iSelect says operating revenue for its general and life insurance business grew 20% to $13.3 million in the six months to December 31.

The gain was driven by life and car insurance business, the comparator says, and it comes despite an 11% decline in leads to 360,000 in the half-year.

The comparator’s conversion rate grew to 6% from 4% in the corresponding period of 2014.

General and life insurance earnings before income tax increased 25% to $3.4 million.

iSelect CEO Scott Wilson says it is a key growth segment.

“With a substantial improvement in the conversion rate, the segment generated strong revenue and earnings growth across both verticals,” he said.

Group operating revenue for the six months was $66 million, up 1%.

Gross profit was $16 million, down 37%. The group recorded an after-tax loss of $4.1 million for the six months, compared with a $5.4 million profit in the corresponding period of 2014.

Mr Wilson says the decline is due to problems with the health insurance business.