

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Priya Chagan

Life insurance specialist, TAL, has partnered with leading virtual healthcare provider, Teladoc Health, to offer additional mental health support to TAL customers.

Initially offered to a select group of TAL’s advised customers and customers with insurance through superannuation, ‘Mental Health Assist’ will be available for eligible TAL customers on claim with a mental health condition.

Dr Priya Chagan, TAL General Manager, Health Services, said, “We are delighted to be able to offer this additional mental health support to our customers. ‘Mental Health Assist’ improves customers’ mental health outcomes by fast-tracking access to a team of multidisciplinary mental health experts tailored to the customer’s situation. Leading psychologists and psychiatrists can conduct a review of the customer’s mental health via video conferencing and provide detailed treatment plans.

“One of the insights from our White Paper on Mental Health and Life Insurance is that access to mental health support in Australia is stretched, with only 13 psychiatrists per 100,000 people and 88 psychologists per 100,000 people^[1]. The number of psychiatrists available for Australia’s population is low compared to other developed countries and this can lead to long waiting times for expert care, which can have an adverse impact on a person’s recovery journey.

“Through ‘Mental Health Assist’, eligible TAL customers will be able to access the mental health care they need in only nine days, with a tailored team of experts to support them and their recovery journey.”

Glenn Baird, TAL Head of Mental Health, said, “‘Mental Health Assist’ has been designed by Teladoc Health for the Australian life insurance market and it has been delivering outstanding outcomes for the past two years. It has had some great success in improving patient mental health outcomes, seeing up to a 68% improvement in depression symptoms within three months and improved work attendance and productivity for patients who return to work.

“This program will enable us to continue to improve outcomes for TAL customers experiencing mental health conditions,” he said.

‘Mental Health Assist’ is recognised for its clinical excellence and innovation, with awards from the Australasian Life Underwriting and Claims Association (ALUCA), the Financial Services Council (FSC) and Canstar.

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[1] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)

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