nib to launch adviser support team

Insurance company nib is creating a dedicated adviser support team across the country as it looks to increase its presence in the adviser market.

Starting July 01, 2019, nib’s Adviser Partner Managers will work closely with adviser, adviser businesses and dealer groups to help ensure their clients have health cover that protects them and their families. The move follows the decision between nib and Fidelity life last month that they will not be continuing their relationship when their existing agreement ends on June 30.

“With so much change happening in our sector, we believe there’s an opportunity for us to change the way we support advisers and their clients to help more New Zealanders get the benefit of insurance protection,” nib New Zealand chief executive officer Rob Hennin said. “We will develop and deliver new tools to allow advisers to create nib health insurance solutions.

“The change in distribution model will also expand our capability in the adviser distribution channel in line with our strategic ambitions to grow the private health insurance market, and in turn our share,” he noted.

Read more: nib, Uni-Care announce tie-up

Hennin also said that while the health insurer’s current relationship with Fidelity Life won’t continue in its present form, they are looking forward to continuing their relationship.

“We’ll keep advisers posted on these changes as we get closer to 30 June,” he added. “In the meantime, its business as usual.”