Digitalisation Revolutionises Life Insurers’ Medical Report Process

The process of obtaining Personal Medical Attendant Reports (PMARs) has been a significant administrative issue for Australian life insurers.

General Practitioners (GPs) often face an overwhelming amount of paperwork, dedicating nearly a full workday each week to administrative tasks.

PMARs, essential for assessing applicants’ health for life insurance, have traditionally been cumbersome and time-consuming, with many GPs delaying their completion.

However, the development of digital solutions is set to transform this process and improve efficiency drastically.

EQ Pathology, an innovative insurtech company, has introduced HealthIQ, the first fully digital and automated medical reporting system. This technology replaces the traditional paper-based PMARs with a structured online format, allowing insurers to gather precise medical information more quickly. This transformation enables straight-through processing, leading to much faster policy approvals and a significant reduction in the administrative burden for doctors. As a result, this innovation represents a pivotal change in the life insurance landscape, promising substantial benefits for all parties involved.

The digital transformation of PMARs holds significant implications for the life insurance sector in Australia. By streamlining the information-gathering process, insurers can make quicker and more informed decisions, leading to faster policy issuance. For GPs, the reduction in paperwork allows them to allocate more time to patient care, thereby improving patient outcomes. Additionally, prospective policyholders benefit from reduced waiting times, gaining access to necessary coverage without prolonged delays. This progress addresses a critical inefficiency in the industry, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction and experience.

As digital PMARs gain traction, further advancements in the integration of medical reporting systems directly into GPs’ practice management tools are expected. This integration will streamline the reporting process, making it even more seamless for doctors and insurers. Additionally, the use of artificial intelligence in underwriting can further refine data analysis, allowing insurers to make more accurate and efficient policy decisions. Insurers like Acenda are already leading the way in adopting these technologies, as evidenced by their collaboration with EQ Pathology. Their efforts in transforming the underwriting process have been recognised with industry awards, highlighting the potential of digital solutions to reshape the life insurance sector in Australia.

Published:Monday, 4th Aug 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Rising Group Premiums Pose Challenges for Australian Life Insurance

28 Aug 2025: Paige Estritori

Insurance premiums for group life policies with long-term benefits have surged between 15% to 25% on average in the first half of the year, according to a mid-year market update from Marsh Australia. While the steepest increases affected those with adverse claims experiences, short-term rates and premiums for permanent disabilities remained relatively steady. The sector has also become more selective, with insurers adopting stricter underwriting standards, particularly eschewing high-risk industries. - read more

Concerns Arise Over Construction Code Pause Amid Housing Push

28 Aug 2025: Paige Estritori

The federal government's initiative to accelerate housing development by relaxing certain building regulations has raised alarm within the insurance sector. Housing Minister Clare O’Neil announced changes on social media, indicating a strategic pause on parts of the National Construction Code to expedite building approvals and encourage the construction of much-needed homes across Australia. This move comes in response to challenges in the approval process, which often delays construction. - read more

RACQ Insurance Ordered to Increase Payout After Claim Handling Flaws

27 Aug 2025: Paige Estritori

RACQ Insurance has been instructed to bolster a payout to a customer following a ruling by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). The dispute arose after the insurer's handling of a house fire claim lodged by a woman in October 2023 was found lacking. The fire, initiated by scented candles, resulted in significant fire and smoke damage to her home. - read more

ASIC Review Puts Life Insurance Sector Under Scrutiny

26 Aug 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has spotlighted significant shortcomings in the direct sale of life insurance products, urging the industry to reassess its sales practices. The recent review unearthed ongoing issues with remuneration structures, indicating that some insurers still link commissions to sales targets, potentially fostering aggressive sales tactics. The study further revealed a troubling rise in claims disputes, with reported cases more than doubling since 2018, raising concerns about the transparency and trustworthiness of these policies. - read more

Ombudsman Sides with Insurer on Imposed Excess Dispute

25 Aug 2025: Paige Estritori

A recent ruling by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has upheld an insurer's decision to impose an additional $2000 excess on a property policy, following a dispute raised by a policyholder over claims history impacts. - read more

Cafe Insurance Articles

Understanding Business Interruption Insurance for Cafes

Business interruption insurance is a specialized type of coverage designed to protect businesses from financial losses due to unavoidable disruptions. Whether it's a natural disaster, a burst pipe, or a local emergency, this insurance helps ensure that the business can continue to meet its financial obligations during downtime. - read more

How to Create a Financial Risk Management Plan for Your Cafe

Owning a cafe is a rewarding venture, but it comes with its own set of financial challenges. To maintain financial stability, it's crucial to understand the unique risks associated with the cafe industry. This involves not only staying informed about economic trends but also anticipating potential disruptions. Recognizing these factors is the first step towards creating a solid risk management plan for your cafe. - read more

Accidents Happen: How Public Liability Insurance Safeguards Your Cafe

Running a cafe can be incredibly rewarding, but it comes with its own set of challenges. One of these challenges is managing the various risks that can arise, especially when dealing with the public daily. This is where public liability insurance becomes an essential part of your business toolkit. It's designed to protect your cafe from the financial fallout of accidents that can occur on your premises, which is crucial for safeguarding your business’s financial health. - read more

Understanding Cafe Insurance: What Every Owner Needs to Know

Running a cafe can be a dream come true, but it's not without its challenges. One of the most critical aspects of managing a cafe is ensuring that it's adequately insured. Cafe owners in Australia face various risks, from equipment breakdowns to customer accidents. Without proper insurance coverage, these incidents can translate into significant financial losses. Insurance acts as a safety net, offering protection against unforeseen events and ensuring the business can recover swiftly. - read more

How to Choose the Right Insurance for Your Coffee Shop

Running a coffee shop involves more than simply brewing the perfect cup of coffee. It requires a sound understanding of the business's risks and a strategic approach to managing them. Choosing the right insurance coverage is crucial for safeguarding your investment. - read more

Knowledgebase

Public Liability Insurance:
A very broad term for insurance covering liability exposures for individuals and business owners. It provides broad coverage, generally including all exposures for property damage and bodily injury.