"Unum is dedicated to helping people manage their health and wellbeing with personalised support – never a one-size-fits-all solution."
- Paula Coffey, Director of Claims, Rehabilitation & Medical Services at Unum UK
Unum UK paid £516mn in group claims for 2024, now insuring 2.8mn individuals – the specialist employee benefits provider has witnessed a 44% increase over the last five years.
In terms of Group Income Protection (GIP), it paid 97% of claims for the second consecutive year. Furthermore, Unum UK’s Help@hand service saw over 290k interactions, including clinical appointments, proactive self-help content, 360 wellbeing scores, and BenefitHub savings.
Last year, Unum UK launched its new digital portal for employers, with online claims tracking & rehabilitation referral capabilities following feedback that there’s a demand for digital solutions.
Speaking exclusively with Protection Reporter, Paula Coffey, Director of Claims, Rehabilitation & Medical Services at Unum UK, said it’s important that “we’re seen as not only trusted but also innovative. Therefore, we’ve spent the last twelve months piloting our online claims & rehabilitation capabilities for employers.
“Employers can submit claims and referrals to us online and then track progress on a case-by-case basis. On-demand, at any time, employers can log in and see what’s happening to understand the next step in the process.
“Chatting with line managers & HR departments, the majority said they struggle for time. Our dashboard lets you see how many claims have been submitted, and the next steps – removing administrative barriers.
“We asked pilot participants what’s working, shortcomings, and how we can make the platform more impactful. Feedback will continue to be pivotal for enhancements moving forward.”
Since launching the portal, the specialist employee benefits provider has onboarded twenty-two large employer clients, with 82% of claims from employers currently submitted and processed online, along with 57% of absence referrals.
Commenting on Unum UK’s claim report, Paula highlighted that its “continued success in helping workers return to work or reach an agreed outcome underscores our unwavering commitment to workplace wellbeing. By consistently going beyond the claim, we provide unparalleled support at every stage of an individual’s health journey.”
She said: “Our latest claims and vocational rehabilitation data reveal the profound impact of workplace protection. Mental health-related conditions accounted for 42% of rehabilitation referrals, while cancer was the most common reason for claims across all our insurance products.”
Looking forward, Unum UK has committed to expanding the reach of its comprehensive support. Paula explained that “We want more businesses and employees to benefit from our protection products. That’s why we’re continually investing in our claims and rehabilitation services to meet the evolving needs of modern workforces.
“Unum is dedicated to helping people manage their health and wellbeing with personalised support – never a one-size-fits-all solution. By proactively addressing employee health and wellbeing, and supporting their return to work, we’re safeguarding the future success and resilience of businesses across the UK.”
