MLC Group Insurance has been appointed as insurer to the Sisters of Mercy Staff Superannuation Scheme (SMSS) and will implement improved benefits as part of the mandate.
The offering included substantial increases in benefits to members, higher levels of total and permanent disablement cover for young members, default income protection for new members, an opt in window for existing members to gain income protection without underwriting, and income protection benefits up to the age of 70 years.
Chief executive Chris Engelhardt said SMSS wanted to achieve improved benefits for its members and offer flexible, secure cover with improved cover levels.
Head of group insurance Andrew Howard said MLC was pushing the benefits design to deliver relevant, tailored insurance solutions for clients.
The insurance company has joined this year’s awards as a principal partner.
The $135 billion fund has transitioned away from TAL Life Insurance following an “extensive tender process”.
The $80 billion fund is facing legal action over allegedly signing up new members to income protection insurance by default without active member consent.
In a Senate submission, the Financial Services Council has once again called for further clarification that the government will assess the consumer outcomes of group insurance against the enshrined objective of superannuation.