Farm Insurance NZ :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Digitalisation Revolutionises Life Insurers’ Medical Report Process

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

NTI Speaks Up for Trucking Industry as Fuel Costs Double NTI Speaks Up for Trucking Industry as Fuel Costs Double
15 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

Transport specialist NTI has been actively participating in government roundtables and working groups to advocate for the freight industry amid a significant surge in fuel costs. The doubling of fuel prices has presented substantial challenges for transport operators across Australia, prompting NTI to engage in discussions aimed at finding viable solutions. - read more
APRA's Call for Immediate Action on Extreme Weather Mitigation APRA's Call for Immediate Action on Extreme Weather Mitigation
15 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released a landmark report emphasising the urgent need for ambitious action and investment to protect communities from the escalating impact of extreme weather events. The Insurance Climate Vulnerability Assessment (ICVA) serves as a stress test, highlighting risks that are already materialising and supporting the insurance industry's calls for immediate mitigation efforts. - read more
Newline Group Strengthens Australian Presence with Sydney Office and Key Appointment Newline Group Strengthens Australian Presence with Sydney Office and Key Appointment
14 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

Specialty insurer Newline Group has announced the opening of a new office in Sydney, marking a significant expansion of its Australian operations. This strategic move aims to bring the company closer to its distribution partners and clients in the region, enhancing service delivery and fostering stronger relationships. - read more
Markel Insurance Introduces Tailored Financial Institution Products for Australian Market Markel Insurance Introduces Tailored Financial Institution Products for Australian Market
14 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

Markel Insurance has unveiled a suite of financial institution products specifically designed for the Australian market, featuring localized policy wordings to better address the unique needs of local businesses. This initiative reflects Markel's commitment to providing tailored insurance solutions that resonate with the specific requirements of Australian financial institutions. - read more
KPMG Survey Highlights Australian CEOs' Changing Views on Office Work KPMG Survey Highlights Australian CEOs' Changing Views on Office Work
14 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

A recent survey conducted by KPMG has unveiled a significant shift in the expectations of Australian CEOs regarding office work. The findings indicate that only 22% of those surveyed anticipate a full-time return to the office for corporate employees within the next three years. This marks a substantial decrease from the 82% reported in the previous year, signaling a notable change in leadership perspectives on workplace dynamics. - read more
IAG's Recommendations to the Federal Inquiry on Small Business Insurance IAG's Recommendations to the Federal Inquiry on Small Business Insurance
14 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has recently submitted its recommendations to the Federal Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services, focusing on the Inquiry into Small Business Insurance. In its submission, IAG outlines how small business insurance operates across its retail and intermediated channels and provides recommendations to support stronger, more sustainable outcomes for small businesses in Australia. - read more


Farm Insurance Articles

Natural Disaster Preparedness: Insurance Tips for Farmers Facing Adversity Natural Disaster Preparedness: Insurance Tips for Farmers Facing Adversity
In the heart of New Zealand's pastoral verdure, the significance of preparedness for natural disasters is paramount for the farming industry. The distinct landscape, while providing an idyllic backdrop for agricultural pursuits, is not without its challenges. Farmers are often at the mercy of nature's unpredictability, making disaster preparedness not just prudent but essential for the continuity of their livelihood. - read more
Protecting Your Farming Future: Why Machinery Breakdown Coverage is Essential Protecting Your Farming Future: Why Machinery Breakdown Coverage is Essential
Farming is a vital part of New Zealand's economy and cultural heritage, representing a way of life for thousands across the country. With its unique landscapes and diverse climate, New Zealand farmers are renowned for producing a wide array of high-quality products that serve not only the nation's needs but also supply a multitude of international markets. - read more
Securing Your Farm's Future: Top Estate Planning Tips for New Zealand Farmers Securing Your Farm's Future: Top Estate Planning Tips for New Zealand Farmers
New Zealand's farming community forms the backbone of its thriving agricultural sector, yet many overlook the critical importance of proactive estate planning. With farmland often being held within families for generations, securing its future is not just a financial concern, but a deeply personal one as well. - read more
Customizing Your Farm Insurance: Tailoring Policies to Fit Unique Agricultural Needs Customizing Your Farm Insurance: Tailoring Policies to Fit Unique Agricultural Needs
Those who work the land know that every farm has its own heartbeat - its unique rhythm defined by the crops it yields, the livestock it nurtures, and the natural environment it exists within. Recognizing this individuality is crucial, especially when it comes to safeguarding your agricultural investment with the right insurance policy. - read more
Is Your Farm Under-Insured? Tips for Assessing Bushfire Insurance Adequacy Is Your Farm Under-Insured? Tips for Assessing Bushfire Insurance Adequacy
The threat of bushfires looms large over the vast expanses of rural Australia, shaping the reality of farming in this sunbaked landscape. The risk, always present, escalates as the climate warms and dry conditions persist. It's not a matter of if, but when the land will be tested by fire's wrath. In this environment, the armor of insurance isn't just recommended; it's critical for survival. - read more
The Ultimate Guide to Affordable Farm Insurance for Australian Farmers The Ultimate Guide to Affordable Farm Insurance for Australian Farmers
Welcome to 'The Ultimate Guide to Affordable Farm Insurance for Australian Farmers.' As stewards of the vast Australian countryside, farmers face an array of unique challenges and risks. Every day, they grapple with the forces of nature, the volatility of the markets, and the complexities of modern agricultural operations. - read more
Natural Disaster Preparedness: Insurance Tips for Farmers Facing Adversity Natural Disaster Preparedness: Insurance Tips for Farmers Facing Adversity
In the heart of New Zealand's pastoral verdure, the significance of preparedness for natural disasters is paramount for the farming industry. The distinct landscape, while providing an idyllic backdrop for agricultural pursuits, is not without its challenges. Farmers are often at the mercy of nature's unpredictability, making disaster preparedness not just prudent but essential for the continuity of their livelihood. - read more
Protecting Your Farming Future: Why Machinery Breakdown Coverage is Essential Protecting Your Farming Future: Why Machinery Breakdown Coverage is Essential
Farming is a vital part of New Zealand's economy and cultural heritage, representing a way of life for thousands across the country. With its unique landscapes and diverse climate, New Zealand farmers are renowned for producing a wide array of high-quality products that serve not only the nation's needs but also supply a multitude of international markets. - read more
Customizing Your Farm Insurance: Tailoring Policies to Fit Unique Agricultural Needs Customizing Your Farm Insurance: Tailoring Policies to Fit Unique Agricultural Needs
Those who work the land know that every farm has its own heartbeat - its unique rhythm defined by the crops it yields, the livestock it nurtures, and the natural environment it exists within. Recognizing this individuality is crucial, especially when it comes to safeguarding your agricultural investment with the right insurance policy. - read more

Need a Quote?
Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.

Start here

Farm Type:
Postcode:

Knowledgebase
Flood Insurance:
A specific type of property insurance that covers losses and damage caused by flooding.